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Most Popular Deck Building Materials
Decks provide attractive and useful space for outdoor entertaining. Decks have traditionally been constructed of wood, but advances in a variety of composite materials have given the homeowner more choices when considering deck plans and construction.
Wood is Still a Viable Material for Decks
Although many woods are suitable, redwood has long been the first choice in most deck plans. It is attractive, durable, light weight, and easy to work with. A redwood deck resists decay and warping, and properly maintained will last for decades. However, high quality heart grade redwood is quite expensive ($35 per square foot), and will become more so as supplies diminish. To minimize expense, a lower grade redwood or pressure-treated lumber can be used for a deck's underpinnings and support structure.
Consider Composites
Composite decking material came on the scene a few years ago, and is rapidly growing in popularity. There are currently over 50 companies manufacturing composite decking material, which is made of a compressed combination of plastic, wood, and recycled materials. The advantages of composite over wood for decks are:
1. Long life. Composite deck material does not deteriorate over time.
2. Low maintenance. No periodic sanding, staining or sealing required.
3. Color uniformity and retention. Deck boards match in color, do not fade over time.
4. Resistance to mold, fungus, insects.
5. Non-slip surface, no splinters or splitting.
6. Environmentally sound. Uses recycled materials.
Other Materials
You can use alternative materials for items such as railings, posts, and covers. For railings and posts, wrought iron or aluminum adds elegant accents. Fiberglass panels are popular for deck roofs or covers.
Consider cost, maintenance, ease of construction, and return on investment when choosing materials for your deck plans. Then enjoy your new deck.
Designing a Deck
A deck is a popular home improvement that not only adds to the value of your
home, but also provides an extra space for enjoying the outdoors. You'll want to
carefully consider the design elements that go into your deck. You must think of
a deck as a new addition to your house (like a room), one in which you are
planning specific use of.
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Pressure Washing Your Deck
The easiest, most effective way of cleaning dirty, grimy surfaces is with a
pressure washer. They are specially designed to remove built-up mold, mildew,
dirt and grime and to restore surfaces to like-new condition in a fraction of
the time it would take by hand. Pressure washers come in a variety of styles,
sizes and additional attachments that can be used for more than just cleaning
your deck.
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Working With Deck Builders
Having a deck installed offers one perk that most home improvements don’t offer.
Due to the fact that the addition is outside, you won’t have to interrupt your
daily life to accommodate to the installation. You won’t have contractors and
materials all over your house and you will not be losing electricity or water at
any given point.
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