A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Deck
From roof inspections, to repairs, to spring cleaning, summer may have you looking at ways to enhance your home’s exterior. A great way to do that is to install a deck. Installing a deck can be beneficial stylistically and functionally for your home. For family gatherings or just relaxing outside, a deck can be a great addition to your house’s livability and exterior. Here are some tips to choosing a deck that will perfectly suit your home and lifestyle.
Considering Climate
Especially for our coastal Delaware customers, considering climate is very important when choosing a material for a deck. The northeast has fairly diverse weather that consists of cold winters and warm summers. However, the northeast is largely a very moist region of the U.S. Because of this, when choosing any building materials, it’s important to select one that is resistant to water damage. This can save you the concern of repair down the road and improve the longevity of your home. In this case, your deck.
Wood Decks
Wood is a common material used for any building projects, especially decks. Wood offers a variety of colors, grains, and freedom when customizing to suit your style. You can use a stain or paint to completely control the look of your deck. When looking to install a deck, there are various types of wood available. However, this does not only refer to wood types. Rather, we are also looking at different types of treated woods that can withstand northeastern climates and storms.
One of the most inexpensive and widely used materials for decks is pressure-treated wood. This is typically either pine or fir that has been treated with chemicals to repel insects and water. It does require yearly cleaning that may include washing, sanding, and sealing. With proper care, it can last for up to 30 years.
If you want wood that isn’t treated with chemicals but still resistant to water damage, you may want to consider cedar. Cedar is naturally rot-resistant and, as a result, costs a bit more than pressure-treated wood. If you live near a body of water, especially saltwater, cedar is great for withstanding salt spray.
Wood Alternatives
If you want to avoid wood altogether, there are many options available. One is composite decking. This is made with recycled materials such as wood waste and plastics. Composite decking is weather-resistant and also requires very little maintenance compared to wood decking. However, be wary of mildew that can cause the surface to become slippery.
Vinyl decking is similar to composite decking in a few ways. Both offer a wide variety of colors and are made to be climate resistant with little regular maintenance. However, it is slip resistant which removes the concern of mildew. It also doesn’t retain heat, which is especially helpful on hot summer days.
To learn more about our deck services, refer here and explore the different materials we offer. At Advance Inc., we are happy to assist you in your next project. Contact us today to speak to a representative.