Types of Decks: Comprehensive Guide on Styles and Materials for Your Perfect Home Deck Pressure-treated wood is the most affordable, but it’s also potentially toxic from the chemicals used to treat it. With a deck added to your property, you can start enjoying the outdoors more. You could serve meals, entertain, cook, or relax with a good book. Louvered roofs are becoming increasingly popular for their versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Detached decks are also known as floating decks, island decks, or platform decks. Wraparound decks are ideal for extending your living space and enjoying more than one outdoor view. They can enhance or add entry points to your home and allow you to bask in the sun and shade at different points of the day.
It’s easy to get option paralysis when weighing the pros and cons of each one. While wood remains a popular choice, alternatives such as composite and plastic decking have become a top pick for homeowners due to their longevity and easy maintenance. Below, we explore the pros and cons of popular decking materials so you can see which may be best for your outdoor project. Typically square, rectangle, L-shape, or U-shape, attached decks are built directly off your home. They may extend an existing room, like a kitchen or dining room.
Whether you want a space for outdoor grilling, dining, or vertical gardening, a deck specifically designed for your space can be a great investment.Ideally, the front of your house should have a cohesive appearance and not look as if the deck was an afterthought.Decide on the right positioning for your deck based on the features and positioning of your property.They can blend well with the home's surroundings and raise property value.Opting for composite or Trex decking materials guarantees durability, while applying a sealant to wooden decks can enhance their longevity.
Within the broad category of wood decking, there are many options to consider. Proponents of composite decking tout it as a much-needed development, as it helps to curb logging of trees for new decks. However, composite decking contains harmful chemicals, cannot be refurbished, and despite claims from decking companies, some composite decking still attracts mold. Composite decking has gained popularity in the past decade as a low-maintenance alternative to wood. Made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibers, composite decking offers the look of wood without the upkeep. It’s more expensive than regular wood, and it’s also heavier, so there are several cons.
Cedar Decking
This perennial favorite is inexpensive, easy to work with, and good looking. Don’t waste your money on anything but heartwood—sapwood will rot quickly. Again, the above measures are due to our concern in response to the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 virus and the safety guidance surrounding it.
Wood
You’ll also want to prevent access underneath your deck so animals can’t nest there. For areas with intense sun and heat exposures, make sure to use a sealant with UV protectant,” he says. “It differs from a porch in that it’s not enclosed, and it does not extend to the roof of a structure,” Cosby says. Aluminum decking works very well in some situations like around swimming pools, but it has some drawbacks to consider as well. However, unlike PVC decking, it does not give off toxic chemicals as a result of its production. While not a substitute for a professional inspection, here Get more info are some things you can look for that might help you determine if your deck presents a significant safety risk.
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Building codes also have requirements for the height of deck guards above the deck flooring. A horizontal deck guard should be at least 36 inches tall, except in California, where the minimum height is 42 inches. Many manufacturers may use recycled materials in composites without affecting performance. You’ll want to be careful in hot or sunny climates as it can get very hot. A side deck sits on the side of your home, rather than the front or the back. This deck type tends to be smaller than other types, and it’s typically used for grilling, lounging, or gardening. One major benefit is that side decks also offer seclusion, perfect for a hot tub, sauna, or private reading area. When building an entryway deck, it's important to match the style and structure of your home. Ideally, the front of your house should have a cohesive appearance and not look as if the deck was an afterthought. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about decking. Ipe, a rich crimson brown, fades to gray unless oiled 1-2 times a year. Due to their density, hardwoods last longer and look better with age than softwood. However, many hardwoods are slow-growing, and the ability to renew certain species is debatable. If this is a concern for you, there are many resources to consult online to decide what wood types for decks are best for your project. Composite decking is also very low-maintenance and does not require sanding or refinishing.
