Decks
MAKE THE MOST OF OUTDOOR LIVING
Make the most of your outdoor living, deck and all!
More homeowners are creating a wonderful outdoor living space in their own backyards, through the use of innovative designs and building materials for decks, fences, pools, spas and gardens. Creating an inviting outdoor living space is also a solid investment in the value of your home. With careful planning, combined with the use of high quality materials and the services of a respected architect and builder, you can maximize your investment—and your enjoyment.
CHOOSE YOUR DECK MATERIALS WISELY
Everyone wants a beautiful outdoor deck, and there are a wide variety of materials that can help you achieve the look you want. Do you envision a deck constructed with a combination of high quality wood and stone? Rich exotic hardwoods? Beautiful eco-friendly composites? If you want a deck you can be happy with for years to come, it’s important to make an informed decision. We’ve compiled information about the different materials available, so you can understand your options and make a decision with confidence.
SHOULD I USE NATURAL WOOD OR COMPOSITE?
Building a deck is expensive. That’s why important to ask yourself a few important questions before you get started.
HOW LONG WILL YOU OWN YOUR HOME?
If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, don’t invest in expensive materials. However, if you intend to enjoy your deck for many years, choosing durable materials will save you money in the long run.
Composite decks are much easier to maintain. They’re available in a wide variety of styles, textures and colors, and can be cleaned with basic household cleaners. Exotic hardwood decks deliver unsurpassed beauty. However, they are easy to ding, dent and scratch. If you and your family plan to spend a lot of time on your deck, an exotic wood may not be your best choice.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU WANT TO SPEND ON DECK MAINTENANCE?
If you choose natural wood for your deck, you’ll need to clean, stain and refinish your deck every few years. You also need to waterproof a natural wood deck every few years.
THE CLASSIC BEAUTY OF A REDWOOD DECK
A deck made out of redwood is beautiful, versatile and durable. It has long, straight grain and a warm color. It’s also a great long-term investment, adding to the value of your home. Redwood is also a popular choice for decks because it resists weathering, insects, decay, warping and splitting—more so than any other wood. It’s also very easy to work with. However, it’s become a little more expensive to use, so it’s best to use it where it will be seen: on decks, posts, railings, stairs, planters and benches. It also feels the impact of weather, so it’s important to clean and protect the deck surface often.
Cedar: A Traditional Favorite With Homeowners and Builders.
Western Red Cedar is also a great choice for building decks and patios. It’s a beautiful, versatile wood, and naturally durable. It has a soft smooth texture, great color and is chemical free. It’s naturally resistant to moisture, decay and insect damage, too. No wonder it’s so popular with homeowners, builders and architects. If you don’t perform yearly maintenance, the wood will turn a silver gray color and only last about 10 years. For those who want to retain the beautiful golden color and get twice the life out of a deck, clean it regularly and apply stain or waterproofing.
Exotic Hardwood Deliver True Luxury.
Exotic hardwoods for decking are growing in popularity, especially for high-end deck projects. Ipe, Cambara, Mahogany and TigerWood (a Latin American relative of the cashew tree) are just a few of the wood types. While more expensive than cedar and redwood, they deliver a beautiful look and resist rotting, decay and insects. Exotic hardwoods are very low maintenance, but do ding, dent and scratch easily when you move patio furniture. However, they don’t splinter or crack, which makes it great to walk on while barefoot. Exotic hardwoods offer a 25+ year life span without any chemical treatment applied to the wood. It’s important to purchase exotic woods from a sustainable-forest supplier, as well. Reid & Wright believes in the practice of sustainable forestry and works with a network of exceptional vendors who provide the high quality, green-certified products our customers are looking for.
Enjoy Low Maintenance and Peace of Mind With A Composite Deck.
Many decks are being built with composite materials, or those made from a combination of recycled plastic and wood fibers. The benefits are many: composite decking is low maintenance, and requires no staining, painting or sealing. It’s available in a wide variety of textures, colors and finishes, and can be cut and drilled like real wood. The boards are somewhat heavier than real wood, and can’t be used for load-bearing members. Special fasteners are also required. They offer exceptional durability, usually offering warranties for 20-25 years, providing lots of peace of mind for homeowners.
Planning the Perfect Deck.
- Survey your yard and determine if there are any problems you want the deck to solve.
- Create a "wish list.” Which amenities would you like to include in your deck design? Spas, shade shelters, privacy screens, built-in benches and planters and water features are popular. If you like to entertain, you might want to incorporate an outdoor kitchen, grilling center or service counter. If you’ve got a green thumb, you might want to create a work center for potting activities, and an area for storing garden supplies and equipment.
- Determine wind and sun exposure, and how much sun or shade you want to enjoy. Generally, the southwest and southeast corners of a home offer the best combination of sun and shade.
- Check out the local building codes to determine which guidelines and restrictions apply to your project. Whether you are building the deck yourself, or working with a contractor, it’s a good idea to consult with a building professional before you finalize plans.
- Figure out where you’d like to locate electrical outlets, water access and other fixed conditions.
- Don’t cut corners. You want a deck you’ll be happy with for years. Build what you can afford to build, using quality building materials. Remember, you don’t have to build it all at once. You can divide a large deck project into small manageable ones, so you outdoor living space can grow each year with your deck, and your budget!
- Choose an all-heartwood grade of wood, like construction Heart or Deck Heart for applications near the ground. For above-ground use like deck boards, use sapwood-streaked grades like Construction Common and Deck Common.
- When working with redwood, be sure to use top quality, hot dipped galvanized stainless steel or aluminum hardware.
- Take the time to pre-drill holes for nails or screws at the end of decking boards to avoid splitting.
- Depending on the wood product you are using for your deck, it’s wise to apply a quality water repellent finish containing a mildewcide and an ultraviolet inhibitor is recommended. For best results, apply the finishing directly to the lumber BEFORE construction begins. Be sure to cover all sides, edges and ends. Once the deck is completed, it’s a good idea to apply a second coat.