Decking Season
Nothing expands your living space as quickly and inexpensively as a deck. In most cases a 12′ x 12′ expansion off the side of your home can be built by an experienced crew in from 2 to 3 days with little mess or harm to the yard. And then you are ready for barbecue season.
Cedar: In the past decks were built from thick, untreated wood that was either stained or painted. In wetter climates cedar was usually used and it stood up well. However cedar is expensive and, if left untreated gets discolored. (Plain wood does have a tendency to splinter, warp, twist, rot and crack if it is not properly maintained. This includes an annual power washing and resealing.)
Pressure-treated wood: This is the common choice in today’s deck-building and you can get it almost anywhere. This protects the common wood against against fungus decay, termites and dampness. The process is very secure and has replaced creosote-treated lumber for salt water docks.
Redwood: This cousin of cedar resists decay in the same way. However, instead of turning gray it may blacken if it is not sealed.
Wood/Plastic Composite #1: This type of planking is usually composed of 50% wood fibers (sawdust) and 50% recycled polyethylene plastic, the soft kind which is used to make shopping bags. The plastic resists rot and is usually vailable in a variety of colors. In addition the surface is formed into a wood-grain appearance which is non-slip.
Wood/Plastic Composite #2 : Instead of polyethylene a harder polypropylene plastic is used with the wood particles which makes it tougher. Both types are not structurally rated and must be used for decking and not the stringers. As well, the composites cost around twice as much as wood.
Total Plastic: Plastic decking, or HDPE (high density polyethylene) plastic is plastic right through and won’t fade or stain like composite. It is structural sound and it repels water but you pay for it - up to 4 times more than wood.
Glass/Plastic: This is the top of the line for synthetic decking and is basically plastic with glass strands, a sort of fiberglass hybrid. This type will not fade and manufacturers claim that the deck will last longer than the home. It is also the most expensive.
Vinyl: For a good waterproof deck that will outlast wood vinyl is another alternative. It is also slip-proof. It’s cost is similar to composite.
For the best results contact a decking contractor, especially if you are going with composite or any non-wood product. For free estimates on your deck contact Renovation Experts.
3 comments February 25, 2008
