Let’s talk Decks!
Having back yard that has a deck of any material is a great way to relax outdoors and expand your living space! As always, the initial stages of building your home is a great time to consider the size and type of deck to build. Before you decide, Angie’s lists encourages you to consider these questions:
- How will the deck be used?
- Is it in a shady or sunny area?
- How long do you plan on living in your home?
- Do you plan on doing your own maintenance or hiring it out?
- What about budget?
With your answers in mind, here are pros and cons of 3 different types of decks.
Wood Decks
Pros:
You can’t duplicate the warmth of real wood. Wood stays relatively cool in hot weather and depending on the wood used, it’s usually one of the most affordable materials!
Cons:
Wood decks require upkeep. You have to clean and stain your wood deck every one or two years. After time they don’t look as good. Weather and time can cause cracks and fissures that just cannot be sanded out! Most likely you’ll be using treated wood so you don’t need to worry about insect damage!
Composite Decks
Also known as wood-polymer composites, wood alternatives or synthetic decking. Composite has quickly become the fastest-growing decking material for residential use in the past few years. Composite decking is an environmentally friendly lumber alternative that combines plastic and wood fiber.
Pros:
The biggest one is very little upkeep and its eco friendly as most use recycled material! It’s also weather resistant, stain resistant, light weight, you can match a color to your decor, and it won’t splinter! It sounds perfect doesn’t it? Well here are the…
Cons:
Composite decks can be quite pricey and may not fit your budget! While the deck won’t rot, it does not mean they won’t get scratched from say from patio furniture and then you can’t sand it out. Fading could also be a problem, they may be slippery in the rain and they can get very hot in the sun!
Concrete Patios
This is the most popular because affordability and ease of maintenance. With more decorative options than ever before, concrete patios are a great alternative to decks, and are attracting homeowners who want an outdoor surface that offers the ultimate in design and versatility.
Pros:
When enhanced by stains and integral colors, concrete patios can be color coordinated to match a home’s exterior or landscape. They can also be stamped or engraved in patterns that mimic other popular paving materials, such as brick, flagstone, slate and tile. They handle lots of traffic, heavy furniture and children and pets! Very little maintenance is required!
Cons:
If you choose plain concrete it can be a bore on the eyes. They can be prone to unsightly cracks that would require repair or even replacement. If you have small children taking a tumble can hurt!
Visit our Facebook photo page to see some beautiful homes and take a look at some of the decks our homeowners have built!
