How To Select The Outdoor Decking Designs?
Adding an outdoor deck can greatly enhance your home's livable space and provide an inviting area for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the outdoors. As per experts like Stilus Design And Constrcution, with the myriad of decking materials, styles, and features available, selecting the right outdoor decking designs to suit your needs takes careful thought. Follow this guide when planning your dream deck.
Assess Needs and Usage
First, consider how you intend to use your new deck space. Will it be an intimate, cozy niche for reading? The hub for backyard gatherings and parties? An open-air extension for indoor living areas? Determining your usage helps guide key decisions like size, multi-level or single-level layout, the inclusion of a pergola or overhang for shelter, and necessary lighting and furnishings.
Consider Maintenance Requirements
Today's decking materials vary greatly in ongoing maintenance needs. While you may save money initially by choosing options requiring frequent upkeep, this costs time and hassle long-term. Consider your willingness to power wash, stain, seal, paint, or make repairs regularly when selecting decking type.
Decking Material Options
Decking material impacts aesthetics, durability, slip resistance, eco-friendliness, and pricing. Let’s explore popular options to determine the best fit.
Wood Decking Pros and Cons
Traditional wood varieties like cedar, redwood, oak, or tropical hardwoods provide an attractive, natural look many prefer over synthetics. Wood offers numerous style choices, customization flexibility, and the ability to blend with natural surroundings. Unique wood grain patterns and richness add distinctive beauty.
On the downside, wood requires frequent staining, sealing, cleaning, and splinter repairs. Inconsistent application of protective treatments can create an uneven, patchy appearance over time. Outdoor wood also naturally weathers, warps, splits, and molds without vigilant care.
Composite Decking Pros and Cons
Composite, or engineered wood decking offers durability and low maintenance at a moderate price. Composites blend wood fibers, plastics, or other materials, with a durable polymer outer shell protecting against weathering, moisture damage, and pests. This shields the inner stabilizing core.
Quality composites mimic realistic wood grain look and texture. Most limit splintering and warping. Dense compositions resist impact denting from dropped objects. Improved fade and mold resistance preserves an attractive appearance for a decade or longer.
However, some composite products sacrifice too much “woodiness” for imperviousness, resulting in a visibly artificial look. Cheaper composites dent more easily over time as well. Who really wants a plastic-y deck?
PVC Decking Pros and Cons
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) decking provides maximum durability and lowest maintenance needs. However, PVC trades the natural beauty of real wood for completely synthetic materials.
PVC mixes polymers with wood filler to create deck boards impervious to moisture, mold, pests, salt, and sun damage. Sound-dampening cores reduce noise from foot traffic. Grooved surfaces improve grip. PVC requires no staining, sealing, or frequent soap-and-water cleanings.
While resistant to dents, scratches, and stains, PVC lacks wood’s richness and character. Repeating grain patterns appear artificial. And poor-quality PVC fades over time. Modern PVC composites better emulate wood looks but remain pricey.
What's the best low-maintenance decking?
Quality composite materials offer durability with the least upkeep. PVC maintains perfectly but feels artificial. Some newer tropical hardwoods resist weathering for natural appeal.
How much per square foot does a basic deck cost?
Average materials plus professional installation run $15-$30 per square foot. Multi-level builds cost more. DIY provides significant savings.
What increases deck safety?
Required guard rails, overhead structures meeting height minimums, lighting, skid-resistant deck boards, stair railings, eliminated tripping hazards, flame-resistant materials near fuel sources, plus insect control each improves safety.
Should I get a permit for a small, ground-level deck?
Yes! Even simple builds likely require permits ensuring codes and inspections protect from liability. Some areas mandate stamped building plans too. Check early.
How difficult is it for a handy homeowner to build a deck?
Quality deck building requires expertise to ensure proper load-bearing design and construction techniques. Most underestimate complexity initially. Seek referrals for deck specialists ensuring it’s done right or be prepared to hire one after mistakes.
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