Deck Considerations: Before you start building your new deck, there are a few things you should think about. But first, let’s look at the most crucial (and enjoyable) aspect of designing your dream deck: the material.
Deck Considerations
Your deck’s building blocks, character, and extension of your home’s aesthetic will all be determined by the wood or kompositmaterialer you pick. When it comes to deck material, there are a lot of factors to consider, so do your research before deciding on the best option.
Understructure Materials
When choosing wood for your deck, your first thought will be to consider how it will appear. However, before deciding on a style, you must first identify the framework. The understructure is your deck’s physical base. Sturdy, durable materials that can withstand a big weight should be used. Determine how a heavy grill – or anything much heavier, such as a hot tub – will effect your understructure. Make sure you have enough posts in your understructure to support those parts.
Use pressure treated lumber or steel for understructures. Both are rot and bug resistant, robust, and capable of bearing the weight of a well-used deck. You’ll need to figure out how many posts you’ll need for your deck, which is determined by a variety of criteria such as size, height, weight-bearing requirements, and code.
Maintenance
The continual maintenance of your ideal komposit terrasse is sometimes overlooked while designing it. It shouldn’t be that way. For many years to come, your deck will be your outdoor living place, and it will require maintenance. The level of care required will be determined on the materials used. Softwoods, on the whole, require more upkeep than hardwoods, and both require more maintenance than composite decking options. A natural wood deck is for you if you are the sort of person who can’t wait to get started on the next weekend project. If you like to “set it and forget it,” a composite deck could be right for you.
The Surface
Now comes the fun part: choosing your new deck’s “look.” Whether you go with natural wood or composite, you’ll have a lot of lovely alternatives to select from. Softwoods may be stained in a number of hues, and composite decking comes in a wide range of colors to suit almost any taste.
Softwoods
Redwood and Cedar (including variants such as Western Red and Alaskan Yellow) are unsurpassed in terms of natural beauty. These woods are designed to resemble California’s natural surroundings, providing a seamless atmosphere that integrates your house with nature. There’s no denying that softwoods have a lot to offer. Don’t be fooled by the name: softwoods are rot and insect resistant. They’ll last a lifetime with a little tender loving care. Throughout the life of your deck, softwoods may take on a variety of characters. They may offer your deck a fresh appearance at any time, from natural coloration due to weathering to staining on an annual basis.
Hardwoods
Hardwoods, such as Mangaris and Ipe, are the most aesthetically gorgeous and impenetrable of all the woods. The thick structure of these woods makes them very immune to insects and rot. Hardwood decking will have a similar appearance to a hardwood floor in your home. Mangaris and Ipe come from the tropical woods of South America and Indonesia, and have vivid hues and tight grains. Hardwood is the preferred material for high-end decks, docks, and boats all around the world. Installing a hardwood deck might be difficult, so if you plan on doing it yourself, be sure you’re comfortable with the procedure.
Composite
Composite decks from companies like Trex and Fiberon provide the best of both worlds: the beauty of wood without the hassles of upkeep. A simple house-down is all that is required for composite deck upkeep. No sanding, painting, or staining required. Composite decks are made of a combination of wood pulp, resins, and polymers (each manufacturer uses a different formula), and they’re entirely weather and bug resistant. They also come with manufacturer’s warranties in most cases. When composite decking first hit the market, it cost more than most wood alternatives. However, the introduction of new producers and technologies has resulted in prices that are comparable to softwood alternatives.
Railing
Some decks will need railings to meet safety regulations. Deck rails come in a variety of styles, depending on your home’s structure, aesthetic choices, and views. You can choose wood or composite railing material, much like your deck’s surface. Other materials, including glass, metal, and cable railing, are also available. Glass and cable railings can assist provide an uninterrupted view from your deck, while wood and composite railings can create a smooth transition. Post caps, lights, and other add-ons are also available to make your railings more practical and attractive.
When it comes to designing your perfect deck, the possibilities are nearly unlimited! Contact us or visit one of our showrooms if you’d like to discuss your choices or just receive some helpful hints!
