Types of Decks: Comprehensive Guide on Styles and Materials for Your Perfect Home Deck

Decks: The Ultimate Guide To Materials, Options, And Approaches It also extends the living area, when doors to the living areas open to a large deck. Pressure-treated wood is the most affordable, while high-end varieties like cedar and redwood generally cost more. Pressure-treated wood is lumber injected with preservatives to increase durability or fire retardants to reduce fire risks.

Deck Material Options

Before starting any construction project, you’ll need to research the permit process in your area. Each city or county may have different requirements for obtaining permits and inspections. Overall, taking good care of your decking investment requires some effort but pays off in spades when you’re able to enjoy its beauty and functionality for years to come. Durability concerns should also be taken into account when considering composite materials. While many manufacturers boast long-lasting warranties ranging from years, it’s important to research individual brand reviews before making a final decision on your purchase. While this type of construction is common, it raises significant safety issues if the decks are not properly waterproofed and flashed. There have been a growing number of deck failures resulting in death and critical injuries. Railings on decks above 760 mm (30 in) are considered guard rails.[according to whom? ] Guard rails have a specific building code requirement for both height and structural strength. Most U.S. commercial building codes require a 1,100 mm (42 in) guardrail on decks, and 910 or 1,070 mm (36 or 42 in) for a residential code depending on the state. Typical railing assemblies must meet structural strength requirements of 9.6 kPa (200 lbf/sq ft). It’s also worth noting that composite boards can be heavier than traditional lumber, so proper support must be in place during installation. Choosing the perfect deck for your home is an important decision that requires careful consideration. If you’re unsure about which type of deck would be most suitable for your needs, we recommend consulting with our knowledgeable team of experts. With their extensive experience in deck construction, they can assess your home, understand your preferences, and design a customized deck solution that fits your budget. Redwood decking is more expensive than pressure-treated wood and has about the same maintenance requirements.

Different Styles of Decks

Redwood and other hardwoods naturally offer unique colors and textures. Cedar https://easyupload.io/zm8nkv has a classic yellowish look, bamboo is durable and sustainable, and mahogany is resilient. Ipe is the most expensive wood option and is highly resistant to rotting, bugs, wear, splintering, and fire. The ideal wood type will vary based on the weather in your area and how wooded your yard is. Both can affect exposure to the sun, extreme weather, and wood-eating bugs that could ruin a wood deck. Side decks often cost less to build than backyard decks because they’re typically smaller. But they still enhance your home's aesthetic and expand your usable outdoor space. When it comes to building a deck, there are certain codes and regulations that must be followed. These safety measures ensure that your deck is structurally sound, durable, and safe for use. Preventing mold growth on your deck is another important part of maintenance. Make sure to keep surrounding plants trimmed back so they don’t impede air flow around your deck, which can lead to moisture buildup and subsequent fungal growth.

These experts explain the differences and have some advice on how to get the most out of a deck, if you decide to add one to your property.The anti-rot treatment for pressure-treated once included arsenic, but since 2004 it depends on copper sulphate and related compounds that are much more ­benign.You’ll build one level that’s attached to your house and level with your exterior doors.Water damage is one of the biggest threats to your deck’s longevity.Composite materials, on the other hand, are a mix of recycled materials such as waste wood and recycled plastic, Cosby says.

Pressure-treated lumber is one of the most affordable types of decking upfront. This material is widely available, so you can usually find pressure-treated lumber at almost any local home improvement store you visit. Keep in mind that wood requires a lot of upkeep with repainting and restaining, so any kind of wood may be more expensive in the long run than something like PVC decking.

How to Dry & Treat Wet Wood

Failure to properly secure the deck to the house can cause the deck to collapse when it pulls away from the house. When choosing a pool deck material, you should consider slip-resistance, heat absorption and more. It’s also important to note that there are different grades of treated lumber, and your local supplier can help you choose the grade that’s right for your budget. If you don’t like the appearance of pressure-treated lumber, a stain can help make it more attractive. However, it’s recommended to let pressure-treated deck wood weather for a few months before staining and consider sanding before applying it. Redwood is a tight-grained wood that’s red to dark red in color.