Decks - Deck Library - Contracting

Composite decks are a fine alternative to natural wood decks. Unlike natural wood, composite decking will not crack, splinter, fade, or need to be treated. Composite decking is composed of several different recycled materials. Its main components include recycled plastic and waste or byproduct wood. This type of decking was created to help the problems of typical wood decking. When the material came on the scene less than a decade ago, homeowners quickly started to realize that composite decking eliminated many of the problems typically associated with wood decks.

Benefits Of A Composite Deck

Composite decking offers several advantages over traditional wood, but it is also a little more expensive up front. The reason behind this initial up front cost is that you won't have to invest additional money into the deck to treat it. Also, composite decking won’t crack or splinter which means you won’t be spending money replacing individual boards. Yes, it is true that a wood porch or deck will cost less to build, however it will also continually cost the homeowner money each season in maintenance and repairs. With composites, a little washing every now and then is all you will have to do. Composites have exact, uniform coloring to make its appearance consistently beautiful, as well as grain patterns to make it resemble natural wood.

If you are on the market for a composite deck, there are several great brands to choose from. In fact, there are as many as 10 brands of composite decking materials on the market today. Depending on your specific needs, you can find a brand that is more resistant to the salt in the air, one that is extremely solid, one that offers more colors, and even one that comes with unique railing systems. Carefully consider your environment and specific needs and wants and you are bound to find a composite deck that fits.

Composite Deck Maintenance

So far, composite decking sounds near perfect. But as you may already know, nothing in this world is perfect. One issue that you will have to pay attention to is mold growth. They say that composite decking is mold resistant, but the sad truth is that mold can grow on just about anything. In order to avoid having mold develop on your composite deck, try to wash it down with a hose on a regular basis. This will prevent any mold from attaching itself.

Overall, composite decking is a product that will cost more up front, but end up saving you money by eliminating maintenance, repairs, and finishes. It will also provide the same strength as wood decking and still look beautiful like wood too. It should definitely be one of your options if you are in the market for a new deck.

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Building a deck is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right deck builder for your project and your budget. We offer Free Deck & Railing Price Estimates. You can use our Deck and Fence Estimate Request Form and save money on your project*. *See Details at the bottom of the form page.

Deck Basics

The basics of a deck are fairly simple. They basically consist of frames with decking and rails attached. Of course you have the option of including built-in benches, hot tubs and privacy screens, and multiple levels and pergolas. But overall, the deck basics pretty much remain the same.

Deck Frame

Let’s begin by explaining the frame of a deck. Before the fame can be constructed, you will have to pour your footers and install the posts. Depending on the slope of your foundation and the composition of your soil, you may need to pour in footers to ensure that the deck will never move. If you plan to have increased weight on your deck it may also be a good idea to include footers. Footers are bell-shaped concrete forms that act as anchors for the deck.

In addition to footers, you will also need to install the posts that support the weight of the deck. You have the option of having the posts placed into the concrete or to have them sitting on top of the poured concrete piers. Both ways work well, but some people feel that there is a less likely chance of your posts rotting if they are placed above the concrete.

Once the concrete is done drying and the posts are sturdy, the frame can be built. The post will support most of the frame, but the house also acts as part of the anchor. For this reason, ledger boards are attached to the house and the joists are built out from there and attached to the ledger boards with joist hangers. This process is fairly simple, but very important.

Deck Rails & Posts

It is now time to attach the decking. This part of the process is usually enjoyed by many because it allows you to slowly start to see the deck coming together. However, it is also laborious work and the person doing it will definitely feel it in their knees. Keep in mind, the decking can be constructed of traditional wood or from composite decking.

Once the decking is complete and there is a surface to brush your feet across, it then comes time to build the rails around the decking. Rails are important and mandatory. They are important because they provide barriers so that people don't fall off and also offer a place to lean against and set items on. There are many different rail designs to select from. Some designs are geared toward aesthetics and others offer more in safety.

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Deck Cleaning

Wood decks require proper protection and cleaning to guard against the damages that will result from water, sun light, mold and mildew, and contamination. However, cleaning your wood deck requires you to know a little bit about chemistry. Knowing how to properly use your cleaning solutions and how the solutions will react with the wood will have a huge impact on the overall performance of the sealer or stain, the longevity of the wood and woods aesthetics. It is also important to know that even though the tree is dead, the wood still contains chemical compounds that work to improve the performance of topcoats and the life expectancy.

Redwood and Cedar are great examples to use as I explain the “dos and don’ts” of deck cleaning. These particular woods are filled with organic components known as extractives. Woods containing extractives require special attention with regards to cleaning solutions. Some of these organic compounds include:

It is crucial to know if your wood deck contains extractives because cleaning solutions have undesirable effects on these compounds. Negative reactions include discoloration, compositional breakdown, and actual wood deterioration. Before using just any cleaning solution, it is in your best inertest to pay special attention to woods like Redwood and Cedar to avoid disastrous reactions.

It is very common for homeowners to purchase cleaners that contain bleaches and phosphates because they are very common over the market products. With these cleaners, you will not notice any terrible side effects at first, but over time they breakdown the structural fibers in the wood. This results in a shortened lifespan of the wood. For this reason, bleaches on wood should be avoided unless recommended by the topcoat manufacturer. With many topcoats, the bleach mixes with the acrylics to form a desired chemical bond.

The Ph level of the wood your deck is made of is an important aspect to keep in mind. For example, Redwood and Cedar are both relatively high on the Ph scale and for this reason using Oxalic Acid works great. It is perhaps the most common cleaner used on Redwood and Cedar, but it is not very good on mildew or dirt. By subjecting these woods to a high dose of acid, the wood extractives become reinvigorated and this returns the wood to its natural color and hue. Citric Acid is a more mild acid that is good to use on fine decks made from hard woods because it is not as harsh as Oxalic Acid.

If you are trying to darken your wood, you can use cleaners that contain Sodium Hydroxide. Sodium Hydroxide is very low on the Ph scale and the reaction it has with wood causes a very dark discoloration, but this is normal. If you wish to reverse the darkening then you can use an acid wash solution and the effects will reverse almost immediately. Phosphoric Acid works well to neutralize the surface after using a Sodium Hydroxide Cleaner.

Almost always, it best to use an environmentally friendly cleaning solution, except for times that the concentration needs to be altered in order to achieve desired affects. Problems such as mold and mildew buildup react poorly to acidic concentrations. It is best to use heavy basic solutions to help eradicate these types of issues. Keep in mind, in the end it still remains important to balance the wood to the correct Ph. Basically, it is better to be on the acidic side with woods such as Redwood and Cedar, but some exotic hardwoods require just the opposite.

In addition to the above cleaning solutions, new developments in the cleaning world have introduced the use of per chlorates. Per chlorates are becoming popular because they halt the oxidation reaction that commonly occurs in woods. When wood oxidizes, the wood turns gray. Per chlorates can restore the natural color of the wood. Top coats are also used as a preservation to resist or retard the oxidation process and prevent wood deterioration. They are especially useful for woods with water-soluble extractives, such as Redwood and Cedar.

Using chemicals to clean your wood deck can be very effective if you are attentive to the chemicals used in order to achieve the desired results. Careful attention needs to be given to your woods because you don’t want to rob the wood of its unique chemical compounds. These compounds help in their performance with topcoats and with its life expectancy. A properly maintained healthy deck can last you generations to come.

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Building a deck is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right deck builder for your project and your budget. We offer Free Decks & Railing Price Estimates. You can use our Deck and Fence Cleaning Estimate Request Form and save money on your project*. *See Details at the bottom of the form page.

Deck Contractors

Choosing your deck contractor can be a daunting task for even the most knowledgeable homeowner. We recommend that you go through this list of recommended questions for your contractor interviews. The answers to these questions will give you a better idea of how reliable the contractor is and how well of a job they will perform.

1. How many years has your company been in business? Not only should you be concerned with the individual contractor(s) that will be performing the job, but you should also be concerned with how well the company is doing. You can usually tell how well the company is doing by finding out how many years the contractor has been building decks. If he doesn’t have at least three years of experience then he may not be able to perform the job to a professional level. This also indirectly clues you in on how well the business is doing. You want to feel comfortable with the integrity of the company because your warranty will be useless if your contractor goes out of business.

2. Do they have a business license? For liability reasons, it is important for your contractor to have a business license. If they don’t have one, then their business is illegitimate. The license validates the legitimacy of the business.

3. Do they have proper insurance? Proper insurance is very important for your protection as a homeowner. It includes general liability and workman's compensation insurance. Basically, if the contractor does not have proper insurance then you may be liable for property damage and worker injury on your property. This could get really ugly, really fast, so be sure to check for this. If the company is small and carries workman’s compensation insurance instead, then just be sure to ask to have a certificate sent to you by the insurance company.

4. Do they have references? References are important because they offer you proof of the quality of work that the contractor performs and the relationship they have formed with other clients. You should ask for a list of at least 3-5 people that the contractor has worked for and plan on calling or emailing most of them. Below are few important questions to ask their past customers.

5. Lastly, you need to ask if you will get a written detailed quote or an estimate. An estimate is givin to you to give you an idea about the cost of the project. Once you commit to an estimate you can ask for a quote to accompany your contract. A written detailed quote is one of the most important elements defining the relationship you have with your contractor. It provides a solid figure, not an estimate, which the contractor will commit to regarding his finishing the work. Asking for a detailed quote will quickly show you the level of profession your contractor processes. If the contractor isn't willing to put in the time to provide a detailed quote, then they lack the professionalism that you are looking for in a contractor. The detailed quote should contain the following specifics:

Specifics of Construction: This is the part of the quote that describes the grade of materials, the size of materials, the type or species of materials; as well as the joist and beam spans, screws, nails, bolts, foundation sizes, and specified construction for railings, benches and stairs.

Payment Agenda: Most contractors will ask for a deposit when they first begin their work. Something isn’t right if they ask for more than half the amount of the project up front before starting the job. Your job as the customer is to pay your contractor within 24-48 hours of the contract completion. You must be respectful of the fact that many companies rely on money to come in from jobs on a dependable basis.

Project Layout: Your detailed quote should include a two dimensional drawing of the planned deck to scale. This will confirm that the contractor is on the same page as you with what you want to have built. The last thing you want is to arrive at your new deck with a look of surprise because it isn’t what you wanted. Some contractors use 3-D design software to allow you to see photo-realistic images and models of your project.

Parking & Deliveries: Very specific agreements need to be made regarding the parking of construction vehicles, the placement of materials, and the method of deliveries. Below are some of the important understandings that need to be agreed upon and stated in your detailed quote.

Permits: You will be saving yourself a ton of potential problems by obtaining any and all permits from the local municipalities. You could risk huge fines and even the possibility of having your deck taken down if you neglect to obtain a permit. This permit(s) should be included in the detailed quote.

Utility Concerns: Make sure that there is a mutual understanding between the contractor and yourself over what utilities run inside the house and behind the deck connection. By doing so, you will be avoiding some serious problems that could happen such as water lines, gas, sewer drain, and electrical damage. The detailed quote should state who will be responsible for the utilities if they are cut or broken during construction.

Clean Up: Make sure the detailed quote states that the contractor includes in his contract the cleanup of all scraps and excess materials when the job is finished. The last thing you want is a new deck accompanied by a messy destroyed yard.

Contact Information: Always have the contact information of the person in charge of the job. Preferably his/her phone number. This person should be keeping you updated daily on the progress of the job and also the person you will need to speak with regarding any changes or concerns.

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Preparing For Building a Deck

If you happen to be on the market for a new deck, it will surely help to know how to prepare yourself. Having a new deck built is an exciting time because it will be an enhancement to your house and an extra place for the family to enjoy them selves. However, there are a few things that you need to prepare for before your deck can be built.

One of the first things that you will need to consider is the decking materials. There will need to be a route for the materials to be delivered through. There may be only one way to get to your yard or you may have options. Be sure to figure out the best route and discuss it with your decking contractors before they start to unload the materials.

You will also need to decide on where you would like the materials to be placed. The framing materials, the actual decking materials and the railing materials will need to be placed somewhere in your yard so that the decking contractors can get to them easily. Your yard is important though so be sure to pick a place that is not only close to where the deck will be built, but also in an area that you won’t mind having damaged. Perhaps the best place would be an area that doesn’t receive much shade or an area where grass is hard to grow.

Be sure to remove any items that may get in the way of the building process. You want to avoid having any personal property damaged while your deck is being constructed. This may mean moving bikes, tables, chairs, flower pots, and grills out of the way. Moving your belongings out of the way will not only protect your property, but it will also make the building process easier and faster for the contractors.

Before the building process begins, you may want to ask your contractor if there is anything that you can do anything to help out. Expect the contractors to need access to your hose and to an electrical outlet, but there may be other ways you can help as well. It never hurts to ask because it may be beneficial to your relationship with your contractor.

Lastly, keep in mind that if you are having a natural wood deck installed, you will have to wait before you can stain or treat it. Generally, 4-6 weeks is needed to let the sun even out the color of the wood. After that process has completed, you can stain it. It’s often a good practice to let your lawn grow long before you treat your deck. This way the long grass will protect itself from the damages of the overspray from the stain. Once you have finished treating the deck you can cut the lawn.

Looking For More Information About Decks?

Building a deck is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right deck builder for your project and your budget. We offer Free Decks & Railing Price Estimates. You can use our Deck and Fence Estimate Request Form and save money on your project*. *See Details at the bottom of the form page.

Pressure Washing Your Deck

The easiest, most effective way of cleaning dirty, grimy surfaces is with a pressure washer. They are specially designed to remove built-up mold, mildew, dirt and grime and to restore surfaces to like-new condition in a fraction of the time it would take by hand. Pressure washers come in a variety of styles, sizes and additional attachments that can be used for more than just cleaning your deck. For homeowners and contractors everywhere, these machines have become a necessity because they are versatile, economical and powerful tools.

Purchasing a pressure washer is an intelligent investment. There are just so many ways that it can be used that you are bound to get your moneys worth. For example, you can use them to clean your deck, clean your driveway, clean your grill, pump out water from your pool, remove debris from compacted pipes, and so much more. Furthermore, many manufacturers sell additional attachments that allow for a multitude of other uses.

Pressure washers are also great investments for those of you that live in areas where water is scarce. They are very economical and conserve water when used correctly. In most cases, pressure washers will use 80% less water than a standard garden hose. This is a huge benefit considering the fact that conserving water has become an increasing concern in today’s world.

There are three main types of pressure washers on the market today which include gasoline powered, electric powered, and diesel powered pressure washers. You can even find pressure washers that have heating coils to produce hot water. However, gas motors are the most common.

With so many different varieties on the market, it is often difficult to figure out which pressure washer is best for you. Try reviewing the information below and answering some of the questions to help you figure out what kind of pressure washer to invest in.

How often will you use your power washer and what will you use it for? You will find washers that are specifically used for light duty, standard duty and heavy duty. If you expect to use it less than 500 hours then a standard duty would be right for you. Keep in mind, if you don't really think you'll need a pressure washer all that much then renting one is always an option.

How much PSI (pounds per square inch) will the jobs you are using your power washer on require? PSI is the amount of pressure from the nozzle on an area that is 1 inch square. For softwood decks like Redwood or Cedar, 1200 PSI is enough. A higher PSI may damage the wood. Hardwoods and composite can handle a little bit more PSI. If you are planning on washing an elevated surface, like a balcony deck, you may need more PSI. Most machines have a throttle whereby you can control the PSI generated.

What kind of pump suits you best? The pump is responsible for pressurizing the water. Pumps will require a certain amount of maintenance. They come in a variety of models which include: Wobble Pumps, Axial Pumps, and Camshaft Pumps. Additional features include chemical injectors (allows cleaning solutions to run through the pumps) and also special connections to the engine. Connections include direct drive, indirect drive and a belt system. Direct drive is the most efficient as there are no belts to slip. Furthermore, most pumps are also contained in aluminum housing which is good in that it reduces the overall weight of the machine but it also reacts badly with some chemicals.

What kind of gun should you invest in? The gun is the on and off switch to your pressure washer. Guns are very important. Certain guns fall victim to aluminum and chemical reactions. If you run chemicals directly through the washers pump using the chemical injectors then the gun's internal components may start to corrode. If you plan on using a lot of harsh chemicals then you may want to invest in a gun with stainless steel internal parts. Most guns are made of brass.

What kind of wand will work best for you? The wand is a part of a two component “lance” on a power washer. The “lance” consists of both the wand and the nozzle. The wand is the shaft and it is usually made of metal (aluminum) and comes in a variety of lengths. The standard wand is 36 inches. But if you are using your pressure washer for railings or balconies, you may want to purchase and extension wand.

Lastly, what kind of nozzle will work best for you? The nozzle is responsible for focusing the pressurized water into a stream. Nozzles come in a variety of sizes and styles. Your choice will rely heavily on the task you want to accomplish.

Nozzle types vary depending on machine type and manufacturer. Most nozzles contain two sets of numbers, one for the capacity size and one for the spray angle. Many manufacturers color code their nozzles for easy recognition. Always check the owner's manual to verify the angle for each color because choosing the correct angle for the job is critical in predicting the efficiency and quality of your work.

In addition to the internal parts of your power washer, consider what kind of accessories, if any, you would like to invest in. Accessories can help complete some of the tasks that regular power washers can’t do. They also increase the versatility of the machine. Accessories include:

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Sealing Your Deck

The thing to remember about decks is that they do not last forever. However, your deck will last you a very long time if you continue to regularly take care of it. Just as the sun damages our own skin, the sun also damages your deck, unless it is properly sealed. Sealing a deck will not keep all the harmful rays of the sun away from your deck, but it will dramatically reduce the amount that gets through to it. Water is also an element that that will damage your deck if it gets through to the inside of the wood. Sealing your deck will protect it against these two harmful elements.

Having your deck sealed is a multi-step process. It can be done by a do-it-yourselfer or by a decking professional. Most people prefer to hire someone to do the dirty work. Regardless of who handles the sealing, the first step is to use a solution of bleach and water to remove the water damage from the wood. If your deck is showing signs of a chalky gray color then it is definitely suffering from water damage. The bleach solution will bring the wood back to its original color.

The next step requires the deck to either be pressure washed or sandblasted. This process removes any previous stains, sealants, residues, oils, debris etc. The idea is to get the wood stripped down and raw. The new sealing will not work as well unless it is put on a raw surface. Once you get the wood to this state, the stain and sealant can be applied. You should repeat this process every 3-5 years to ensure that the deck continues to look good with minimal splintering and discoloration.

Sealing your deck may seem like a major pain, but it helps to think about how much money it is saving you to have this maintenance done. If the wood does not get sealed periodically, it will start to lose its strength and end up needing to be replaced much earlier than you anticipated. The process of sealing your deck is much cheaper than a new deck. The truth is that every year that you go without treating your deck, you take years off its life.

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Designing A Deck

A deck is a popular home improvement that not only adds to the value of your home, but also provides an extra space for enjoying the outdoors. You'll want to carefully consider the design elements that go into your deck. You must think of a deck as a new addition to your house (like a room), one in which you are planning specific use of. Every inch of its design should be catered to the way in which you plan to use it. Below are some detailed considerations to help in the designing of your deck.

Location Of Your New Deck

The most common location of a deck is directly in front of the entrance to the kitchen. Of course this will differ depending on the design of your house. Either way, it is recommended that the perimeter of your deck be away from your windows to avoid looking out of the window at a rail. Depending on where you live, you may also want to build a deck in which you step down a step or two to in case a heavy snow storm attacks your deck. Having the deck flush with the entrance will cause the snow to lie against the door.

Additional considerations include the amount of wind you want to receive, the amount of sun you want to receive and the amount of noise you wish to receive. The location of your deck can control certain aspects of these factors. Also, you will want to pay attention to any water spigots, dryer vents, windows below the deck, and down spouts. You will be doing yourself a huge favor if you build your deck above these problem areas.

Permits

It is important to obtain documentation on your site/plot plan. In most cases, your realtor should have included a copy in your contract. If you don’t seem to have this information at hand, then your local zoning department will have a copy on file for you to obtain. This plan details the parameters in which you are allowed to build, as well as the overall size of your deck, height of any privacy screens, and the minimum distance from your deck to your lot lines. You will need to contact the local building department to find out whether you'll be required to have a building permit, and what kind of plans you'll have to submit. Keep in mind, not every township or county requires a permit.

Size Of Your Deck

When deciding on the size of your deck, be sure to use two foot increments because lumber is cut to 8', 10', 12', and 16' lengths. You will save yourself money by making the lengths exact, not to mention the scrap materials that you won’t be bothered with. It’s a good idea to drive 4-foot stakes at the approximate corners, and then tie string between them at about the height of the railings to give you a visual idea.

It is also important for you to consider how you will be using your deck and how much room you will need. Decks are commonly used for dining and entertaining. In fact, spas areas, screen rooms, gazebos and outdoor kitchen areas are becoming increasingly popular in modern designs. If you plan to use your deck for dining and entertaining then keep that in mind when you decide on the size of your deck.

Privacy Factor

Depending on how close your neighbors are to your house and also on the activities that you plan on holding on your deck, you may feel more comfortable with a privacy wall built on certain sides. Most deck builders can construct a privacy wall that not only keeps outside eyes out, but also doesn’t look like an unattractive enclosing fence.

Deck Entrances

It is very common for homeowners to want the deck entrance to be near the entrance into your back yard. This creates a practical way to enter the yard and get on the deck. Before building a staircase for your deck entrance, you should check with your township or county’s local building codes. The local building department regulates staircase construction quite heavily. There are important specifications on how the staircase is allowed to be attached to the deck frame, the size of the staircase and whether or not it will need a railing.

Shaded Areas

Many homeowners like to design a deck that receives its fair amount of sun and shade. However, in some areas your deck will be exposed to sun as long as the sun is out. One solution to this is to install a custom awning over your deck. Unfortunately, this option can be very expensive. Pergola or arbors are very popular choices because they can be built in a number of different styles, shapes and materials to enhance the design of your deck. These options will provide some shade to the area they cover, but if you want total shade then you may want to consider a roof covered deck or screen room.

Shape and Decking Patterns

A deck can be any shape you want, but keep in mind that the more complicated the design is, the more materials will be needed making the design more expensive and harder to build. Another way to add visual interest to your deck is by wrapping the deck around a corner, building a pergola or arbor, adding built-in benches, integrating a fence or screen on one side, or even adding an overhead screen.

Deck Railing & Seating

Depending on where you live, certain standards must be met regarding your deck rail. For example, in most areas, a guard railing around the perimeter of the deck is mandatory if your deck is higher that 18" off the ground. Generally the railing height is 36 inches unless your deck stands higher than 10 feet off the ground. In such cases, it is advised that your railing be 42"-48" tall. Railings come in all sorts of designs to enhance your deck.

In addition to the railing, you should consider what kind of seating will you need. Would you or your guests be more comfortable on built-in benches or patio furniture? Many homeowners enjoy integrating a place to sit into the rail of the deck. Built-in seating comes in handy if you plan to entertain groups of people on your deck. It is suggested that you use a composite plastic lumber for this seating because it will eliminate the splintering and warping that occurs over time with wood seating.

Looking For More Information About Decks?

Building a deck is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right deck builder for your project and your budget. We offer Free Decks & Railing Price Estimates. You can use our Deck and Fence Estimate Request Form and save money on your project*. *See Details at the bottom of the form page.

Wood Deck Dry Rot

If you own a deck and also live in a region that experiences extreme weather then dry rot may be a concern for you. Intense weather conditions are extremely stressful on building materials. Wood that experiences 100+ summer days and soggy wet winters is put in an ideal condition for dry rot to develop. It is important to learn ways to prevent dry rot from developing because not only will it save your deck, it will also save you time and money.

Put simply, dry rot is decay from fungi that causes wood to become brittle and crumble to powder. In order for it to develop, it requires a mixture of wetness, heat and air. With the proper conditions, dry rot can form within four to six months and it won’t always be easy to detect. Once the wood becomes infected, it starts to lose its structural integrity. Dry rot left undetected will continue to spread and cause more damage. It is crucial that you detect the problem and totally replace the damaged wood before the fungi completely destroys your wood deck. In addition, dry rot will eventually attract pests such as termites which will make your problem even worse. Fast detection will save you a lot of money in future repairs.

There are certain ways to check for dry rot on your deck. The first thing you should do is look for wood discoloration. If you suspect an area, it helps to take an ice pick, awl or sharp screwdriver and punch into the wood to determine if it is still solid. You may find that the wood is soft and punchy. You should also feel any suspect spots for dampness. If you feel any dampness at all, you probably have a problem. Lastly, you should check for termite tunnels. Keep in mind that dry rot begins first in damp parts of the house and then proceeds to other portions of the house.

Preventing Dry Rot On Your Deck

Looking For More Information About Decks?

Building a deck is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right deck builder for your project and your budget. We offer Free Decks & Railing Price Estimates. You can use our Deck and Fence Estimate Request Form and save money on your project*. *See Details at the bottom of the form page.

Wood Deck Maintenance

Over the years the popularity of decks has increased due to the fact that better wood treatments are being made to make wood much more durable. A well-kept deck can make your house stand out in the neighborhood, and one that’s not in good shape can be sore on the eyes. Some people enjoy using Redwood or Cedar on their decks because these woods contain natural preservatives, but the majority of decks are now made from pressure-treated pine.

Wood deck maintenance consists of three important steps and the first of these steps involves preparation and inspection. Regardless of what type of wood your deck is made of, the preparation process remains the same. The process begins with clearing the deck of all grills, furniture, pool toys, etc. At this time you should also cover up all fragile plants that cannot be moved out of the way. With everything cleared away and covered up you should then begin to sweep the deck free of debris. Lastly, inspect the deck for loose boards and nails that stick up and make any necessary repairs.

Cleaning and Sealing a Wood Deck

The second step requires you to give your deck a thorough cleaning. Read the directions that come with the cleaning solutions to find out if you must hose down your deck before cleaning. Also, be very cautious with nearby plants and grass because the cleaning solutions can seriously harm them, especially cleaners that contain bleach. Apply the solutions with a brush or broom or spray it on with a power washer under low pressure. Be sure to wait long enough after cleaning so that the chemicals can work their way into the wood. Lastly, rinse the deck thoroughly.

The last step requires you to seal your wood deck to protect against weather damage. During the sealing process, it is still very important that you cover up important items that could be damages by the sealant. Sealant can be brushed on, rolled on with a paint roller, or sprayed on. Keep in mind; if you decide to spray the sealant on your deck then you need to be sure that you are capable of controlling it. Spraying is by far the hardest to control.

Sealants come in a clear, wood-toned, semitransparent or solid/opaque. Some are water based and some are oil based formulas. Also, some sealants contain stain to tint the color of the deck and some contain ultra-violet sunlight protection to reduce the damaging effects of the sun. Your choice in sealant will depend on the type of wood you are working with, the color you desire most, and the level of protection you insist on having.

If you are one of the many homeowners that despise keeping up with regular maintenance, then you may want to consider some of the alternative deck materials. Several manufacturers make new decking materials that don't splinter and don't require painting or sealing. They are typically made of plastic or a composite of wood and plastic. The use of these materials is becoming increasingly popular. Up front they are more expensive than traditional wood decks, but over time they save you money because they don’t require the additional maintenance costs.

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Building a deck is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right deck builder for your project and your budget. We offer Free Decks & Railing Price Estimates. You can use our Deck and Fence Estimate Request Form and save money on your project*. *See Details at the bottom of the form page.

Working With Deck Builders

Having a deck installed offers one perk that most home improvements don’t offer. Due to the fact that the addition is outside, you won’t have to interrupt your daily life to accommodate to the installation. You won’t have contractors and materials all over your house and you will not be losing electricity or water at any given point. Of course, there are still things that you can do to make the relationship with your builder a good one.

It’s very easy to ignore deck contractors considering the fact that they are out of sight and they are not interrupting your daily routines. But just because your deck contractor will be outside doesn't mean that you can’t communicate with him. In fact, it is in your best interest you check in periodically because this will keep you up to date with the progress of your deck and alert you of any potential problems. It will also let the contractor know that you are keeping an eye on his performance which will motivate him to do a better job. Keep in mind, periodically checking in does not mean starring at his every move. Give your deck builder plenty of room to do the work and trust that he knows what he is doing.

During the times that you check in on your contractor, be polite and ask if he needs anything. I wouldn’t suggest cooking a gourmet meal for him, but perhaps a cold glass of water or lemonade would be nice. This is not only a nice act on your part, but it also lets the contractors know that you care about who is working for you. Such a small kind gesture may convince the contractors to offer you a discount or to do some extra clean up once they have finished. It never hurts to be kind.

Communication is key and one of the main components to a satisfying relationship. Keep in touch with your contractors and let them know the little things like when you will be gone all day and unable to offer a helping hand or how you feel about the way the deck is starting to come along. Your happiness depends on how well you communicate what you want. Bottom line; make sure that you are in contact with your deck builder. And this doesn’t mean that you have to strike up a conversation every hour, but make yourself available in case you are needed.

Looking For More Information About Decks?

Building a deck is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right deck builder for your project and your budget. We offer Free Decks & Railing Price Estimates. You can use our Deck and Fence Estimate Request Form and save money on your project*. *See Details at the bottom of the form page.

Decking Materials

The quality or grade of your decking material ultimately determines the success or failure of your structure. Using a high end decking material will offer you the best results. High end materials include cedar, redwood, mahogany, ironwood, and certain composite decking materials.

When selecting your high end material it is important to consider the cost, availability of the product, shipping cost, and maintenance costs. It is best that you take these figures and compare them to the amount of money it will cost you to use non-high end materials (pine or fir) that will need replacement in 10 years. Most likely, you will see that it is worth the additional costs for high end materials because they will last for longer periods of time.

If you do decide to go with a high end material for your decking construction, pay special attention to the grade of wood. Not only does the grade represent the level of visual appeal, but also the level of strength. Wood grades are also based on the number of obvious flaws, such as splits, sap pockets, knots, and other imperfections.

In addition, you will want to focus on the level of maintenance. There are three different decking material options that can affect the strength and amount of maintenance required.

Looking For More Information About Decks?

Building a deck is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right deck builder for your project and your budget. We offer Free Decks & Railing Price Estimates. You can use our Deck and Fence Estimate Request Form and save money on your project*. *See Details at the bottom of the form page.

Use the Contents Links to the left to view related content.

Composite Decks

Benefits Of A Composite Deck

Composite Deck Maintenance

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Deck Basics

Deck Frame

Deck Rails & Posts

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Deck Cleaning

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Deck Contractors

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Preparing For Building a Deck

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Pressure Washing Your Deck

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Sealing Your Deck

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Designing A Deck

Location Of Your New Deck

Permits

Size Of Your Deck

Privacy Factor

Deck Entrances

Shaded Areas

Shape and Decking Patterns

Deck Railing & Seating

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Wood Deck Dry Rot

Preventing Dry Rot On Your Deck

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Wood Deck Maintenance

Cleaning and Sealing a Wood Deck

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Working With Deck Builders

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Decking Materials

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