An early spring has sprung in the Northwest, inspiring homeowners to turn their thoughts to their outdoor living spaces and sprucing them up to enjoy the warm seasons ahead. But do your “outdoor living spaces” really facilitate “living?”
In other words, do they provide you with a place to relax, recreate, and take in the beauty of your natural surroundings comfortably? If you hesitated in answering, you might want to think of adding a deck to your garden and/or yard.
Decks can be a simple weekend DIY project or something you’ll want to bring in a professional to tackle, but whatever your goal and budget, a deck can greatly enhance your outdoor living spaces, making it easier to enjoy a good book while soaking up the sun, eat breakfast in the middle of your garden, amidst its intoxicating scents, colors and sounds, or entertain friends and family, with nature setting the stage.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of placing your deck in different areas? Design your deck or patio to make the most of a view, take advantage of a sunny southern exposure, or enhance standout elements like a water feature.
What are your site’s problem areas? Is your lot on a steep slope? How much of the lot is exposed to neighbors, traffic or noise? Design a deck that minimizes your yard’s problems and maximizes its advantages.
What are your family’s needs and habits, which reflect the way you live? How do you like to entertain, and for how many people? If you like to barbeque, arrange a deck to best accommodate cooking space and easy kitchen access. If you have a big dog, consider a material other than wood that won’t easily gouge from his or her nails.
What is the size and shape of your house, and how might it relate to the size and shape of your deck? Possibilities include an interior courtyard, a total wraparound deck or even a rooftop crow’s nest.
How will your deck appear from neighboring properties? Plan for privacy with fences, screens or plantings.
Wood
Wood is best if you’re looking for an authentic look. Most wood used for decks is pressure-treated pine, but pricier options include cedar, redwood, and tropical hardwoods.
Drawbacks when using wood include its tendency to change color, crack, g0uge and absorb stains if it isn’t restained. If using hardwoods and exotic choices, it can get pricey. Cost can range from about $225 to $825 or more per 100 square feet.
Wood Composites
Composites are a good choice if you want the look of wood without the need to stain. They’re made of plastic and wood fiber and can be stained to change the look.
Drawbacks include susceptibility to slips, stains, and mildew, depending on the type and brand you go with. Cost range from about $425 to $650 per 100 square feet.
Vinyl
Vinyl is great because it’s lightweight and resists the elements without staining. It is also splinter free, inedible to insects, fungi and maintenance free. Choices include solid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene.
However, be careful in your selection as some can look cheap, prove to be slippery, and, over time, tend to sag more than wood. Cost ranges from about $525 to $625 per 100 square feet.
Stone
Stone panel decking is relatively new on the market, and is made by only one company so far: Stonedeck. It provides an extremely durable and rich looking deck that requires very low maintenance. The only drawback seems to be its upfront cost and slightly more labor intensive installation; however, it seems to be worth the time and money, easily paying for itself over time. Cost ranges from about $1,800 to $2,000 per 100 square feet.
Aluminum
Aluminum is also very durable, keeping its form and color indefinitely, and resists slipping.
Drawbacks are its price, and no resemblance to wood. Cost ranges from about $700 per 100 square feet.
Whatever decking material you choose, if planned well and built with your family’s needs in mind, you’ll add value to your home, your yard, and your quality of life!