The Benefits of Decking

Decking is a structure that provides easy access to the yard from your house. It’s typically made of wood (or products that look like wood) and is attached to joists and footings.

Square up a starter plank and run it parallel to the wall at the front of the house. This will help ensure that odd gaps and butt joints don’t compound by the time you reach the last board at the entrance area.

Natural Beauty

Whether stained to match the home’s color scheme or left bare to showcase the beauty of the wood, natural decking adds warmth and charm to outdoor living spaces. This wood is easy to maintain, with a natural look that lasts longer than other materials such as pavers, concrete and synthetics. It’s also barefoot-friendly, with no cracks or splinters to hurt the feet of children and pets.

Composite decking, such as Trex, also looks great if left bare or stained and is less prone to damage from wood-eating insects. Responsibly sourced and manufactured, composite decking is eco-friendly too. A quick jet wash a few times a year is all that’s needed to keep the material looking good.

Inject a pop of personality to a bare deck without infringing on space by framing a seating area with a retaining wall. Or, create a cozy reading nook with a padded divider that’s both comfortable and stylish. Then, surround it with a few well-chosen plants to tie the entire design together.

Versatility

The deck is often seen as a place to put outdoor furniture and string lights, but it can be so much more than that. A deck can be a place to express your personal style and create a seamless transition from inside to out.

According to Yardzen clients, one of the top requests for their outdoor space is room to entertain, with 68% seeking separate dining and living zones. This can be accomplished on a deck through the use of pergolas, seating arrangements and even fire pits.

Using a different color or material for the decking can help to set it apart and create a focal point for your space. You can also create visual interest by adding a decorative accent, like a weather-resistant tapestry or a metal art piece. Adding decor with a functional element, such as a sleek solar lamp or patterned umbrella, is another way to enhance your deck without taking up too much floor space.

Longevity

Depending on your location, the materials you use, and the regular maintenance that you perform, you can expect your deck to last decades. This is true particularly for wood decks that are well cared for and maintained properly.

Most homeowners prefer to use PT lumber for the framing of their decks, as it is durable and resistant to rot and termites. Typically, PT lumber is treated with chemicals like chromated copper arsenate (CCA) to protect it from moisture-related issues.

When building a deck, it’s essential to have the right foundation for your project. Whether you’re using concrete footings or pre-cast piers, a proper foundation is necessary to support your new deck. Proper footings are anchored into the ground, providing stability and reducing the risk of movement in the soil due to changes in weather conditions.

Maintenance

It is important to regularly inspect your deck for problems. Look for loose boards, splintered areas, rusted nails and screws and any other signs of damage such as wood that feels soft when probed with a screwdriver or has water stains. Fix these issues as soon as they are noticed.

Redirect rainwater away from your deck, so that runoff doesn’t soak into the timber. If you use mulch, keep it at least three inches away from the deck. Avoid using rugs with a rubber backing as they tend to trap moisture, and choose woven rugs instead of plastic mats.

Sweep your deck regularly to remove dirt and leaves, which can clog gaps between the boards. Also, clean up grease stains as soon as they occur to prevent permanent staining. To do this, prepare a solution of warm water and liquid dish soap. Soak a nylon-bristled brush in this solution and scrub the stain. Rinse and dry with a cloth to prevent streaking.

from Decking Central Coast https://ift.tt/fQBAzyF
via IFTTT