Add Value to Your Home With a Deck

Decks add value to your home and create an inviting space for family gatherings and entertaining friends. In addition, they can help you better utilize your backyard.

The support posts of a deck are typically made of concrete and attached to footings in the ground. These footings are spaced according to local building codes and designed to assist with weight distribution and structural support.

Wood is a natural material

As the leading choice for decking, wood is an eco-friendly material. It has many advantages, including a low upfront cost and long-term value. It’s also easy to work with and doesn’t require the use of chemicals, although caution is required when working with it, especially to avoid inhaling its volatile compounds.

The environmental impact of natural wood is determined by how it’s harvested and sourced. Old growth forests and rainforests are becoming scarce, and while many of these areas have legal protections in place, unscrupulous harvesting still occurs. Make sure you choose a decking product that has been sustainably harvested and is certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council.

While hardwoods like ipe and teak are environmentally friendly, they’re also expensive. Hemlock and spruce are softwoods that have an eco-friendly reputation, but they’re susceptible to rotting and can become splintery over time. They can be treated with preservatives to extend their lifespan, but these treatments require annual maintenance.

It is durable

Wood decking is durable and low maintenance, but it’s important to choose a type that suits your lifestyle. Many low-cost options, such as pressure-treated lumber, are made of pine, an inexpensive softwood that rots quickly and splinters. Premium hardwoods, such as cedar and redwood, offer better resistance to rot and insect damage but require regular maintenance. They must be power washed, sanded, and stained or protected with a clear coat.

Other options for high-performance, low-maintenance wood decks include Ipe, a Brazilian hardwood known for its durability and beauty. However, Ipe is incredibly hard, so standard tools like saws and hammers won’t cut it. It also requires regular scrubbing to prevent mildew. Another option is to use a composite, which looks and feels like real wood but doesn’t splinter or need staining. Many composites are manufactured with recycled materials, so they’re eco-friendly. Others, such as PVC, contain no organic materials and are therefore free from mold and mildew.

It is low maintenance

Unlike other house improvements, which may require significant lifestyle upheaval, building a deck is a low-impact project. You can build a deck in a relatively short period of time, and you can usually find secondhand materials that need only a bit of sanding or staining. The deck can also add value to your home, especially if it is well-maintained.

Whether you choose wood or composite, the best low maintenance decking boards will stand up to sun and weather with little to no damage. Many of these products are engineered to be fade, scratch, and mold resistant. They may even have built-in UV protection.

Some low-maintenance decking options contain recycled plastics or are entirely free of organic material, such as capped composite and vinyl (PVC). These boards have a solid core with a plastic cap that appears to be wood. They are less susceptible to mildew and mold but still require regular cleaning. Some products feature grain patterns to resemble real wood.

It adds value to your home

Decking is a great way to add value to your home and increase its curb appeal. It can be constructed with a variety of materials, including low-maintenance composites and natural wood. The style of your deck can also be tailored to suit your taste and the contours of your property.

Decks create a natural link between indoor and outdoor space, which can make your home feel bigger and improve its flow. They can also enhance the aesthetic of your property and create a sense of privacy. In a recent survey, the National Association of Realtors found that 74% of homeowners enjoy their homes more after installing a deck.

A well-built deck will last for years if you use the right materials and follow proper construction procedures. However, it will need regular inspection and maintenance to keep it in good condition. Adding custom features like a fire pit or an outdoor kitchen can further increase the value of your home.



from Decking Central Coast https://ift.tt/94HboNd
via IFTTT

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Garden Decking Adds Value to Your Property

The Benefits of Adding a Deck to Your Home

The Benefits of Decking