A Guide to the Most Common Types of Decks

How to Choose Between Cedar, Pressure Treated Wood & Composite It’s inexpensive, lightweight, easy to handle, and offers a high strength-to-weight ratio. Another benefit of metal decking is the ease of handling, both onsite and offsite. Metal floor decks can be formed in various widths, depths, and gauges to fit the needs of residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects. When constructing a deck, make sure to use pressure-treated lumber for the framing to prevent rot and decay. The 1-5 inches composite metal decks, sometimes known as Type B, are durable and easy-to-install metal floor decking. These decks are used in many outdoor flooring applications and are ideal for short spans. They can provide guidance, conduct a thorough assessment, and offer appropriate solutions to ensure the long-term durability and safety of your deck. Overall, decks in construction provide a valuable outdoor space that enhances the quality of life, increases property value, and fosters a connection with nature.

Jump into this comprehensive guide to discover the best composite decking profiles.An entryway deck, often situated at the front of a residence, expands the outdoor living area towards the street, providing an inviting space.Often made from southern pine, a wood variety known for its load-bearing strength and durability, pressure treated materials can be the best wood for decking in high-traffic spaces.Redwood is a tight-grained wood that’s red to dark red in color.Proper drainage solutions will also need to be implemented to prevent water damage and erosion.

Deck Material Options

It closely resembles the natural beauty Informative post of wood, but requires less maintenance and is built to resist rot, mildew, and insect infestation. Decks vary in placement and location, as well as building code requirements, which can influence a deck's size, height, and features. The easiest way to classify decks is by the material used in the construction. The material determines the deck's durability, maintenance requirements, and cost. Inspection procedures are an essential part of the decking code compliance process too. Local authorities will want to inspect your deck before it’s deemed safe for use by occupants. Moving forward with your decking project, keep in mind that choosing the right railing system involves considering both functional and aesthetic aspects. As we’ve explored in the previous section, incorporating built-in features like benches and planters can add functionality and visual appeal to your deck. First and foremost, familiarize yourself with the terminology used in deck construction. By following building codes and regulations, you can ensure the safety, structural integrity, and legal compliance of your deck construction project. When it comes to building construction, one important aspect to consider is the construction of a deck. A deck is a structure that is typically attached to a building and extends from the main floor level. Decks are commonly constructed outdoors and are built to provide additional living space and enhance the functionality and aesthetics of a property. The best outdoor decking material is one that is durable, attractive, and the choice that you’re comfortable with making in terms of upkeep and cost.

Concrete

No matter the deck type you decide on, you can choose from wood, aluminum, composite, or synthetic deck materials. There are many types of deck materials to choose from, including wood, composite, and exotic woods. Here are some of the most popular decking material options to choose from when building your deck and factors that may help narrow your decision. One of the first steps toward building a deck is deciding on which deck building materials you’ll use. Plastic and PVC decking materials offer excellent durability and low maintenance requirements. Learn which material will best suit your home with our full comparison. In tough climates or when maintenance has been long deferred, a wood deck will need to be washed, stripped, sanded, and resealed, a process that can cost $2.50 per sq. Do that twice on a cedar deck and you would have been better off buying synthetic decking that needs only an occasional washing and has a life expectancy of 25 years. Soon, the commercial logging of this tree and clearing of cedar swamps in New Jersey caused a decline in the availability of decking. Atlantic City and New York City both switched to Western red cedar. By the 1960s, western red cedar from the US was declining due to over-logging. More expensive western red cedar was available from western Canada (British Columbia) but by then, pressure-treated pine had become available. Cellular PVC decking is made entirely from plastic, containing no wood fibers. This material offers exceptional durability and resistance to moisture, insects, and UV rays. They can blend well with the home's surroundings and raise property value. However, these materials are heavy, so they are not ideal for raised or elevated structures. The high cost of composite decking is partially offset by the maintenance requirements, or lack of them. Most composite products require little to no maintenance — no staining, sanding or resealing — and they resist color fading and generally outlast wood decking. A few products will accept a stain after a period of exposure to the sun (usually about six months). By incorporating a deck in close proximity to your pool, you expand the available area for sunbathing, dining, and supervising children enjoying the water. Furthermore, a deck leading to a hot tub, sauna, or steam room can provide a luxurious spa-like experience. You may have heard the terms floating decks , island decks, or platform decks – they are all synonyms for detached decks. Before you build, be sure you’re fully aware of local ordinances and zoning laws. Decide on the right positioning for your deck based on the features and positioning of your property. Wooden decks can be painted or stained and will have to be restained and sealed on a regular basis following pressure washing, Cosby says.