Whether you’re building a new deck, or replacing an existing one, it’s helpful to see the whole picture and determine what works best at your site. Factors such as amount of sunlight, daytime vs. nighttime use of your outdoor space, and the presence of an overhead deck, all should be considered when planning your project.
This post will guide you in picturing your new deck and how you want it to look and feel in the end. We’ll help you decide on the type of material for your deck and highlight certain considerations for your project. Once you are ready to work with a deck builder, you’ll be ahead of the game.
1. Wood or Composite Decking: That is the Question (That Your Deck Builder Will Ask)
When it comes to something as highly used and exposed to the weather elements as a deck, the type of material matters in the long run. A couple of factors come into play when choosing between wood or composite material for your deck. You will want to think about how long you plan to stay in that house and what kind of maintenance you are willing to do on a deck over the years.
When a wood deck is built with high-grade construction materials and expert craftsmanship it can look beautiful. Integrity Fencing uses only appearance-grade wood for our fencing and decking projects, ensuring that the finished product has fewer blemishes, knots, and fewer problems overall. A quality cedar wood deck is striking.
Related read: Why You Want Your Contractor to Use Quality Lumber
However, many homeowners don’t want to mess with deck maintenance and plan to stay in their home for many years. Even if a homeowner is diligent about maintaining and staining a wood deck, it has the potential to last only about ten years. And that still depends on how thick the wood planks are, and the type of sealant used.
This is where composite decking comes in. Composite decking is 90%+ recycled wood pulp and the rest is recycled plastic, making it incredibly strong and durable. Trex composite decking is a great product that won’t disappoint. It has a 25-year structural warranty, and a 25-year paint and stain warranty.
If you have a pool or hot tub incorporated into your deck, you will want to think about the safety factor of the surface around it. Composite decking can be quite slick when wet (it depends on the amount of plastic within it) and when you add children or those with mobility issues to the situation, it can be dangerous. A brand of composite decking by Deckorators is a slip resistant surface for use around pools and hot tubs. Ask your deck builder about the different types of composite decking available, and their attributes.
Related read: Why Trex is a Sound Choice for Homeowners
Related read: Top 10 Questions About Trex
2. Will Heat be an Issue at Your Deck Location?
You will want to assess how much sunlight will be on your deck throughout the day, and the direction the deck faces. If you have a southern or western facing deck in full sun, or if you have small children or pets, a deck that feels cool on the feet might be important to you.
Some composite deck types stay cooler than others. It depends on the ratio of wood to plastic in the composite. However, composite decking that feels cooler is at a higher price point. Or, you can simply choose a lighter color to achieve a cooler deck surface.
3. Different Deck Railings Create a Different Aesthetic
Consider the view beyond your deck; the view a person will see when they are seated on the deck enjoying themselves. Is it a beautiful view that would be a shame to obstruct with heavy deck railings? There are great options in railings that help bring the space beyond the deck closer to you.
Recently, metal railings have become very popular due to their unobtrusive nature, and durability. Occasionally, composite railings can warp or sag, a failure that won’t happen with steel or aluminum.
Metal railings come in different colors to complement your deck or house, or there’s the option of cable spanning between deck railing posts. Thinner cable wires tend to ‘disappear’ from sight and really give a nice view off the deck. With any of these railing options the top cap, or ‘cocktail rail’ is still made of a plank of wood or composite.
Lastly, think about if you would like the deck railings to be vertical (a traditional style), or horizontal. Horizontal railings or cable can provide a softer look; some people find the vertical metal railings resemble jail bars. Plus, horizontal railings mimic the horizontal lines of the deck, giving a cohesive look. Your deck builder can show you a variety of options for deck railings that will help make your decision.
4. Deck Over Deck? Protect from Wet
Does your house have two decks, with one overhanging the other? For example, a deck off the primary bedroom overhanging the main level deck below. Wouldn’t it be nice when it rained or snowed if water didn’t drip down onto the people on the deck below?
When using Trex decking, your deck builder can construct a special ceiling under the top deck, using a great Trex product. It’s called “rain escape”. It’s a system that goes over the top of the joists and it allows the water that goes through the upper deck boards to run down to a gutter. It’s a nice feature that allows you to keep using the deck below, even if water is present. A ceiling above a deck also just looks nice and finished. Lighting can be placed in the ceiling, giving the feeling of an outdoor room.
5. Lighting the Way for Outdoor Guests
Picture how you will use your deck and outdoor space. Will you be outside at night often? Will you have gatherings with lots of people at night? Do you need to walk between the deck, yard and house in the dark?
If the answer to any of the above is yes, think about a lighting system to go along with your deck. Lights can be placed on the railing caps, on the steps, or anywhere really, and it not only helps people see, but it also gives off a nice ambiance at night.
Starting Off with a Plan for Your Deck Builder
Once you have the above items worked out in your head, you are ready to talk to a deck builder about your project. Be sure to inquire about how the deck will be built as well. At Integrity Fencing, we use the diamond piers system for the deck footings, making the deck incredibly sturdy and safe.
