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Different materials to build your deck from

The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Deck Materials
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If you’ve decided it’s time to have your new deck built this season, one of the first things you’ll want to think about is choosing a deck material that is right for you. There are many different types of deck materials, including pressure-treated wood decks, cedar decks, composite decking also known as “plastic lumber,” aluminum decks, and even decks made with tropical woods.

It can be confusing because there are many choices of deck materials. At All About Decks, we offer three main types of deck building materials, each with their own set of pros and cons. Each can be useful for different types of projects and is good for different budgets.

Pressure Treated Wood Decks

The first type of material we offer for your decking project is pressure treated wood, sometimes known as “green treated wood.” Pressure treated wood is infused with different chemicals through a pressurized cylinder. These chemicals create a resistance to harmful rot and insects.

PROs of Pressure Treated Wood Decks:

  • Least expensive option; easy upkeep as it requires only a once a year power washing and then re-sealing every one or two years.
  • Pressure treated wood is easy to work with as far as cutting and nailing pieces together so your deck can be built relatively quickly.

CONs of Pressure Treated Wood Decks:

  • Splinters can occur when the sealing wears off.
  • The slats may warp or crack over time and require you to spend money to have your deck fixed.

Cedar Wood Decks

Cedar is another deck building material we offer for your deck project. This is an excellent option if you love real wood. The natural variety of cedar trees ensures that your deck is one-of-a-kind. We only use the best part of the cedar tree, the deep-colored heartwood.

PROs of Cedar Wood Decks:

  • Using cedar, especially the heartwood, will keep your deck from absorbing moisture, making it resistant to rot and warping.
  • Relatively inexpensive compared to other wood types like redwood, mahogany, ipe, and tigerwood; cedar decks last longer than pressure treated wood decks, often between 10-20 years.
  • Cedar is considered to be one of the most “green” materials because it does not contain chemicals that could be harmful to the environment.

CONs of Cedar Wood Decks:

  • To keep its beautiful color, a cedar deck requires staining.
  • Cedar is a soft wood, so it is subject to dings and dents more easily than other materials.
  • Annual winterizing, consisting of power washing, staining, and sealing, while not required, is highly recommended to maintain the finish and beauty of the cedar.

Some experts suggest that sealing and refinishing your cedar deck every two years is sufficient. Others suggest needing to do it less often. How frequently you need to reseal your cedar deck depends on weather conditions, whether the deck gets a lot of sun exposure, the deck owner’s tolerance for discolorations, and other factors.

Composite Decking Materials

The type of deck building material that offers an endless number of choices is composite decking. Composite decking is either all synthetic or a mixture of natural and synthetic materials, which makes it more durable than all other decking options. If you are looking for the least amount of upkeep, composite is a good choice of material for you.

PROs of Composite Decks:

  • Composite decks have a low environmental impact, since they’re mostly made of recycled materials that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill.
  • Composite deck materials are available in many colors, looks, and textures.
  • They’re stain-resistant, weather-resistant, and splinter-free for those who love to walk barefoot.
  • Maintenance of composite decks is minimal, though some composite deck owners have their deck sealed occasionally to protect against fading.

CONs of Composite Decks:

  • Since composite decks are made of plastics, polyvinyls, and other plastic configurations, they can look, well, plastic.
  • With the latest composite deck technology, however, some composite decks look pretty nice.
  • Composite decking materials are generally more expensive than cedar decks and are definitely more expensive than pressure treated wood.

With so many types of deck materials available, the choice isn’t easy. Going through the pros and cons of the different deck materials will help you decide which material is best for your new deck. If you still need help, reach out and we’ll provide all the information you need to decide.

 

Sources:

Popular Mechanics: https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/how-to/a3490/4275113/

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deck for entertaining can build in Omaha Year Round Deck Builder

4 Reasons Why It’s Wise to Build Your Deck During the Winter Months
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It’s hard to believe that the cool fall weather we’ve been experiencing here in Omaha will soon turn cold and freezing. With winter fast-approaching, it may seem like it’s time to put your deck-building dreams on hold until next spring. However, just because the winter chill may slow down some aspects of the project, this is definitely a great time to work on a new deck project. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can build your deck during the winter months, there are a few things to think about to help you decide if it you’d like your deck building project to get started soon.

Planning Takes Time

As with every major building project, a certain amount of time must be invested into the planning process. After you approve of your deck design, prints need to be drawn up and then submitted to the city to obtain permits. At this point in time, it’s taking anywhere from three-and-a-half to four (3.5-4) weeks to get permits for deck construction projects.

Then there’s the all-important task of selecting the materials you want for your deck, which can be quick if you choose a wood deck because there are fewer selections available.

However, should you choose a composite deck, there are many different selections from which to choose, and it may take you some time to decide and finalize your composite deck finish and handrail choices.

Sometimes the materials selection process takes longer than expected, but the materials need to be obtained before breaking ground on a new deck project. Taking the winter months to make sure all these factors are in place makes it easier to get the new project going and completed on time. This is true whether we wait until the first moments of spring to work on your deck project, or we take advantage of breaks in the winter weather to build your deck.

Spring is the Busiest Season, But Spring Delays Can Occur Due to Wet Weather

Once the weather warms up during the early spring months, a large number of deck-building inquiries are made, as homeowners begin to look toward those sweet summer nights of bonfires and barbeques on their newly built decks. And don’t forget the plethora of backyard graduation parties each year in May, that are only possible because of well-built, party-ready decks that smart homeowners took the time to plan during the colder months before.

deck in the rain Omaha's year round deck company

A well-built deck withstands all weather and traffic conditions

Deck building contractors are busier than ever once the spring hits, and hopefully won’t be slowed down by the often-precipitous months of April and May. By making your inquiries now, you can completely avoid being stuck in the spring rush. If you wait until spring to begin the process, you may be behind and fall victim to further delays in completing your deck due to the spring rains. Having your selections made and permits obtained ahead of spring will make the entire deck building process go more smoothly and give you the peace of mind that your project will be taken care of exactly the way you want it.

Your Landscaping May Be Less Affected on More Solid (Less Mushy) Ground

In any deck project, there is a lot of foot traffic back and forth to your deck location, as we work to construct a new deck or rehab your existing deck. During the spring, this can be especially difficult on the landscaping in your space. Excessive foot traffic, on land that is either soft from precipitation or trying to re-grow grass or other plants, can be detrimental to their growth. When decks are built in the winter, you won’t have to worry about landscaping as much (though we’re still very careful) as plants naturally start to either go dormant or die in the cold. By building your deck during this time, you will see less of an impact on your landscaping, giving your brand new deck the perfect view once spring arrives.

deck for entertaining can build in Omaha Year Round Deck Builder

This beautiful deck can be built in your yard in time for spring or your next graduation party!

You Can Enjoy Your Deck Sooner

Of course, the best part about any new deck is the ability to enjoy it. Getting your family and friends together outdoors can happen earlier than ever if you plan your deck project now. You won’t have to wait for the coveted summer months in order to enjoy your community, and you can be the house everyone goes to for this year’s graduation parties! With a winter deck project, you can be ready to use your new space just a few months into the new year, if not sooner. If you factor heaters and other comfort amenities into your build, you won’t even have to wait for the weather to improve before you can start using your deck.

Tell us about your deck project, what you’re looking for and when you’d like it completed. Let us know if you want to build your deck during the winter months.

Dave Ehrenberg

dave@allaboutdecksomaha.com

 

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