There are numerous types of home improvement projects that you can begin if you want to add value to your home. But if you’re after functionality and value, as you should be, there are a few projects that you might want to consider, and building a deck is one of these projects.
Having a deck adds beauty and value to your immediate outdoor space. Whether you’re building a deck in your front yard or in your backyard matters little. But what does matter is the type of materials that you choose to use in building your deck.
When it comes to building a deck, there are actually many more factors that you need to consider that you might not have initially thought of.
Here, we’ll outline a few of the best deck materials, and the features of each that you should think about before you begin building your deck.
Natural Wood
Some of the most beautiful decks are made from natural wood, and these can be intricately detailed to add even more character through fine-tuned carpentry and woodworking skills.
In fact, many individuals with a knack for woodworking make decent money as a side hustle by carving into decks and other wood structures.
The best thing about natural wood is the look and feel of it. But, these decks can be pricey, and the type of wood that you decide to use will largely dictate the dollar amount that you’ll spend on building your deck.
Some wood will be relatively cheap such as pine, oak or even cedar. But other woods such as mahogany, cypress, redwood, and rosewood can be extremely costly. So while it’s best to choose a quality wood, keep in mind you’ll get what you pay for.
You’ll also want to keep in mind that wood will weather over time and is a perfect snack for wood insects such as termites.
Composite Decking Material
It’s good to note up front that composite decking material is largely manufactured to mimic the natural look of real wood. But many of these materials aren’t as maintenance friendly as they claim to be.
Composite decking is a great alternative to natural wooden decks because they don’t weather nearly as fast, and they hold up well to insects. However, this type of decking material does scratch easily and the scratches aren’t easy to remove, if not impossible altogether.
If you’re not too worried about your composite deck holding scratches and evidence of wear and tear, then this won’t be a problem. But you will have to keep it treated and maintenance periodically to reduce the buildup of mold and dirt.
Vinyl Decking
Vinyl decking is perhaps one of the cheapest materials to use, and it won’t scratch up like composite decking materials.
If you think about it, many homeowners today have vinyl siding installed on their homes. And this is largely because it holds up very well to the elements. Though vinyl siding can crack over time, the structure of vinyl deck boards aren’t the same as thin siding panels.
Additionally, vinyl decking can be made to match the vinyl siding on a home, thus making it match the overall design of your home.
Other benefits of vinyl decking is the relatively low maintenance that you’ll have to perform, as this material can easily be pressure washed and cleaned with little hassle once a year or however often you deem necessary.
And vinyl decking material also holds up great when it comes to fading caused by the sun, so you won’t have to replace individual boards due to direct exposure as frequently.
Having a deck is a great addition to your home. This not only adds more value to your home, it creates a space where you can enjoy quiet evenings to yourself, or offers a gathering space for inviting over friends and family.