Summer is coming to an end and the more pleasant days of Autumn are almost upon us. What better time to get that deck built (or rebuilt) onto your home?

There are plenty more days left to enjoy barbecues and parties outdoors. Building or extending your deck can expand the space for your social gatherings. And here’s another great reason to have a wooden deck installed: According to Realtor.com, adding a wooden deck onto your home is Number 3 on the top 20 lists of projects that are highest in ROI (more than 80% of your costs are recouped). So if you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, a wood deck is one home improvement project you may want to consider.

The Deck Appeal

A deck is a platform with decking boards or tiles, usually made of either wood or a composite material. A deck is ideal for sloped yards where you want a flat area. It’s also good for homes that sit high above the ground or atop a basement, because they can be built as high as you need. If your home sits higher than about 14 inches off the ground, a platform deck is probably for you.

A deck is basically another room added to your home. Walk out the door leading to your deck, and it’s another living space. During nice weather, you’ll be glad you have it. And if you install a hot tub on the deck, you’ll even enjoy it during the colder winter days.

Backyard decks have replaced patios and front porches as the social centers of suburbia. Decks are elevated to catch breezes and to facilitate conversations with neighbors on their decks. Large enough for a table and grill, most decks are more versatile than front porches and provide privacy from street traffic.

Types of Deck Materials

There are basically two types of materials that can be used to construct your home deck: natural wood and man-made materials. Those that require less ongoing maintenance tend to be more expensive. Less expensive materials can still make great decks, but they need to be cleaned and treated regularly for long-lasting use.

Natural Wood

Wood is a traditional, popular, and high-maintenance choice for decking. The material looks warm, feels cool under foot, and smells great. The two options in this category are cedar and pressure treated woods. Cedar is deep red and looks the most natural. Pressure treated woods come in a wide range of grades; the higher the grade, the more durable, since they are often kiln dried after treatment. Both cedar and pressure treated woods are rot-resistant.

Wooden decks are more economical to build because the materials are readily available, so they are less expensive. Wood stays cool in summer, is easy on the feet, and has a rustic look and feel, which goes well with many house styles.

Wood does require regular maintenance or it will rot and develop mold and mildew. Annual cleaning, as well as restaining and re-sealing every 3-4 years is also necessary, or the deck can stain, crack, rot, and warp.

Man-Made Deck Materials

There are a few materials that can be used for deck construction that are man-made.

Composite

Composite materials are constructed using recycled plastic and wood fiber products. These materials have the look of natural wood, but doesn’t require the constant maintenance. It’s a “greener” choice over wood, since more trees aren’t cut down. It’s available in many designs, colors, and textures. Composite decking is also easier to clean (just use soap and water), and will not rot.

Composite materials are usually double the cost of natural wood. Decks made of these materials can sag and, if located in shade, can develop mold and mildew.

Plastic PVC

This material is resistant to stains and fading and is not slippery when wet. Plastic materials are low maintenance, not requiring sanding, staining, or painting.

Some brands of plastic deck materials may require a more supportive structure than wood or they will sag. The material is hotter in the summer and does not resemble the look of wood at all. The cost can be more or less than natural wood, depending on brand and style.

Aluminum

Decks made from anodized aluminum materials are more durable. They are great in areas near bodies of water, as they are extremely resistant to rot, mold and mildew. Their surface is cool in the heat and non-slippery.

Virtually maintenance free, they simply require sweeping and occasional rinsing with a garden hose. They offer a more contemporary look, with a wide choice of colors, which are very resistant to fading.

Aluminum is more expensive than wood. And if you want a more traditional-looking deck, it’s not your best choice.

Finnteriors Construction Services Can Build You a Great Deck

No matter what type of deck you prefer, Finnteriors can construct it for you. Don’t wait to get that additional living space to enjoy! Contact us today to get a free estimate for your new deck!

Spring is here, and although the weather has not yet reflected it, warm days are coming to St. Louis, guaranteed! Soon you’ll be looking to barbecue and entertain outdoors. Having a place to do that is something to consider now.

There are basically two types of outdoor venues for homes—decks and patios. Choosing which one is right for you and your lifestyle depends on a number of things, and there are pros and cons for each.

Differences between a Deck and Patio

Let’s first look at what differentiates a deck from a patio.

A deck is built above the ground. Although they can be placed close to the ground, they are not place directly on it, with a support system to hold it up. Decks are typically constructed of wood or vinyl. They can be built on the lower floor of a home, or added to an upper level. Some decks are actually on the rooftop. They usually have railings that enclose them and, if on upper levels, may have steps leading to the ground or lower level.

A patio, on the other hand, is built directly onto the ground. It can be attached to the home or located separately in the yard. Patio foundations can be constructed with concrete, stone, tile, pavers, brick or other materials. They typically don’t include railings, but may have covers to protect from sun and rain. Because the foundation is resistant to heat and fire, built-in barbecues and fire pits can be featured on the patios.

Choosing between a Deck or Patio

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether a deck or patio is right for you and your home. We’ve outlined some of them here.

Location

Where the outdoor space is built is a determining factor in your choice. If you want landscaping to surround your space, a patio would be a better option. Do you have uneven terrain? Decks would typically be the right choice for this situation, although a patio could be built with a retaining wall supporting it to make it level. But if you want the space on anything but the ground level, a deck is necessary.

Cost

Decks are typically more expensive to build than patios of the same size made with a concrete foundation. Of course, some of the newer materials that can be used for patios may jack up the cost, so that will need to be weighed.

Decks that are well built and maintained will retain more return on investment than do patios.

Purpose

Do you want your space surrounding a pool with built-in fireplaces, barbecues or the like? Will you be using it for entertaining large groups? Do you need overhead protection from the weather? All these would warrant a patio.

If your goal is to have a relaxing spot to read outdoors, if you want a great view or need the space built on a location that is above ground level or on a slope, a deck is your obvious choice.

Maintenance

Both decks and patios require varying degrees of maintenance depending on the building materials.

Wooden decks require periodic sealing, staining and even replacement of railings and floor planks as they age, whereas certain patios may require weeding between paving stones, filling in cracks and sealing, as in the case of concrete slabs.

Finnteriors Can Construct Both Decks and Patios

Regardless of your preferences and ultimate decision on whether you want a deck or patio, Finnteriors Construction Services can build it! We can also help you make the decision, based on a number of factors and our experience and knowledge.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you get that deck or patio construction started today so you don’t miss one beautiful day enjoying it!