Imagine in your mind all the homes you’ve ever visited, lived in, vacationed in, or owned. Is it possible for one single house, no matter how beautiful on the inside, to be complete without a deck? Of course not. We are meant to have outdoor spaces to provide calm and connection with nature.
The choice is yours if you want a quaint porch with old fashioned rocking chairs, a screened-in room to keep the bugs away, or a two-story deck that is big enough to invite the entire extended family. But one fact remains: the deck makes the home. A comfortable patio is vital to getting the most out of spring and summer. It can be the focal point of any gathering, or the essential hideaway for some alone time with your favorite book.
So far, no arguments, right? Having a beautiful deck is a no brainer. But if you know you’re ready for a deck facelift or even a full reconstruction, how do you decide what kind of deck you want?
In today’s market, there are countless colors, textures, and origins of building materials. Then there are the added temptations of pools, hot tubs, screened-in sections, or wraparounds. Sometimes the decisions can get a bit overwhelming.
Our small, personalized team of expert builders at Dupont Construction and Remodeling can guide you through these decisions and more. Let us help you get straight to the enjoyable summer evenings spent relaxing on your perfect deck.
Material is Key
First things first: the most basic and important decision you’ll have to make is whether you want to construct with real wood or synthetic composite materials. Each of these materials has its downsides and upsides.
Real wood is beautiful and, because it was the material your grandfather used to make his deck, it can even be nostalgic. When you think of all the hose splashing fights and hot dog eating you and your family did out on the old deck, you may want to recreate that classic wooden feel.
However, if you’re ready to make new memories, have less upkeep, and more durability, perhaps composite materials are more up your alley. These modern synthetic materials come in a variety of colors that can be matched perfectly with the exterior of your home. Plus, they can last a lifetime, meaning their sturdiness has no match.
At Dupont Construction, we’re also proud to be authorized installers of many low-maintenance synthetic and composite decking materials, such as Trex, Azek, or TimberTech.
Still not sure whether to stray from the old-fashioned wood decks of your childhood and upgrade to the modern durability of composite decks? Check out this pros and cons list that will help you make the right decision for your home.
How valuable is your time?
Wood decks are more cost-efficient. Travelers reports it could cost 15 to 20 percent more on average nationwide for composite material than pressure-treated pine. However, when you factor in the durability of composite materials, you may end up saving money in the long run by never having to replace or repair rotting sections of a wood deck ever again.
As they say, time is money, and the minimum upkeep of composite material will allow room in your schedule to throw that neighborhood barbeque you’ve wanted for the past three summers. Not to mention, all your friends will be oohing and aahing over your shiny new deck. It’s your choice if you want to let them know how old it really is.
Composites are a friend to the environment
There is a big incentive to choose composite material over wood because most composites are made from waste like plastic bags, milk jugs, and sawdust. According to This Old House, every 20 feet of decking contains about 30 pounds of material that would have ended up in a landfill.
Since the 1990s when composite materials came on the scene, deck experts have made their products look more and more like fresh-cut cedar, redwood, or even tropical hardwoods. As the likeness to wood increased, so did the entire industry.
Last year, the market reached one billion dollars. And that dramatic growth means a great big win for environmental sustainability. Who knew that sunbathing on your deck could be so green!
The Real Thing
No matter how durable and sustainable, composite wood is not real wood. The only way to get the beauty of an actual wood deck is to get the real thing.
However, real wood means real upkeep. Remember that as time goes by, you will have to spend some valuable summer days staining, painting, touching up, and replacing rotting sections of wood. This work means fewer days grilling and chilling, and more days with a paint can in your hand under the hot sun.
If you’re the handy type and always looking for a new home project, then a wooden deck is just the ticket. But if you’d prefer to switch that paint can out for an ice-cold beer can, go with composite.
Luckily, composites can be pre-matched to blend in perfectly with the color of your home so that you never need to stain or paint again. These materials don’t rot, so you need not fear summer showers or icy winters.
Rain or shine, a synthetic composite wood will not break, rot, or wear. Give it a good sweep now and again, and a wash every season, and that is all the upkeep you will ever have to maintain.
So if the real thing sounds like real work to you, check out all the synthetic wood options that Dupont Construction and Remodeling can set up for you. And if you’re still dreaming of redoing your deck in all wood, we have that too!
At Dupont Construction and Remodeling, we specialize in custom-built decks that meet our client needs. We pride ourselves on our variety of wood, synthetic, and composite decking materials which provide a complete array of options to our clients.
Our team of deck experts can help you find the right decision for your home. Take the first step in acquiring the deck of your dreams by requesting a free estimate today.
