A nice, spacious deck can be a wonderful addition to the outdoor atmosphere of any home. Not only can a deck help define your outdoor living space, it can also serve as a dedicated place for you and your family members to gather around, have meals, or simply relax. While even the most economical of decks can be rather expensive, most homeowners tend to find that the cost is well worth it, both from a functional and home equity perspective.
When it comes to deck installation, there are several common decking materials from which homeowners are able to choose. While price tends to play a big role in some people’s decisions, others tend to focus on an aspect that can end up turning deck ownership into one ongoing hassle – the maintenance factor. After all, some decking materials certainly require a fair amount of upkeep, and unless you’re prepared for what’s in store, you could end up choosing the wrong material and regretting your decision down the line. Mario Rappa is the proud owner of A-Z Nassau Construction Corp., a family-owned general contracting company that has been serving Long Island and the five boroughs of New York City since 1999, and he thinks that it’s important for homeowners to understand the degree of maintenance involved in each type of local decking material.
If the idea of deck maintenance sounds unappealing to you and you’re willing and able to pay for the convenience of minimal upkeep, then your best bet might be to go with a composite option such as Trex or TimberTech. The benefit of these materials is that they are designed in a manner that is highly resistant to wear and tear, thereby making maintenance more of a non-issue. On the other hand, don’t confuse “low maintenance” for “no maintenance.” All decks, including composite ones, need to be maintained to some degree, though in many cases, a semi-annual cleaning is really all it takes to get your composite deck looking as good as new.
If you’re willing to put in a fair amount of time with respect to deck upkeep, then a wooden deck might be a good choice for you. When it comes to wood, most homeowners will usually be given the option of going au natural, or selecting a pressure-treated wood. Pressure-treating is a process that involves injecting chemical preservatives into wood. While pressure-treated wood still requires maintenance, it is less likely to attract termites and other such destructive insects, making it a more durable option on the decking front. Whether you decide to go with pressure-treated wood (which, incidentally, is more expensive) or standard, natural wood, you should be prepared to dedicate some time towards proper cleaning and upkeep. Wooden decks, if not properly tended to, can begin to rapidly succumb to the elements of rain, snow, and sun exposure. Therefore, if you’re going to opt for wood, then be prepared to spend your days sealing and staining away.
Before you sign a contract to have your new deck installed, realize that regardless of the material you choose, owning a deck involves a fair degree of commitment, maintenance, and responsibility. However, if you’re up to the challenge, then you’ll probably come to find that despite all of your hard work, the benefits of having a comfortable deck will be well worth the sacrifice.
