If there’s one thing that unites this great country – especially once the weather is warm and barbecue season is in full swing – it is our passionate love for our outdoor decks.
So, whether you are building one from scratch or just want to make the one you have bigger and better, here are some deck renovations that will pay off down the road.
Getting started
The average contractor charges $35 per square foot to build a deck, but where the cost can vary enormously is in the material. Hollow-core PVC can cost as little as $7.50 per square foot, cedar even less at $3.50 – while the Brazilian hardwood goes for $22 or more. A great way to save money is to design your deck for standard lengths of lumber : 6-, 8-, 10-, or 12- foot boards. This will eliminate any wasted wood from cutoffs. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity sell reclaimed wood from demos, as do some local salvage shops. In addition to possibly scoring unique hardwoods, the savings can be significant.
Protect your investment
Your deck is constantly exposed to sun, rain, snow and whatever else you can think of. To ensure longevity, you should waterproof wood decks regularly even if you are letting the cedar or redwood age naturally. Water can cause direct damage in the form of rot and indirect damage like mold. Be aware of protecting vulnerable surfaces with a product such as C2 Guard, a nontoxic waterproofer designed for use on unsealed wood and concrete surfaces.
Beyond wood
Pure, quality wood is the gold standard for decks but there are other options. Wood decks need yearly maintenance, and those costs can rapidly add up over 20 years they’re expected to last. It is recommended to use a quality wood composite, which initially has a slighter higher cost. But without the need to treat the deck every year, you’re soon saving money over traditional wood. TimberTech is the only premium wood composite decking that is capped with a protective polymer on all four sides. Better yet, TimberTech decking comes with a 25-year limited residential warranty.
Eye on entertaining
Outdoor entertaining should be the key focus of any deck design. Especially when reselling your home, any new buyer will immediately see the appeal of barbecue days and summer nights on a deck. Since all of these people will need a place to sit, one easy way to add that is a built-in bench made out of the same wood as the deck itself. It generally offers a strong return on investment. This look is not only streamlined but also relatively budget-friendly, costing $500-$1,500. Best of all, such seats will withstand the elements as well as the flooring underneath. That said, don’t throw style and comfort under the bus. Make sure to add cushions and choose at least one statement piece of furniture with a pop of color to reflect your personality and design taste.
Light the way
If you plan to hang out on your deck well after sunset, fireflies aren’t going to cut it as a light source. Modernize – a website that empowers homeowners to get home improvement projects done – suggests simple ground lights to stringing fairy lights to solar lights.
Don’t play with fire
Built-in or portable fire pits are warm, cozy and the source of deck fires. Whether embers blow out of the pit or the heat from the pit ignites the wood deck, the result is often tragic, with homes burned to the ground. Place your fire pit in the backyard far from anything flammable. And to safely heat things up on your deck, buy a patio warmer.
