Is Your Deck Wood Good? Pros and Cons of Common Deck Materials

In today’s world, there are more choices for your deck than just wood. However many prefer the beauty of a good wood deck, but know what you want and where to get it. Some woods are treated with chemicals, depending on the company, and you’ll find differences in quality and price. The chemicals keep the wood from rotting and also free from insects.

The most popular wood material is cedar and pine, and they are used more often in outdoor construction. Pine is less expensive, sturdy, and easy to work with, and is usually chemically treated. While cedar is naturally weather and bug resistant due to the substance within the wood itself. It is cost effective and beautiful as well.

Ipe is a tropical hardwood. It takes a special high-end saw blade to cut. The wood is dense and is often pre-drilled for screws. Ipe is more expensive than other deck materials, and they claim that it will last 3 times longer without the use of sealant. It is naturally resistant to bugs and weather. It is also less combustible, but is not fireproof.

Before you make your choices for a wood deck, check out the other deck materials. Plastic lumber has many advantages over wood. You can cut or drill it just like wood, and it won’t rot or draw bugs. It is also low maintenance and you’ll never have to seal it. Plastic lumber will make a nice deck for you, but remember it is not suitable for support capacities.

Composite deck material is just what it says, and it falls between plastic lumber and wood. Usually it is made from scrap wood fiber and recycled plastic. Because of that it is resistant to water and rot as well. It looks and feels like wood, and is a good choice in wet climates. The composite will withstand water and is slip resistant.

When you’re planning on doing the work yourself and if you don’t have much experience at building decks there are deck plans you can buy to help you plan and build the deck.

If that is more than you want to tackle, try hiring a deck contractor. They will get the job done long before summer and they have the knowledge to build the deck that will fit in your back yard. They’ll use the wood that is best suited for your area and instruct you in the ways to keep it in good condition for the life of your home.

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Need An Decking Contractor? Remember These Things

The time has arrived, and you want to get that decking you’ve wanted ever since you bought your new home. You made the decision, now what? First, unless you’re going to do the work yourself, find a contractor who installs Orange County decks. Find more than one, and ask for a quote in writing. Make sure the contractor makes a list of everything he will do for you. Will it include electricity? How about rails or steps if the deck will be higher than the ground level. What kind of wood will he use, or is there another material that could be utilized? Will you need a concrete or brick area to install your barbecue? Is it on the list? If not, why not?

One of the most important questions you need to ask your contractor, is he licensed? Does he carry insurance in case he is injured on the job? Does he know what he is talking about? You will be wise not to hire a person who is not licensed or insured. Sure he is cheaper, but his product will be cheaper too.

Does he do all the work himself? Or does he hire sub-contractors? If he does, does he have workers compensation? Does he pay his workers when they finish their job or wait until you pay him in full? If not, why not.
Don’t ever pay a contractor in full. Pay a small down payment, then break the remaining balances in two or three payments, for instance one payment could be made when the supplies reach your property. The final payment is due only when the job is completed and you’re happy with the work.

All right, you picked your contractor, and you inspected some of his jobs he has done in your area? He won’t be the cheapest, but he doesn’t have to be the highest either. Before you sign on the dotted line, sit down with him and tell him exactly how you want the deck to look when he is finished. Are you happy with his suggestions and his price?

If you have negative concerns about him on the above questions, don’t sign the contract until he knows what you want and expect. Then and only then sign and stand back and let him do his job. Don’t stand around and watch his every move. The contractor should have a printed contract, filled out with everything you’ve talked about. If it’s not on the contract, it won’t be done.

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