DECK DESIGN AND DECK MAINTENANCE TIPS

With effective planning, adding an outdoor living area to your home will increase your living space, improve both your home and landscape’s appearance, and add value to your property. Conversely, a poorly executed decking project can become an eyesore and de-value your home. For the best results, do your homework and consult a professional deck company. Find homeowner approved deck construction and repair companies in Charlotte here.

FULLY UNDERSTAND HOW YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE WILL BE USED
IAnswer the following questions to determine your design and function. How much space do you have to work with? How and when will you use the space? What type of outdoor furnishings will you use? Are you going for an informal or elegant appearance? Will you use the deck in inclement or cold weather, and require protection from these elements? Will you need to screen in a portion to repel insects at night? Will the area open to a garden or swimming pool now or in the future? Will a spa or new landscaping be part of the design?

DECK DESIGN TIP - A GOOD DESIGN AND PLAN ARE ESSENTIAL TO A POSITIVE OUTCOME
Be sure to work with your contractor to sketch-out a “to-scale” design to gain a better sense for your project and to keep everyone on the same page. Everything from roofing, wraparound or multi-level design elements to basic dimensions should be included to help nail down the final game plan.

DECK DESIGN TIP - THERE ARE SEVERAL DECK MATERIALS FROM WHICH TO CHOOSE
Decks can be built with a variety of materials including pressure-treated pine, cedar, redwood and engineered composites. Pressure-treated pine is the most common “natural” option. Available in different grades, high-quality pressure-treated pine lasts longer and looks just as good as redwood and cedar. Growing in popularity, engineered composites combine wood fiber and plastic to create a durable product often guaranteed against insects, rot, warping and cracking.

BUILDING PERMITS AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Most municipalities require a building permit for a new deck or patio room, especially if it’s to be attached to the house or it’s more than 30 inches above ground; plus some homeowner’s insurance policies will not cover accidents involving construction that doesn’t meet local codes. It’s also important to know whether your yard or home could get damaged or become inaccessible during construction. Discuss contingency plans with your contractor, and make sure he plans to return your yard to its original condition if new landscaping is not part of the design.

DECK REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE TIPS
To keep your new or existing deck looking good and to extend it life seal your deck with a clear sealer or stain several weeks after installation, once the pressure-treated wood has had a chance to dry. To protect your deck from outdoor elements and keep it looking good over time, experts recommend pressure washing and re-sealing every other year. It’s also important to replace any rotten wood as part of your routine deck repair and maintenance.

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