It’s the perfect time of year for a new deck!
It’s the perfect time of year for a new deck! Whether you’re building a totally new deck, or you’re replacing one that has seen better days, your first course of action will probably be to choose your deck materials. With so many options on the market today, it can be difficult to choose. Fortunately, we’ve developed this helpful guide to some of the deck materials that you can choose from.
Cedar
The natural beauty of hardwood is unparalleled. Cedar decking is relatively inexpensive, and it’s easy to work with if you’re trying to go the DIY route. When purchasing cedar for your deck, choose the darker-colored heartwood. The lighter variations are sapwood and will be far more prone to rotting. Look for “heartwood common”, as this has more heartwood than “construction common”. It can be a bit more expensive, but you get what you pay for. Cedar needs to be refinished every year, and will last around 15 to 20 years.
Cost: About $3.75 per sq. ft. for material only, $5.35 installed.
Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressure-treated wood is made of fir that has been treated with anti-rot and insecticide agents. Its low cost makes it a favorite to those who are trying to save some money. Once upon a time, the anti-rot treatment contained arsenic, but in 2004 it was replaced with copper which is only a hazard if burned. Pressure-treated wood is typically tan or brown in color. This color can be enhanced with stain. Pressure-treated wood can last upwards of 20 to 30 years, but it has to be re-finished with a clear sealer or stain every other year.
Cost: About $2.35 per sq. ft. for material only, $3.80 per sq. ft. installed.
Vinyl
Polyvinyl chloride is relatively new to the deck materials party, but it is quickly gaining steam because it is extremely easy to maintain. PVC does not contain any wood at all. The high-end varieties have a strong core that’s wrapped with a durable outer layer of solid PVC and usually come with a 25-year warranty. PVC deck materials also come in several colors and shades.
Cost: About $5.95 per sq. ft. for material only, $9.60 installed.
Get a Gorgeous New Deck from Blair Construction
For a beautiful new roof or new bathroom flooring planned and installed by professionals you can trust, contact Blair Construction. We have been serving our valued Maryland customers for almost thirty years and look forward to giving your roof the care it needs for years to come. Contact us online or give us a call at (410) 729-0777 to get a free in-home estimate. To see examples of our work and get updates on what we are up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Houzz.