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Outdoor Decking
Home Improvement

What You Need To Know About Decking

Your outdoor space has a significant impact on the overall outlook of your home. After all, it’s the first thing that passers-by see whenever they walk past your property. A well-constructed deck creates an excellent first impression, provides a relaxation area for family and friends, and makes your home more appealing to possible buyers.

If you’re planning to build a deck this summer, here are the factors you need to consider about decking.

What’s the Purpose of Your Deck?

Before anything, you must outline the reasons for constructing your deck. This will help you determine the right features, shape, and size. If you plan to use it for eating with your friends and family, ensure that you leave adequate space around the table to avoid commotions during meals. Invest in a fireplace, LED lighting, and even a music system to create a tranquil environment if it’s for relaxing. 

Choose the Right Materials

Choose wood, mainly tropical hardwood, if you want your deck to have a premium feel and visual elegance. This material has an unrivalled aesthetic appeal that will always leave the deck’s occupants wowed. However, you need to apply a waterproof sealant and invest in anti-termite protection to ensure that it lasts long.

The cheaper alternative to wood is PVC. This material is waterproof and invulnerable to rotting and termites. It’s also easy to clean. On the downside, it squeaks whenever you step on it. 

Another less-popular option is aluminium decking. Its most significant advantages are slip resistance and protection against rusting, making it ideal for wet locations. However, it’s expensive. 

What About Style?

Always consider the design of your house when building a deck. Ideally, the deck should complement or even match the style used to construct your home. Otherwise, you’ll end up with an expensive structure that looks out of place. 

Identify the Right Location

The next thing is to find the right spot for building your deck. If you have a big compound, there might be several suitable locations, which is why your deck’s purpose informs your final decision. That said, it’s essential to consider scenic views, amount of natural light, accessibility, and wind patterns to ensure that the chosen spot provides maximum comfort. 

Cost

The size and features on your deck determine its overall cost.  The saying “you get what you pay for” is often true when it comes to buying materials. Cheap materials and designs usually degrade faster than high-end items.

Another fact that affects cost is the method of installation you choose. You can save a substantial amount of money by building the deck yourself. However, a DIY project for a deck requires some skillset, so do not go into it if you are unsure of your expertise.

Conclusion

Whether you choose the DIY route or hire a professional, ensure that you have the suitable materials to construct a deck. Using substandard materials puts you at the risk of demolition when relevant authorities come for routine inspections. In worst-case scenarios, the structure can collapse and cause significant property loss and injuries to its occupants. 


Read More:
Essential Steps for Building a Pergola
The Pros and Cons of Timber Decking

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