Decks - Lift up your backyard

If you have some sort of outdoor space (the size really doesn’t matter), you probably either have an existing deck or you played with the idea of adding one. This is for a very good reason, decks really upscale any living space. There are so many options, the sky is the limit and if you play it smart, adding a deck might be cheaper than you think.

Here are a few main ideas to ponder about:

• a shady overhead structure (adding a pergola to the deck is a wonderful way of incorporating plants and lighting)

• Multi level structure (split a slope or steps and break them into sections of a few steps following a deck area and another set of steps to finish up to the top decking area)

• Railings around your decking area ( most building codes require a railing to be at least 36 inches tall)

• Incorporate existing trees and other plants around your deck (there is nothing more enchanting than a deck that wraps around a tree trunk, using the natural shade from the tree crown for a cool shaded gathering area)

• Materials

• Do you have uneven ground? Your deck could cover any “problem zones” in your yard

We have some decking project that you should check out:

It really all depends on your budget and decking space available. Material choices are key. Redwood planks are a sturdy material, make sure that the gaps are tight enough so that nothing can fall through or be a possible injury hazard. Wood is the most common and once upon a time the only choice for your deck. Good news, times have changed and the list of decking materials keep growing every year. Since wood is the longest and most popular option though to this day, I will first fill you in on all the wood types that you can use for your decking project:

• Pressure treated wood (This material will last about 15 years and is the least expensive type of wood. Most pressure treated wood is made from pine trees. Watch out or splinters are almost inevitable)

• Tropical Hardwoods (very durable and dense wood type, therefore pretty heavy on the budget. This wood lasts for about 25 years and has multiple different color options

• Hardwood Mangaris (take a look at the spa decking in Diana’s project) or IPE

• Redwood or cedar wood are the happy middle between pressure treated wood and tropical wood. This option will give you 20 years and it has a natural defense against insects.

  Now let’s move to our other materials that suit a decking project:

• Plastic decking materials: Celular PVC is 100% environmentally safe material and is extremely durable. It will last you a life time without having to touch up any of the slabs. No maintenance = a happier easier life.

• Composite decking materials are made out of one part waste wood fibers and second part plastic these boards are also very durable and naturally UV resistant. They come in lots of different pattern options mimicking real wood and engineered slabs have groves on the bottom for a lighter weight and you can mount them together without using visible screws.

  If you are interested in any of the modern decking choices, you can find a list of vendors and local contributors online. Free samples are usually available for pickup.