Your outdoor space is an extension of the interior, a place to enjoy for many months of the year. It makes sense that building a deck can boost the value of your home and give a peaceful retreat. Wood decking is the choice for homeowners, but synthetic plank decking gives good looks with less maintenance. Composites, blend wood and plastic, have chipped away at wood’s popularity. Some contain even recycled plastic and are available at Brite Decking, a manufacturer of composite decking Melbourne.
There are so many materials available so it’s tough to know which material will stand the test of time. You should go for smart options that fit your budget and create a space that is easy to care and relaxing.
Is It Time For A New Deck?
If your deck has cracks, suffers from mildew, looks dirty, it’s time to decide whether to repair or replace it entirely.
Signs of an unsafe deck are not obvious so safety checks are critical when you decide to replace or repair. If your deck was built before 2004, it may be made of lumber treated with chromated copper arsenate . If the finish is freaking or worn off in spots, it is suggested to hire a pro, who is equipped to safely remove the old finish, debris and dust and then refinish it. Some considerations to be kept in mind –
Costs – You can save a lot by replacing the decking yourself. Along with the circular saw you need a drill, which is cordless. For wood, solid stains typically last longer. When pricing the materials, figure out the cost of stairs, railings and supporting structure as well as the planks underfoot. If you are hiring a pro, take a note of the cost of labour-to make a new deck or to replace old planking on an already existing structure, this can easily exceed the cost of the materials.
Complement Your Home’s Design – The width of the decking, its finish and colour, and the design of the railing are important elements of design. Raised ranch , or contemporary house style goes well with the lot of deck designs. It’s challenging to make a deck with older styles such as colonial, Tudor, or 1920 bungalow. Most manufacturers of synthetic decking offer a range of railings, such as mission style or provincial that can help to fit the deck with the rest of the house.
Sidestep Missteps- Screws and nails are inexpensive, easy to handle and suitable for any material. But nails pop loose over time whereas screws are more permanent. Ceramic coated screws are available in several colours which help them blend in. To avoid splitting planks, drill holes for nails, countersink screws in wood and into composite pre drill screw holes. Use zinc coated or other corrosion resistant fasteners and use the right fasteners for composites. Also find out hidden fasteners that hide the attachment. Before staining, brush or pressure wash the old surface with a cleaning solution. If there are any leftover mildew and mould, remove it using a solution of one part bleach and 3 part water. In staining, use as many coats as recommended by the manufacturer. Be sure that the temperature is at least 50 degree from the time the stain is applied until it dries out completely.
