What kind of Deck is best for you? - Knowing the different types of decks

Looking to upgrade your backyard? Need somewhere to host all of your family and friends? Imagine stepping out onto your beautiful porch first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee and watching the dog run around your backyard chasing squirrels. Knowing what kind of deck is best for you is important. From the location, shape, even the material; all of these things go into price, construction time, and maintenance that your new deck will need. 

Different Styles of Decks

There are a few different styles of decks and a bunch of different factors to consider when it comes to those different styles of decks.

Things to consider when choosing a deck style: 

• Function - What do you intend on using this deck for mainly? Do you want to entertain your friends and family? 

• Location - Will your deck be exposed to direct sunlight? Does your area get storms such as tornadoes, hail, or strong winds? 

• Local Codes - Do you have an HOA in your area, what are there regulations for decks? Does your city have different rules when it comes to building a new deck? 

All of these things are important to consider when you're deciding on any kind of addition to your home. Now what about the different styles of decks. There are a few different ones to consider depending on your area and your needs for the deck. You should be able to make an informed decision of which one will make you the happiest moving forward.

Traditional Decks 

These decks are classic and traditional. They come right off the back door and extend from there. Traditional decks can be both raised off the ground or flush with it if that is what you prefer. 

Multi Level Decks

Multi Level decks are just what they seem, multiple levels of a deck. This can range from a large top deck and smaller bottom deck to two large decks with a connecting staircase. Decks like these are perfect for entertaining large groups of people, giving the teens a little bit of privacy during family events, or having multiple different families in the same home. A deck like this is eye-catching and works extremely well with uneven terrain. 

Wrap-around Deck 

A wrap-around deck provides multiple access points to your home, yard, and to the deck itself. If your priorities include enjoying the view of your surroundings then is this the deck for you. While it may require additional support due to its large nature it is also eye-catching and unique. The price and length of construction time for these decks normally depend on the size of your home and how far around you would like to go. 

Rooftop Deck 

Rooftop decks allow for maximized space, privacy, and a unique factor for your home. This is great in increasing your home property value. However a rooftop deck isn’t the best for every location. If you tend to get a lot of different weather conditions in your area then this probably isn’t the deck for you. There are also accessibility issues when it comes to a deck with such high elevation.

What material is best for your deck? 

The material your deck is made out of will determine a big portion of your price and how much maintenance your deck will require. This will also contribute to things such as the appearance of your deck and what the main uses of your deck are. 

Aluminum 

Aluminum Decks are low maintenance, fire resistant, and appealing for areas prone to wildfires, hail, strong winds, and rainfall. Things to think about is how much sunlight they are going to get since then they tend to get warm on your feet if the area is receiving a ton of direct sunlight. If you are looking for a deck to walk around barefoot on then this isn’t going to be recommended for you. 

Concrete/Stone 

Concrete and stone decks tend to be one of the most expensive due to their materials and the labor that is required to create one. They are very durable due to the fact that they are strong materials, but due to that they can be eroded away due to the materials used to create them. They are not recommended for raised decks and are normally best for a smaller scale deck. 

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC decks are highly resistant to mold, mildew, water, and insect damage. While they normally come at a higher cost they do not require maintenance and do not stain. Decks made with this material are best if your family is highly active or even tend to be a little accident prone. 

Composite Decking

Composite deck materials come highly recommended from our professionals here are Esarey. They are made of a mixture of polyethylene plastic and wood fibers allowing for a wood like look without all the maintenance. These decks are resistant to rotting, wear and even sun damage. They don’t require weatherproofing nor paint. 

Wood Decks 

There are many different types of wood that can be used to create a deck. All of these different types come with their own ups and downs. Wood decks are going to require the most amount of maintenance of any other decking material but the type of wood contributes significantly to what kind of maintenance you will need to do. However unlike many of the other deck materials these decks are able to change, say you decide you want to paint your house and now the deck doesn’t match. Well it's just wood, paint it a different color. Switch it up! The sky's the limit with a wood deck.

Redwood 

Redwood decks are classic for their color and resilience to decay. However these decks also come with an environmental benefit as the trees naturally trap a lot of carbon that is in the air and the average Redwood deck is holding a half-ton of carbon. The naturally occurring oils in a Redwood tree also deters termites. However these decks do have a high cost and are one of the softer woods making them prone to easily denting. 

Cedar

Cedar wood is great for its natural resin protecting it from rot and its classic appearance. This wood also stays cool in the summer making it perfect for if you're wanting to go barefoot on your deck comfortably all summer. It is also less prone to warping and twisting. However it does easily scratch and requires regular maintenance.  

Bamboo

Bamboo is dense and strong allowing for high durability and its naturally fire resistant. Also due to it growing much faster than trees it is environmentally friendly and is more attainable than many other wood options. Hoever is does require a high amount of maintenance and has length restrictions .

Pressure-treated Wood 

Pressure-treated wood is treated with chemicals that will protect it from environmental factors and bugs, however after a few years those chemicals can leach out from the wood which is a concern for many homeowners. This wood also has a low maintenance requirement and is easily installed allowing it to be very affordable. 

IPE/Brazilian Walnut 

IPE wood is one of the hardest woods available for decking making it highly durable against fire and denting. This wood is water, rot and insect resistant and has a long lifespan while also requiring a low amount of maintenance. However due to how hard it is it does tend to have high labor costs associated with it and it is often hard to find. 

Now that you have all the factors to consider when it comes to building a new deck or even renovating your old one! Feel free to give us a call at Esarey Construction for all of your deck contractor needs! Just need to get a deck repaired, no problem! We’d love to hear from you!