What are the disadvantages of a deck?

What are the problems with decking?

What should you not do when building a deck?

What is the average life of a deck?

Traditional wood deck: Typically 10 to 15 years. Capped composite: Industry experts agree these boards can last 25 to 30+ years. Capped polymer (the best of the best): Because of its superior material composition, capped polymer boards can last much longer, potentially 50 years or more.

Is it better to have a deck or patio?

Decks can provide a great view, while patios tend to offer more privacy. The views from your deck or patio depend on your home's location and surrounding environment. However, decks usually offer better views than patios due to their elevation.

Four Major Disadvantages of Wood Composite Decking | WearDeck

What adds more value a deck or patio?

Both a deck and a patio offer an impressive resale value. However, patios are usually less expensive, and their resale value is 100%—slightly higher than a deck's 76% resale value.

How often should you reseal a deck?

Your deck should be re-sealed every 1-3 years if you want to protect the wood. This will help preserve your deck for years to come and help it to look brand new. The sealant will bring out the natural wood grain and the sealing will make it stand out.

How often do decks need maintenance?

Part of deck care is giving a deck a good cleaning once a year. Consider scheduling it when temperatures are mild, such as in spring. Before cleaning, clear any deck furniture, toys and potted plants out of the way. Sweep the deck.

What time of year should you install a deck?

Fall is the perfect time to build a deck. There's a common misconception that decks should only be built in the spring or summer, but autumn is actually an ideal time to begin building your deck.

What is the hardest part of building a deck?

Deck Board Spacing and Deck Board Fastening

The most difficult part of constructing a wooden deck is properly spacing the boards. Properly fastening the boards is a close second. The gap between boards or “deck board spacing” allows for wood expansion and contraction based on weather conditions.

What do I need to know before building a deck?

Does water ruin deck?

For example, rain will negatively affect wood faster and differently than it would another material such as tile. Wood of course, is the most susceptible to water and an unprotected wood deck can lead to all sorts of water damage including making wood soft and eventually even leading to rot and structural damage.

What is the most common deck failure?

The most common cause of deck failure is at the deck railing. Inadequately fastened railings (i.e. rusty nails/screws) are usually unable to withstand much lateral load. Low railings are also a cause for concern.

Does decking attract rodents?

Does the space under your garden composite decking attract rats? The short answer is no; this is an urban myth that circulated during the time outdoor decking became more popular.

Does decking attract termites?

Wooden decking can attract termites if the wood is not treated nor sealed. It is best to set support posts into concrete so they are fully surrounded and no part of the wood is in contact with the dirt. You should also elevate decking off the ground.

Do decks need to be stained every year?

Typically, homeowners should restain horizontal surfaces such as decks every two to three years. Poor deck upkeep will decrease the time you have to enjoy the deck before restaining it, while good deck upkeep may give you another year or two before you need to restain the deck.

How common are deck failures?

As many as 60 percent of the 45 million deck structures in America have safety issues, according to The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, which also estimates that 90 percent of deck collapses occur from failure in some way of the ledger (connection to the home or building), causing the deck to ...

Should you power wash your deck every year?

Most home maintenance contractors recommend power washing your deck once a year. An annual wash will keep your deck in optimal condition, cutting down on accumulation of dirt, mildew, or algae growth.

What happens if you don't seal your deck?

The effects that can occur due to a lack of treatment are aesthetic in nature. After 6 months, the wood will start to lose its color and will begin to fade. Ultimately it will fade to grey or silver.

Is it better to stain or seal a deck?

Stain offers little to no moisture protection, while sealant offers tremendous moisture protection. Conversely, clear sealants offer little to no UV resistance, while the pigment in many stains can act as a UV barrier for the wood.

What is the best way to protect a wood deck?

The best preventative measure you can take to protect your wooden deck is to use wood sealant. Clear wood sealants are a great way to maintain the natural beauty and wood grain while still preventing damage from rot, mold, and other weathering.

Do decks add value to a home?

Tips To Make Sure A Deck Increases Home Value

While a deck will increase your home value, the return on investment (ROI) depends on a few key factors, including location, material, timing and labor costs.

How many hours does it take to build a deck?

So how long does it take to build a deck? If you have a simple design and everything goes according to plan, you can get through the entire process in about one to three weeks. However, it often takes much longer than this. Waiting for the necessary permits and adding extra features to your deck can slow things down.

What size deck is most cost effective?

Check the cost per linear foot of the lumber you're considering; typically 12-foot boards are the most cost-effective. In other words, the cost per linear foot of a 12-foot board is likely to be several cents less than the cost of either an 8-foot or a 16-foot board.