What is a deck used for?

Speaking in architectural terms, a deck is an elevated structure either attached to a house or freestanding, that has one or multiple levels and is built for the purpose of enjoying a view and extending living space outdoors.

What is the purpose of deck in house?

It's the Perfect Place to Entertain

Add some patio furniture, and you'll have a comfortable area where people can conversate, eat, and gather together. On beautiful days, a deck offers a gorgeous view of nature while you spend time with people you care about.

What is the purpose of a deck in your backyard?

The great thing about a deck is that it gives you functional outdoor living space. Once you build a deck, you'll probably consider it an extension of your indoor living space. In all likelihood, it will be accessible from your main level and can therefore be used for relaxing, reading, eating, and more.

What can you do with a deck?

Why would you want a deck?

And decks enable you to better utilize your yard space, so guests can have more places to relax or play games. You may want to add additional features to your deck to better host your guests, such as lighting, a grill, or built-in kitchen. You may even consider adding an outdoor fireplace.

What Makes a Great Deckbuilder?

What are the benefits of a deck?

What is the downside of a deck?

Can you leave a deck untreated?

However, choosing not to stain or paint the deck is simply a preference of the homeowner. 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 a deck a good idea?

There's a 76% return on investment for a wooden deck on average, higher than all indoor home renovations. Depending on the material, decks need to be power washed, stained and sealed every couple of years. Decks can be installed on any type of land, even if your yard is not level.

What is the benefit of a deck vs patio?

Some other factors to consider, when adding up the advantages and disadvantages of patios and decks. Seasonality: Decks tend to absorb and retain less heat than patios, making them a better option for hot climes. Space: Depending on your home and yard layout, one structure might be a better use of space.

Does a deck add property value?

According to the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling magazine, a deck addition is a top 10 outdoor home improvement. A wood deck, which will cost on average about $16,766 will recoup about 68% of its value, and a composite deck, which will cost about $22,426, will recoup about 63% at home sale.

Are decks supposed to be attached to the house?

While attached decks are often recommended, your deck does not have to attach to your house. There are floating and freestanding decks that are not attached to your home.

How long will a deck last?

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.

How much should my deck cost?

Expect to pay about $21 per square foot for a deck. The average cost to build a deck is $7,320, and most homeowners pay $3,920 – $10,540. However, some large and lavish decks cost as much as $17,000, and some small decks cost as little as $1,600. Expect to pay about $21 per square foot for a deck.

Which is cheaper patio or deck?

Patios are usually more cost-effective to construct than decks. The reason for this is that they're usually made out of concrete, bricks, or stone, which are all less expensive materials! One study showed that—per square foot—patios cost less than half the cost of decks!

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 to avoid when building a 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 ...

Where do most decks fail?

Deck failure can occur where the joists were toe nailed to the ledger or where the hangars are corroded. Rotted wood where the hangars or nails attach can also cause this type of failure. This can cause the deck to pull away from the house. The posts or beams can fail due to rot.

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.

Is a deck high maintenance?

Unfortunately, because the deck area is left outdoors in all climates and weather conditions, it frequently requires a lot of maintenance to keep it looking and functioning at its best.

What do I need to know before building a deck?

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.

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.

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.