This is part three of four in a series on landscape structures. Part three covers decks.
Decks are a comfortable spot to enjoy nature at home. They are an ideal locale for reading a book, relaxing with family, entertaining friends, and simply taking in the ambiance Mother Nature has to offer.
There are three major types of deck building projects. Those are building a new deck, renovating an existing deck, or adding a full ceiling system underneath a deck to allow the area beneath to become dry outdoor living space.
At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, I work closely with clients to determine their needs and budgets. This way I can help design the ultimate outdoor living space that often includes decks. My comprehensive landscape design includes placement of any landscape structures, such as decks, for an ultimate aesthetic appeal. Best of all, clients that utilize my 3D designs get to see what their deck will look like before construction even takes place!
In my latest blog below, I discuss the advantages of decks, materials, and numerous design ideas.
Benefits of Decks
These landscape structures provide so many wonderful advantages to homeowners. A few most noteworthy benefits include:
· Increases home value
· Expands house’s square footage
· Provides endless entertainment possibilities
· Creates luxurious aesthetic appeal to yard
Common Deck Building Materials
Today, there are so many options for what materials you can use to build your deck. On top of that, there are also many stains in some materials allowing for a variety of colors. As part of the design process with Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we will discuss the various materials available, what they will look like, and how they fit into your budget.
Five popular deck materials are:
1. Pressure-treated lumber
2. Cedar
3. Redwood
4. Composite
5. Ipe
Below I go into a little more detail on each material’s pros and cons.
Pressure-treated lumber
Advantages: Lower cost and chemically treated to withstand mold, rot, and insect damage.
Disadvantages: Higher maintenance and tends to warp or crack over time.
Cedar
Advantages: Most inexpensive among the natural wood options, beautiful natural wood appearance, and long lifespan.
Disadvantages: More expensive than non-natural wood options and requires annual power washing and a coat finish every three to four years.
Redwood
Advantages: Long lifespan, beautiful natural wood appearance, durable, and often naturally rot-resistant.
Disadvantages: Expensive, harder to get on the East Coast, and requires annual power washing and a coat finish every three to four years.
Composite
Advantages: Low-maintenance, available in huge selection of colors and textures, and withstands rotting and insect damage.
Disadvantages: Damp spaces can attract mold and depending on the company and selection can be expensive.
Ipe (one of the more popular tropical hardwoods)
Advantages: Durable, naturally resistant to rot and insect damage, sleek and beautiful natural wood appearance, and long lifespan.
Disadvantages: Must be sealed every year, expensive, and not great option to stain or finish.
When selecting a deck material, it is important to factor in cost, maintenance, and what it will be used for. These variables will direct you to which deck material looks great, but also fits within your budget and needs.
Deck Design Ideas
A deck is not simply a space to sit outside, it provides the opportunity to create an outdoor living space you and your family will enjoy for years to come. Below are a few fun ideas to add to your deck!
· Hot tub
· Built-in seats
· Plants
· Garden
· Shade sails
· Lighting
· Patio furniture
· Fire pits (Read this great article on the do’s and don’ts for fire pits on wood decks!)
Let Me Help You Create Your Dream Deck Today!
Why wait any longer to build the deck of your dreams for your family to enjoy? Get started today by giving me a call at 336-848-7164 or completing this contact form. I look forward to patenting with you to create an outdoor living space you adore!
Check my Instagram page for inspiration and ideas for all things landscaping! Don’t miss the fourth and final blog in this landscape structures series. It will cover porches.