Whether you want to replace your deck or build a new one, there is a lot of factors to consider. First, you need to check the structure of your home and lawn to ensure your property can support a deck. Then, you need to design the deck to make sure it adds to your property. You do not want to overshadow or detract from it. Finally, you need to choose a wood and stain for your deck. While the color of stain you choose can be a matter of personal taste, your choice of wood should be based on tested data to select the best type of wood for your area, climate, and use.
Your Choices
There are numerous types of wood that can be used to build your deck. However, most people will recommend three types of wood as your best options. These are cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated lumber. Each have their pros and cons, which must be analyzed carefully to help you decide the best type of wood for your project and your budget.
Pros and Cons
Cedar is often the first wood most people think of when building their deck. It is a soft wood that is naturally rot- and insect-resistant. However, due to its softness, it can often splinter easily. Furthermore, the best cuts of cedar come from trees that are 100 to 250 years old.
Redwood is beautiful and extremely stable. However, redwood is becoming more and more rare, as it only grows on the West Coast, mostly in California. As you travel east, the cost becomes much higher. In addition, redwood requires you to constantly reapply sealer over the years to maintain its luster and durability.
Finally, pressure-treated lumber is the cheapest of the three woods, and it is insect- and rot-repellant as well. It is easy to obtain and is often the most common wood used by deck builders. However, it is more unstable. This type of wood often twists, shrinks, and warps. You can opt to purchase a higher grade of lumber that will not encounter as many problems. However, in those instances the price becomes steeper.
No matter the type of wood you choose, your deck will require annual maintenance. After a Minnesota winter, your deck will require pressure washing – at the very least – to wash away the winter grime and restore its beauty. After several years of wear and weathering, your deck may require restaining and other types of treatment. You have two options: rebuild a deck every five years or properly maintain your deck to ensure it lasts a lifetime. When you are in need of deck restoration or basic annual maintenance to help preserve your deck for years to come, contact the experts at Roof to Deck Restoration at (651) 699-3504. Their restoration experts are happy to answer your questions and make sure you can enjoy your deck for many years to come.