If you’ve been bitten by the Spring bug, chances are you are looking forward to getting back outdoors after being sequestered indoors all winter. If you’re like many folks in Central Georgia, you’re thinking about making some home improvements to add value to your leisure time while at home with the coming weather being more pleasant and inviting.
Speaking of adding value, if you want to enhance your backyard, you may want to seriously consider a new deck by Archadeck. The 2022 Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report indicates that a homeowner can expect an average return on investment (ROI) of 65% from a new wood deck and 62% from a composite deck.
It’s not that home buyers necessarily prefer wood decks; it simply means that it often costs less to build a wood deck, so recouping those costs is easier.
Should I Add A Wood Or Composite Deck? Aside From An Increase In Future Property Values, What Else Should I Consider?
If you are looking to have this Central Georgia deck expert design and build a new deck for your family, you should be thinking about how you plan to use it to ensure that once the deck design is done, it will meet your functional needs for outdoor living enjoyment.
When you entertain outdoors, how many guests will you most likely need to accommodate? Speaking of entertainment, would a custom outdoor kitchen with a capacity for a smoker or a grill be in order? And once mealtime hits, would you like to head back inside the house to dine or enjoy the feast while you are still on the deck enjoying your beautiful landscape? If the latter, how large of an alfresco outdoor dining table do you envision – and where would you like to place it on your new deck footprint?
Once you have pretty much figured out what the new project logistics need to be, you then need to consider deck building materials. Many Georgians love the beauty of the great outdoors and prefer the look, texture and impact of a real wood deck.
The material options for a wood deck are plentiful from pressure-treated pine deck lumber to more adventurous woods like cedar or exotic Ipe.
While you’re ROI may be greater with a wood deck, remember that there will be annual maintenance involved – like comprehensive cleaning, sanding and staining.
On the flip side of that deck decision coin, if you truly want to enjoy your new deck – or your expanded and upgraded deck with our redecking process – and not be concerned with seasonal physical labor, Archadeck has some wonderful alternatives to using wood.
Is My Current Deck A Good Candidate For Redecking?
If the backyard deck you currently enjoy is looking aged and tired, and you want to give it a refresh, Archadeck redecking may be a great way to go. The caveat is that you need to be sure that the foundation base structure is sound enough to accommodate the upgrade. If so, this would also be the smart time to consider expanding your deck foundation if you think you would like more functional usable space on your redecking upgrade.
So how can you tell if your deck is sound enough for redecking? Look at the joists. If they show rot and a penetration of mildew from excessive moisture, that's a bad sign. If the wood is soft, or if you're able to push a screwdriver into the wood, that's an equally bad sign. A more common test is inspecting your deck just by using your finger – no tools needed. Start with areas that are stained or wrinkled. If they are soft or pliable to the touch or if they start to collapse under the pressure of your finger, the wood is deteriorating and your deck is no longer structurally sound.
Joists are hard to replace without tearing up a portion of your deck, so if they show damage, it's probably time to replace it and rebuild. This is where Archadeck’s deck building expertise will be invaluable in helping you decide how to proceed – build new or redeck the structure you already enjoy. At Archadeck, deck safety is job #1.
Composite Decking VS Synthetic PVC Decking – Which Should I Use?
For this choice, it comes down to a matter of your personal taste and philosophy. Both composite decking and synthetic PVC decking will stand the test of time, resist rot, moisture and mildew, and will never crack or peel – hence the term associated with them is “low maintenance.”
A major composite favorite material of this Central Georgia deck builder is Fiberon. Stylish, strong and easy to maintain, it is a sustainable choice that reduces our carbon footprint by containing wood and plastic components that are basically excess and would normally be disposed of. This composite polyethylene decking contains recycled plastics and wood flour components combined to form a durable composite material that is long lasting and requires little maintenance.
For a totally synthetic material deck, Fiberon PVC decking may be your preferred choice. Like it’s composite decking sister material, Fiberon PVC decking comes in a variety of price ranges, colors and grain patterns, making it easy for you to find the right product for your new or improved deck outdoor living space. Each decking collection is crafted from durable, low-maintenance materials, and backed by industry-leading warranties of up to 50 years. This PVC decking is lightweight and absorbs very little moisture, making it ideal for use around wet or damp areas including docks and pools. Its PVC construction provides durability, a high level of fire resistance and UV protection.
To give you further insight on what path to take, check out Fiberon’s decking alternatives for comparative information.
Now That My Deck Research Is Done, What’s The Next Step?
That is the easiest question of all to answer. Connect with us for a complimentary deck design and materials consultation by clicking here; or call us during business hours at 478-241-8406.
John Haugabook, owner Archadeck of Central GA.
