Does winter have you dreaming about warm evenings, sipping wine and gazing at the stars from a new or newly renovated back deck? We totally agree. Lucky for you, it’s the best time to start planning for your new spring building projects. There are so many choices to be made before you can begin construction on a new deck but if you start gathering info now, you can make informed decisions when it comes time to build. It can also give you something to look forward to, during the cold dark winter months!
One of the first things to consider is WOOD vs. COMPOSITE decking. There are pros and cons to every choice you make, but we want to point out some of the top reasons we think you should consider composite decking.
Low Maintenance:
Unlike wood, there is no annual sealing or staining with composites. There are no splinters, twisting, warping or rot, which means you can build and enjoy without worry. The best way to maintain a composite deck is to sweep when necessary and hose it down occasionally. They’re mostly stain resistant, but any marks can be removed with soap and water.
Eco Friendly:
Composite Boards get their name from the fact that are made from wood scraps (sawdust, wood chips, or wood fiber pieces) and plastics. Because the wood and plastic are often recycled or recovered, composite decks are considered a more environmentally friendly and sustainable deck product. There is never a need for harmful paint, sealers or stain, they create less waste on project sites, and they also last much longer, saving unnecessary trips to the landfill.
Durability:
Hurricanes. Sea salt breezes. 4 seasons in a day. We’re not complaining, but let’s not forget that a deck in Halifax (or anywhere in the Maritimes for that matter) takes a wee bit more of a beating than in other climates. These decks stand up to Nor’Easters blowing salt salt spray as well as they do a spillover from a Kitchen Ceilidh. They resist mold, staining and fading and can offer up to a 25 year warranty. With minimal care and maintenance, these decks can outlast several homeowners.
Resale Value:
To that end, if you’re thinking about what the state of your deck is or might be when or if it comes time to sell, a quick internet search tells you that decks can increase your home’s value by about 80% of the project cost ($15,000 deck = about $12,000 back when you sell your home). Wear and tear on your deck, however, decreases that value over time. If you haven’t maintained your wood deck, it can lose most of its value within 5 to 7 years or even become a liability during negotiations. Composite decks typically maintain their value for upwards of 15 to 25 years.
The Look:
Last, but certainly not least, you want to enjoy the look of your deck. Colour options and grain patterns offer a realistic hardwood look. The choices let you complement your home’s exterior or mix colours to create unique, custom deck designs. You can have a breezy, beachy grey and white feel; or a modern, sleek dark wood deck, the choices are as endless as your imagination. The installation is easier and generally looks cleaner then wood decks. Hidden fasteners keep boards in place ensuring a smooth and flawless finish.
There are so many choices when it comes to building a deck and it can be a significant investment for you. Over the years we’ve found that the people who are happiest with their choices when they spent more time researching their options. We’ve curated some of our favourite composite decks here. Take a look and let us know if you have any questions, we’d love to help!
Also – Our Design Guide will help get you started – download now
