Lately we have had more customers request their outdoor living projects be built with wood rather than the composite and synthetic decking materials that have taken the outdoor building industry by storm. Does that surprise you?
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At Archadeck of West Central & Southwest Ohio, before we offer any recommendations about your project’s design or what materials you might select for it, we listen to you. That’s the first step in our design process. We listen to what you want and why, if there’s a reason. Sometimes there isn’t even a reason that can be put into words, just a feeling, and that’s equally as important. It’s our responsibility to explain the pros and cons of each type of building material you’re considering. Then, the choice is yours.
As Dayton and Cincinnati deck builders and porch builders, we understand that many people prefer wood as a building material. We don’t have a problem with that.
Why many people prefer “real wood” for their decks and other outdoor living structures:
• Wood is a natural and renewable building material. For many people, that’s all the reason they need to choose wood. They have no interest in the composites and synthetics. This is especially true for people who live on wooded lots; having a deck, screened porch or covered porch made with wood is a better fit for them. They feel that composites look more artificial in that setting while wood matches their environment. No amount of talk about the low-maintenance lifestyle is going to sway them. Nor is it our place, as their designer and builder, to push them in one direction or the other.
• Price reason 1: You get more deck for your money with wood. Because wood is more affordable than composites and synthetic building materials, with wood you can purchase a bigger deck or porch — or make that a deck AND a porch. If you have a large family, spend a ton of time outdoors or host large parties, the size of the deck is more important to you than the effort required to keep it looking great. Decisions like this are based on priorities.
• Price reason 2: Return on Investment: In our opinion, if you’re not going to be in your present home for more than five years, it doesn’t pay to spend the extra money on longer-lasting materials. An outdoor living structure built with composite or synthetic materials may last (and look great) for 25-30 years under normal conditions. If you’re not going to be there to reap those benefits, why pay for them?
To get the greatest number of years from your wood deck, maintenance is key. A well-maintained, well-built wooden deck can last in excess of 15 years under normal conditions.
If anyone tells you that Archadeck only builds with synthetic and composite materials, don’t believe them. There are a lot of building materials on the market, and we can give you information about those that perform best in our market — the positives and the negatives. After that, it’s your decision.
If you’re ready to talk with an outdoor living designer and builder who will listen, contact Archadeck of West Central & Southwest Ohio today at (937) 563-4847.
Roger Miller, owner, Archadeck of West Central & Southwest Ohio.
