Everyone wants to have outdoor space at home to unwind and relax. City dwellers might hang out on the roof trying to catch a glimpse of the stars. Or, country residents may lay out in a field enjoying the midday sun, but adding a deck to any house can create a new room for entertaining or just relaxing that belongs specifically to you. When constructing a deck there are many different choices in materials for the main structure as well as the decking. To find decking in Longmont, residents can visit their local hardware store for help figuring out what works best within their budget.
Pressure Treated Lumber
Pressure treated (PT) lumber is still the most popular choice for decks. It is the least expensive of the options and comes in almost all the different lengths and widths. It is also the most readily available of all materials. PT lumber is yellow pine that is chemically treated to prevent rot and deter insects like ants and termites. But, because of this treatment it can warp and crack easier than other materials as it dries out. It also requires a great deal of maintenance to keep it looking good.
Cedar and Redwood
Cedar and redwood boards are another natural option. The beautiful colors of both make for a great looking deck. And, they are both naturally resistant to bugs and do not rot. But, because the heartwood is the most stable and bug proof, it is a lot more expensive than the PT lumber. They also need a little help from a protectant and stain to maintain the beautiful colors.
Composite
Anyone that has visited a playground may have seen decks or other structures made out of composite materials. Similar to plastic materials, composite decking is made from recycled plastics and wood that is pressed together with glue to form building materials. The boards come in the same sizes as traditional lumber and can be cut and attached with the same tools. It is also the most environmentally friendly of the choices. But, it is also a lot more expensive than wood materials and many people are turned off by the industrial look of it. While these materials are not maintenance free, they do not require nearly as much maintenance as wood products.
Aluminum
Aluminum is not a very popular choice for a deck, but it is the sturdiest of all the choices. The decking is, after all, made out of metal. It stays true to its shape and will not warp or split and is impervious to bugs. While it is stronger than wood, it is also lighter making it easier to work with. This material does not require any special tools either. Aluminum has a powder coating that keeps it cool in the midday sun. But, there is a catch- it costs more than eight times as much as PT lumber.
There are many factors to consider when planning a deck. First and foremost is an accurate budget to work with before you even begin to think about designing your deck. The style of the house and available area are two very important aspects you need to take into account when planning your deck, too. The one thing that will make the deck stand out is the decking. As you can see decking at Longmont hardware stores is versatile and fits in a variety of budgets.