Top Deck Myths Debunked: Exploring Materials and Design Options for Your Home Addition

Hey, if you're a homeowner, you've probably considered adding a deck to your home.

It's a great way to get that extra room for relaxation or entertaining.

But you might be holding back on account of some misconceptions about decks.

Don't worry; we're here to set the record straight!

In this post, we'll unravel the facts around deck construction, material availability, and design possibilities – and help catapult your imagination as you plan your outdoor addition.

Misconceptions About Decks

Myth 1: Deck construction is expensive

Deck construction can be a valuable investment, increasing your property value and providing your family with a great space to enjoy.

Decks can range in size and materials, and making comparisons determines the best fit for your budget.

While the cost of materials and labor for a traditional hardwood deck can be high, many other affordable options are available.

Myth 2: Decks require extensive maintenance

Gone are the days when decking materials needed continuous upkeep.

Today, you can find low-maintenance alternatives requiring minimal effort to keep them looking great.

From minimal weathering effects to the ability to resist stains, today's materials and finishes yield far easier upkeep than older decking solutions. 

Myth 3: Deck design possibilities are limited

Modern decking solutions have no shortage of excellent amenities to consider integrating into your design.

Here is a short list of our favorite options:

• Outdoor lighting: Adding lighting to your deck can help create a warm and inviting atmosphere and increase safety when using the space at night.

• Fire features: Fire pits or fireplaces can add warmth and ambiance to your deck, making it a great place to gather with friends and family on cool evenings.

• Greenery: Adding plants and vegetation to your deck can help create a natural, relaxing environment. Built-in planters, potted plants, or even installing a living wall are all great ways to add life to your space.

• Water features: Fountains or small ponds can add a calming element to your deck design.

• Outdoor kitchen: If you love to cook and entertain, consider adding an outdoor kitchen to your deck. This could include a grill, sink, refrigerator, and bar area.

You can design your deck to have any number of amenities included in the construction, not to mention deck staining and painting options in numerous gorgeous finishes.

Now, let's explore just a few of the various materials and designs.

Decking Materials

• Pressure-Treated Wood: This is an affordable and time-honored choice, providing long-lasting outdoor decking. Pressure treatment helps prevent insect damage and decay, allowing the wood to last for years in rainy and dry climates.

• Natural Wood: Cedar, redwood, and tropical hardwood are expensive but attractive for elegant, durable decks. If you desire natural wood's rich, warm character, we can help you find the perfect hardwood for your budget.

• Composites: Composite materials comprise a blend of wood fibers and plastic, producing an eco-friendly decking choice that mimics the aesthetic of wood but requires minimal maintenance. Composite decks resist cracking, warping, rot, and splintering. Composites decking is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a more affordable and sustainable solution to hardwoods.

• Vinyl/PVC: If you prize low-maintenance durability, vinyl – or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – is your top contender. Vinyl offers many styles and vibrant colors to mirror your desired decking trends. Vinyl does not fade, rot, splinter, or support insect infestations, giving your deck a constantly polished appearance.

•  Steel/Aluminum: Aluminum is a lightweight, durable, and affordable decking material, offering a similar aesthetic to wood but with more flexibility. The decking material is made from corrosion-resistant steel, which is powder coated to provide a durable, long-lasting deck option. Aluminum decking can be painted or powder coated in nearly any color to match your home's exterior. Steel offers homeowners a safe and robust deck solution. Aluminum and steel offer great options for homeowners who value longevity and want to minimize annual maintenance. 

Design options

Attached decks: Pretty much the industry standard. These decks are connected to the house or the garage and are usually at ground level. 

Detached decks: Also known as "floating" or "island" decks, these decks are independent of the house and are usually elevated. These stand-alone structures work wonderfully nestled tastefully among your surrounding landscaping.

Multi-level decks: Seeking an extra dose of depth and dimension? Whether you prefer an outdoor kitchen or dining deck, multi-level decking can add a great dose of personality to your home. Multi-tier decks are also ideal for sloping terrain.

Wrap-around decks: Who doesn’t love a wrap-around deck? These decks offer a full 360-degree view of your outdoor space and are ideal for socializing and entertaining. This is the design for homeowners wanting to maximize their outdoor space. Finally, there are modular decks. 

Modular decks are pre-constructed at a factory and shipped to your home, where they can be easily assembled and installed. The modular decking option is excellent for those seeking an affordable and quick solution to their deck needs.  

Okay, Get To The Pitch

The absolute cheapest way to build a deck is to do it yourself.

Anyone with a handful of friends and the right amount of pizza and beer can build a simple deck for their home.

Of course, cheap doesn’t always mean effective, quality, or fast.

If you’re looking to unlock every option available to you, crafted with quality materials and done promptly, you want to hire professionals.

Our contractors will work with you and our design team to dream up the best possible design for you and your home.

We come up with a precise timeline together, and we stick to it.

We handle the proper building permits, the clean-up, and the inspections.

In short, we handle every aspect of your project, so you don’t have to.

Remember, the deck is an extension of your home, so you'll want to ensure it's done right.

If you're considering a deck for your home, you can trust us to deliver quality, service, and expertise.

We'll help you navigate the process of building your dream deck.

So what are you waiting for? Let's get building!

Get a free quote from us today and get the ball rolling!