Decks

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Expanding your home by installing a deck

For anyone desiring more living space, decks offer an easy, attractive and cost- effective solution. They connect indoor space to the outdoors, integrate home and landscape, make use of damp or rough terrain and even add an element of class and craftsmanship to the home.

A ground level deck may be the simplest way to expand outdoors. Attached to the house or freestanding, decks remain one of the fastest ways to create usable space. Shallow pools, tubs and planters work well when set into a deck, or it may be a good place to drop in that hot tub or attach a gazebo.

Like any expansion project, deck installation requires careful planning. Think about its intended use, environment and style when deciding placement, size, and design.

Choosing materials

Start by evaluating quality decking material that suits your tastes. There is a wide range of choices, but perhaps the most popular natural material is western red cedar. The natural compounds in the wood specifically resist rot and mildew, and release the fragrance unique to western red cedar.

Proper maintenance practices for cedar decks include allowing proper water drainage; sweeping the surface to remove loose dirt, leaves, pine-needles and other debris; and moving planters, benches and other deck accessories from time to time to permit the deck to dry thoroughly. Depending on the finish used and the climate, a deck may need cleaning and refinishing every two to five years.