Building a deck is a great way to increase your home’s resale value while improving the functionality of your yard, but you need to consider your environment when you are designing this type of outdoor living space. Inclement weather could severely damage your deck in the blink of an eye, and that is one catastrophe that homeowners must avoid at all costs.
Lumber
Finding timber for sale should be relatively easy, but you need to carefully consider all of your options. Two of the most popular species are redwood and cedar, but they can be very expensive in some locations. If natural wood is going to blow your budget, then you should consider using some type of pressure-treated lumber. Redwood and cedar are typically preferred because they are more resistant to bugs, heat, and water. That lumber is going to stand up to years of wear and tear, and it is usually quite affordable.
Sealant
There are literally hundreds of deck stains and sealants to choose from, and each product has its own pros and cons. For a full sun deck, you will need a stain or sealant that penetrates deep into the wood. Decks in wetter areas tend to fare better with thick topcoats of polyurethane or other similar products. Composite lumber usually requires a special sealant, and you will need to contact the manufacturer if you decide to go with that type of material.
Covers
Putting a roof or cover over your deck will increase the construction costs, but that addition might be a requirement in some areas. Installing a cover is going to make your deck usable during storms and heatwaves. When you are getting estimates from contractors, you should speak with them about the total cost of adding a roof and what type of cover they suggest for your particular climate.
Drainage
A drainage system is going to be absolutely vital if you live in an area that gets heavy rainstorms or floods. Without that type of system, moisture is going to seep into the lumber and damage the footings within months. French drains are a common option for residential decks, and those pipes very inexpensive to install. You will also need to grade the land under the deck to prevent water from pooling near the foundation of your home.
Well before you start working on your new deck, you should spend some time researching local building codes. If your deck doesn’t adhere to those regulations, then you could end up dealing with unmanageable fines and other unwanted penalties.