Appreciating the landscape in your home would be nice if there is a place to sit on and enjoy the view. Well, there actually is a way to do this, but you have to spend a bit. Building a deck is a great way to extend your home, maximize its dead spaces, and improve its overall appeal.
Patios vs. Decks
There is a great difference between decks and patios. They are both built to appreciate the outdoors, but the structures and the materials used can be different. Patios and decks can be both detached or attached to the house. Most patios are set on the ground with concrete, pavers, gravel, or pebbles. Patios can be described as a sort of courtyard, made to enjoy the landscape at a ground level. Decks, on the other hand, is made from light materials such as wood. They are made to enjoy vistas on a higher vantage point.
Places like Australia where there are amazing views to take in are perfect locations for a deck. Good thing, there are contractors for timber decking in Melbourne who can make durable decks for the harshest of weather.
Why build a deck?
A deck can increase property value. Home renovations and other improvements raise the value of a property. It can give a higher resale value, almost 76% of return on investment on a wooden deck alone. It can be placed on any type of land and works well on uneven terrain. A wooden deck is easily customisable through painting and design. It also works well in places with high temperatures as most decking materials absorb and retain less heat.
Decking materials
Hardwood decking boards is the most preferred material to build decks with because of its flexibility and lightweight property, but there are other options to consider that would fit any budget or needs. Here are some of them:
- Wood-polymer composite
Composite decking boards are wood alternatives. It is synthetically made by combining plastic and wood fibres, resulting in a wooden finish. Composite is weather resistant and is easy to maintain because it doesn’t stain. Like wooden boards, composites are lightweight and durable.
- Pressure-treated wood
Less durable woods are treated with a wood preservative to make it durable like hardwood. It is inexpensive and can be locally sourced, making it readily available. It is good for structural use and surface decking.
- Plastic lumber
High-density plastic lumber is made from recyclable materials such as milk containers and shampoo bottles. It is weather-resistant and comes in a variety of colours. It doesn’t need to be stained like wood and is lightweight.
- Aluminium
Aluminium is lightweight and can be structurally sound, but it is a tad expensive. It doesn’t decay and is weather resistant. It doesn’t warp like wood and is fireproof.
These are just some of the options for decking board materials. They choosing one is dependent on budget and the particular need of homeowners. But, no matter which materials are chosen, it is certain to make you enjoy the view and take in nature more. Now, hosting barbecue parties would be more fun if you have a deck!