So you wanna build a deck. A small oasis out back that your family and a few friends could enjoy at least 7 months out of the year. On the other hand, what about incorporating the latest technology and design that could help you enjoy that space year round?
Today's decks have come along way since the redwood age. Although designs remain similar the material and technique is considerably different.
The use of pressure treated lumber quite some time ago replaced redwood and even cedar for longevity, but came at a very unattractive green tinted price until a few years ago. The introduction of ACQ, an alternative to CCA, which at the time dominated the "ground contact" lumber market, brought with it a lighter shade and comparable wet condition application similar to that of CCA.
The next generation of exterior lumber is composite. Mostly composed of recycled woods and plastics, composite materials far outlast any "natural" conventional framing lumber available today. Composites are available in many colors, shapes, decking profiles and railing styles. Although early versions of composite decking had some trouble with color retention, the problem was addressed and in my opinion, perfected. The addition of exotic color and grain choice helps the homeowner express themselves through their project, making a beautiful tropical teak deck color with a radiant black railing a reality. Ah technology.
Start a fire...
Grilling is the earliest known way of cooking meat. The char grill swept America in the 60's and 70's and the lowly smoker became a prized, worth bragging about, piece of equipment within the last ten years. I have even spent countless hours watching that fire, controlling that smoke, and drooling over the outcome that (I) had toiled over for hours. The love of BBQ and cooking outdoors has exploded this decade and with shows like hells kitchen, BBQ pitmasters, top chef and chopped there seems to be no end in sight and I am pretty confident saying that we can all thank the food network. I remember watching Bobby Flay cooking outdoors in this beautiful outdoor kitchen I also remember recalling that memory as I finished construction of our first full on, immaculately beautiful, stainless fortress, outdoor kitchen. I had initially designed this unit to be a drop in Bull grill with cabinet fronts and some nice countertop space but it had morphed in to a stone and imported tile addition of sorts. Grill, sink, fridge, stainless cabinetry, stone veneer, and black porcelain adorned this monster and when it was finished, I understood why. We CAN have useful, weather ready, year round outdoor living in today's world. Simply building this under a deck or porch overhang makes this possible. Bring on the under decking and sunroom ideas...
Under decking or at least the modern streamlined versions are fairly new to the market. The system we use is available in 10 colors, which include five wood grains. I do recommend professional installation however, specialized equipment is needed throughout for a finished look and cutting the panels can be nearly impossible without the proper tools. For information I recommend visiting your local contractor supply company. I feel they are more qualified than a big box type store to answer any questions you have and are more than happy to refer a contractor to help you.
Sunrooms, sun porches, screen enclosures. What to do?
The addition of any of the above can enhance any property. Screen porches are great for mild climates with shade, A sun porch or un insulated enclosure is a good two or three season solution, and a four season type sunroom is basically an addition with a lot of windows to be enjoyed year round. I have professionally built all the above and can tell you the number one reason as to what type you build is cost. A screened enclosure in comparison to a four seasons room is as follows. Plans and permits, a new deck, roof tie in, if needed, framing of walls, ceiling, roof, gutters, etc. A 12x12 screen porch would cost roughly 14 to 18,000 where as a four seasons room starts at around 26,000. As you can see, you can build within your budget, and remember the "screen room" can always be turned into a "four seasons" type room easily and over time.
Outdoor living not only opens up design and living possibilities, it opens up a primal space many of us like to explore. Who doesn't like camping and making s'mores? Ah the fire pit...that's another article. But for now fire up the grill and invite some friends over!
Jim Churray
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