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2012年8月28日 星期二

Warning - Using Composite Decking Can Seriously Improve Your Home's Value


During the planning stage of building your deck, the first thing you'll consider is what kinds of materials to use in its construction. Wood is often the first material that comes to mind. But if you're looking to build a deck that's maintenance-free, yet retains the great, outdoorsy look of wood, look no further than composite decking.

Composite decking material is simply a combination of cast-off wood by-products, like shavings and wood pulp, and recycled plastic or polyethylene. But don't let the words "by-products" or "recycled" fool you; much care and craftsmanship goes into the design of a good composite. Decking made from wood, while beautiful and sturdy, requires a level of upkeep that simply isn't necessary with wood composites.

Composite decking resists decomposition, fading, moisture-seeking fungi and hungry insects. And it does it all by itself - you don't have to lift a finger. What's more, all composite decking responds well to standard woodworking tools. When you use composite decking, the result is an attractive, long-lasting deck that never fails to please.

Different brands of composite decking have different strengths. Some feature a broad array of colors. Others are extra-friendly to bare feet, offering a silky-smooth walking surface. Still others put up a stronger fight against elements like precipitation and sunlight. Spend a few hours with a cup of coffee and a search engine; many of the finer brand names have informative Web sites.

Many composite decking materials were developed with reflective pigments that keep them cool to the touch, even on the hottest days. Most are also splinter-free and skid-free, making them an excellent choice for poolside decks or boat docks. TimberTech's Florizon planking, for instance, is well known for ensuring the authenticity of real wood without the knots or splinters. But TimberTech isn't the only decking brand that's comfy on bare feet; when planning your deck, be sure to spend a lot of time making sure the decking you choose is right for you and your family.

Decks spend all of their time outdoors, and are subject to some of Mother Nature's more unpleasant moods. Procell, for instance, offers composite decking with flax additives that minimize the expansion and contraction that can come about with extremes of heat and cold. Many other decking products feature dense, stain-resistant surfaces that prevent scratching and grain loss.

As a result of all this, the value added to your home by composite decks is much more profound than if the same decks were made of wood; while wood is attractive and durable in its own right, it often requires a greater investment when it comes to upkeep and elbow grease.




Kevin Ott writes on a variety of home improvement topics, including (but not limited to) decking projects and the installation and maintenance of outdoor decks. One of his clients is Sequoia Supply, the premier source of composite decking in the Northeast.

Visit Sequoia here:

http://www.decksupplies.com





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年8月24日 星期五

Composite Decking and Cedar Siding, Value and Appearance


If you're thinking of adding new siding or decking to your home this year, one of the key decisions you'll need to make is your choice of wood, synthetic material, or other material. You've probably heard your friends speak about cedar as their preferred building product for decks, fences, and siding. It's the way they speak about cedar that tells you that cedar wood is special. This year, improve your home with cedar siding and add a new deck using composite decking.

You may believe that cedar siding is more suited to quaint cottages, however there are a number of finishes that can be applied to cedar siding products that match any style of home architecture.

The truth is, that cedar siding offers tremendous benefits for the homeowner who wants the best combination of appearance, insulation, and weather resistance. No other wood compares to cedar for its natural beauty, durability and functionality. It suppresses noise better due to its cellular structure. This wood's cellular structure also offers better heat insulation value. Most respectable builders and contractors know and will advise on using cedar siding because of its lasting value and attractiveness, but the energy saving benefits are worth noting.

Decking

Homeowners today want to extend their living space into the yard to be closer to nature and to have more room for backyard barbecues, pool parties, relaxing and leisurely Al Fresco dinners, and evenings spent leisurely reading or chatting with family and friends. Decking provides a versatile living space however it is heavily trafficked and can suffer wear and tear. While cedar is a nice decking material, it may need yearly maintenance. Some homeowners don't mind and enjoy sanding and applying a new coat of finish every few years. For someone who wants less maintenance and more living, a better alternative is composite decking. These engineered products have the appearance of real wood, yet are more durable, weather resistant, and require less maintenance. Composite decking is the choice of today's homeowners.

Composite Decking

There are a variety of building materials you can construct your deck with. Pressure-treated pine is inexpensive but comes with a variety of problems such as rotting, warping, breakage, moisture retention, insect damage, and drying out. This leads to deck deterioration. Cedar and other woods such as Red Meranti are wonderful woods for decking, but some have to be sealed or stained every few years. Composite decking on the other hand is very durable and can withstand the harshest winter conditions. Maintenance is easy. As temperatures rise and fall and as moisture freezes and then thaws, it is composite decks that will better maintain their original appearance and condition.

Western Red Cedar Siding

There's nothing like Western Red Cedar siding. It is in strong demand.

Cedar wood types are white cedar, red cedar, and yellow cedar. The advantage of red cedar is tight grain and high oil content. Red cedar is more porous and you can apply a wider variety of paints and stains to it. The most plentiful supplies of cedar are Western Red Cedar from the Western Pacific regions of the US and Canada. Manufacturers such as Interfor (International Forest Products) are producing an array of superior quality, primed cedar products that deliver the great value of cedar and which can be finished in the color of your choice to match all modern home decors.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding products on the other hand are available in a limited amount of colors and the grain and texture in vinyl siding doesn't compare to cedar siding. Cedar's grain and texture is difficult to duplicate artificially. These primed and prefinished cedar products are developed under ideal temperature and humidity conditions, with the cedar substrate dried to the proper moisture content for superior paint adhesion.

Studies show that 70% of the cost of home siding is recouped when selling the home. However, cheaper vinyl siding will not contribute to the resale value as well as finished cedar siding products will. Your investment in cedar siding may be fully recovered when you sell your home.

Vinyl siding products account for a large share of all siding products sold in the Eastern US, however they are purchased because of perceived lower cost and maintenance. The average homeowner often makes the decision to buy siding only when an emergency situation arises such as severe deterioration, plans to sell the home, or damaging moisture or water penetration is occurring. The choice is to use an inexpensive building product in the hope that it will impress and serve the short term need.

Few homeowners can afford to buy new siding every 5 years so they're stuck with their vinyl siding product for years to come. Vinyl siding also has the tendency to break under very cold temperatures and another drawback is its appearance. Few dream homes utilize vinyl siding, and that should tell you all you need to know about the value of appearance. When you consider value, appearance and durability, it is difficult to beat cedar siding. Since you make this investment in your home so infrequently, why not consider cedar siding for your home?

Other Home Finishing Products

Some cedar wood product distributors carry a line of cedar building products for uses on patio railings, deck railings, mouldings, and exterior trim.

New Home Developers

If you're a builder of exclusive residential communities, cedar products can stimulate sales and build enthusiasm during open house events. Buyers of high end homes are sensitive to quality and nothing says class and elegance the way cedar does. Today's cedar siding products are manufactured and designed to suit any home architecture. The prestige of cedar wood products is worth noting and creates real sales-generating value for your new home development.




Boston Cedar

The top siding and decking distributor in the New England region is Boston Cedar. They offer a number of quality, cedar siding, decking, trim and railing products that will add immeasurably to the appearance and value of your home.

Boston Cedar is a distributor of composite decking , deck building products, deck railings , siding, and millwork products.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年6月23日 星期六

Adding A Deck To Your Above Ground Pool Adds Fun And Value


When you have an in-ground pool, it "comes with" a deck, but individuals with above ground pools typically complain about the fact that they don't have that luxury as most above ground pools done come with a deck. If you want to make your pool more of a destination spot in your backyard rather than having the pool stick out of the landscape like a sore thumb, you can construct a wrap around deck - either all the way or part of the way. Adding a deck to an above ground pool will enhance your pool experience and will add to the ambiance of your backyard.

Constructing a deck can help you disguise the walls of the pool and is also a practical addition because it offers swimmers a place to relax and lounge around the pool once they're done swimming. With the options available today, you can even install a swimming pool deck large and elaborate enough to accommodate an outdoor kitchen and use the deck for entertainment purposes.

Even if you install the above ground pool yourself, you can certainly contact any number of pool contractors or designers who will be happy to work with you to help realize your dream of a custom built deck for your pool.

As with any construction project, have an idea in your mind ahead of time of what you'd like your deck to look like and for what purposes you want your deck to fulfill.

Here are some things to think about before you talk to your deck construction professional: how tall do you want the deck? If it is as high as your pool walls, will that mean you can see into your neighbors' yard - and vice versa? As mentioned before, you need to decide what purpose you want your deck to serve - merely functional or do you want it to double as an area for entertaining friends and family.

If you are a do it yourselfer type it will be less expensive to construct the deck yourself but a good builder or designer can help you brainstorm ideas for deck construction that will not only accentuate your pool but your backyard as well. You can even add a tiered deck system, built in benches, a gazebo area and planters.

Wood is the most popular choice for decking material but there are some practical reasons why it might not be the best choice - because of the constant splashes of chemical treated water. If you have your heart set on wood make certain it is pressure treated but keep in mind that it will need to be re-treated regularly. Other choices to consider are plastic or composite lumber or a mix of both.

Whichever you decide, you can rest assured that adding a deck to your above ground pool will add to the fun and enjoyment you reap during swimming months.




Robbi Hess is a writer/editor/blogger with more than 20 years experience as a writer on assignment. She is a professional writer on assignment who has served on the staff of newspapers, magazines and with book publishers. You can see more about her at http://www.robbihess.com or http://www.lipsticking.com





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年5月16日 星期三

Warning - Using Composite Decking Can Seriously Improve Your Home's Value


During the planning stage of building your deck, the first thing you'll consider is what kinds of materials to use in its construction. Wood is often the first material that comes to mind. But if you're looking to build a deck that's maintenance-free, yet retains the great, outdoorsy look of wood, look no further than composite decking.

Composite decking material is simply a combination of cast-off wood by-products, like shavings and wood pulp, and recycled plastic or polyethylene. But don't let the words "by-products" or "recycled" fool you; much care and craftsmanship goes into the design of a good composite. Decking made from wood, while beautiful and sturdy, requires a level of upkeep that simply isn't necessary with wood composites.

Composite decking resists decomposition, fading, moisture-seeking fungi and hungry insects. And it does it all by itself - you don't have to lift a finger. What's more, all composite decking responds well to standard woodworking tools. When you use composite decking, the result is an attractive, long-lasting deck that never fails to please.

Different brands of composite decking have different strengths. Some feature a broad array of colors. Others are extra-friendly to bare feet, offering a silky-smooth walking surface. Still others put up a stronger fight against elements like precipitation and sunlight. Spend a few hours with a cup of coffee and a search engine; many of the finer brand names have informative Web sites.

Many composite decking materials were developed with reflective pigments that keep them cool to the touch, even on the hottest days. Most are also splinter-free and skid-free, making them an excellent choice for poolside decks or boat docks. TimberTech's Florizon planking, for instance, is well known for ensuring the authenticity of real wood without the knots or splinters. But TimberTech isn't the only decking brand that's comfy on bare feet; when planning your deck, be sure to spend a lot of time making sure the decking you choose is right for you and your family.

Decks spend all of their time outdoors, and are subject to some of Mother Nature's more unpleasant moods. Procell, for instance, offers composite decking with flax additives that minimize the expansion and contraction that can come about with extremes of heat and cold. Many other decking products feature dense, stain-resistant surfaces that prevent scratching and grain loss.

As a result of all this, the value added to your home by composite decks is much more profound than if the same decks were made of wood; while wood is attractive and durable in its own right, it often requires a greater investment when it comes to upkeep and elbow grease.




Kevin Ott writes on a variety of home improvement topics, including (but not limited to) decking projects and the installation and maintenance of outdoor decks. One of his clients is Sequoia Supply, the premier source of composite decking in the Northeast.

Visit Sequoia here:

http://www.decksupplies.com





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年5月13日 星期日

Composite Decking and Cedar Siding, Value and Appearance


If you're thinking of adding new siding or decking to your home this year, one of the key decisions you'll need to make is your choice of wood, synthetic material, or other material. You've probably heard your friends speak about cedar as their preferred building product for decks, fences, and siding. It's the way they speak about cedar that tells you that cedar wood is special. This year, improve your home with cedar siding and add a new deck using composite decking.

You may believe that cedar siding is more suited to quaint cottages, however there are a number of finishes that can be applied to cedar siding products that match any style of home architecture.

The truth is, that cedar siding offers tremendous benefits for the homeowner who wants the best combination of appearance, insulation, and weather resistance. No other wood compares to cedar for its natural beauty, durability and functionality. It suppresses noise better due to its cellular structure. This wood's cellular structure also offers better heat insulation value. Most respectable builders and contractors know and will advise on using cedar siding because of its lasting value and attractiveness, but the energy saving benefits are worth noting.

Decking

Homeowners today want to extend their living space into the yard to be closer to nature and to have more room for backyard barbecues, pool parties, relaxing and leisurely Al Fresco dinners, and evenings spent leisurely reading or chatting with family and friends. Decking provides a versatile living space however it is heavily trafficked and can suffer wear and tear. While cedar is a nice decking material, it may need yearly maintenance. Some homeowners don't mind and enjoy sanding and applying a new coat of finish every few years. For someone who wants less maintenance and more living, a better alternative is composite decking. These engineered products have the appearance of real wood, yet are more durable, weather resistant, and require less maintenance. Composite decking is the choice of today's homeowners.

Composite Decking

There are a variety of building materials you can construct your deck with. Pressure-treated pine is inexpensive but comes with a variety of problems such as rotting, warping, breakage, moisture retention, insect damage, and drying out. This leads to deck deterioration. Cedar and other woods such as Red Meranti are wonderful woods for decking, but some have to be sealed or stained every few years. Composite decking on the other hand is very durable and can withstand the harshest winter conditions. Maintenance is easy. As temperatures rise and fall and as moisture freezes and then thaws, it is composite decks that will better maintain their original appearance and condition.

Western Red Cedar Siding

There's nothing like Western Red Cedar siding. It is in strong demand.

Cedar wood types are white cedar, red cedar, and yellow cedar. The advantage of red cedar is tight grain and high oil content. Red cedar is more porous and you can apply a wider variety of paints and stains to it. The most plentiful supplies of cedar are Western Red Cedar from the Western Pacific regions of the US and Canada. Manufacturers such as Interfor (International Forest Products) are producing an array of superior quality, primed cedar products that deliver the great value of cedar and which can be finished in the color of your choice to match all modern home decors.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding products on the other hand are available in a limited amount of colors and the grain and texture in vinyl siding doesn't compare to cedar siding. Cedar's grain and texture is difficult to duplicate artificially. These primed and prefinished cedar products are developed under ideal temperature and humidity conditions, with the cedar substrate dried to the proper moisture content for superior paint adhesion.

Studies show that 70% of the cost of home siding is recouped when selling the home. However, cheaper vinyl siding will not contribute to the resale value as well as finished cedar siding products will. Your investment in cedar siding may be fully recovered when you sell your home.

Vinyl siding products account for a large share of all siding products sold in the Eastern US, however they are purchased because of perceived lower cost and maintenance. The average homeowner often makes the decision to buy siding only when an emergency situation arises such as severe deterioration, plans to sell the home, or damaging moisture or water penetration is occurring. The choice is to use an inexpensive building product in the hope that it will impress and serve the short term need.

Few homeowners can afford to buy new siding every 5 years so they're stuck with their vinyl siding product for years to come. Vinyl siding also has the tendency to break under very cold temperatures and another drawback is its appearance. Few dream homes utilize vinyl siding, and that should tell you all you need to know about the value of appearance. When you consider value, appearance and durability, it is difficult to beat cedar siding. Since you make this investment in your home so infrequently, why not consider cedar siding for your home?

Other Home Finishing Products

Some cedar wood product distributors carry a line of cedar building products for uses on patio railings, deck railings, mouldings, and exterior trim.

New Home Developers

If you're a builder of exclusive residential communities, cedar products can stimulate sales and build enthusiasm during open house events. Buyers of high end homes are sensitive to quality and nothing says class and elegance the way cedar does. Today's cedar siding products are manufactured and designed to suit any home architecture. The prestige of cedar wood products is worth noting and creates real sales-generating value for your new home development.




Boston Cedar

The top siding and decking distributor in the New England region is Boston Cedar. They offer a number of quality, cedar siding, decking, trim and railing products that will add immeasurably to the appearance and value of your home.

Boston Cedar is a distributor of composite decking , deck building products, deck railings , siding, and millwork products.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年4月19日 星期四

A Long Lasting Deck Will Increase Your Home's Value


In a warm climate like Arizona's, building usable outdoor living space is one of the simplest ways to add value to your home and enjoyment to your life. Imagine hosting parties on your back deck. Add a barbeque and cooler and the experience is complete. A deck can easily be added to almost any backyard.

If you are considering a deck, but want something that will require less maintenance than wood, consider composite decking. Usually made from a mixture of recycled wood and plastic resin, composite decking is UV resistant, fade-proof and durable. It has the warm look of wood, but doesn't need sanding or staining every year. Further, the planks can be seamless, cut to your exact desired length. Most composite decking companies offer railings in colors and styles that match, or accentuate, your choice of decking.

The nice thing about this choice in decking material is its long life. When selling your home, something that will require constant maintenance from the new owner will be a turn-off. But a low-maintenance back-yard deck, that will remain low-maintenance for many years to come, can become your homes main selling feature.

Here's another idea: if your deck is south or south-west facing, it may be quite hot and bright in the afternoon sun. While everyone loves a good dose of sunshine, you might consider shading a portion of your deck. Fast-growing vines like Wisteria can be purchased at most garden centers. A young Wisteria vine, planted in the ground right beside your new deck, can be over eight feet tall within three years or less. If you've got a nice arbor for it to grow along, you can control where you want shade. Wisteria grows beautiful light purple flowers in the early spring, and develops long-seed pods later in summer. However, if you have limited space, the fast growing Wisteria might not be for you.

If space and is limited, consider the more delicate Clematis, or perhaps Passion Flower. You may get less shade from the more delicate leaves, but they won't grow as fast or as high as Wisteria. Grape is another vine idea, and can be easily pruned back each year to maintain a consistent size--but this may just be creating unnecessary work. Consider your needs, perhaps ask for advice at your favorite garden center, and you'll find the right shade-giving vine for your situation.

Ponds are another attractive feature on or beside a deck. Most garden stores carry simple pond supplies. Buy a pump with a filter embedded into it, to reduce any labor on your part. These can create a pleasant spray, while keeping your pond clean. Flowering plants add the piece de resistance.

But you don't need to get carried away on deck accessories. A simple, attractive deck is enough in itself to attract a buyer who enjoys the odd back-yard barbeque. In the meantime, it's all your to enjoy.




Looking for a place to hang your hat? Scott Baxter is a licensed real estate agent specializing in Northern Arizona real estate [http://www.prescottscott.com/about.php]. Scott owns and operates Realty 2000 Town and Country [http://www.prescottscott.com/about.php] in Prescott, Arizona.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年3月12日 星期一

Composite Decking and Cedar Siding, Value and Appearance


If you're thinking of adding new siding or decking to your home this year, one of the key decisions you'll need to make is your choice of wood, synthetic material, or other material. You've probably heard your friends speak about cedar as their preferred building product for decks, fences, and siding. It's the way they speak about cedar that tells you that cedar wood is special. This year, improve your home with cedar siding and add a new deck using composite decking.

You may believe that cedar siding is more suited to quaint cottages, however there are a number of finishes that can be applied to cedar siding products that match any style of home architecture.

The truth is, that cedar siding offers tremendous benefits for the homeowner who wants the best combination of appearance, insulation, and weather resistance. No other wood compares to cedar for its natural beauty, durability and functionality. It suppresses noise better due to its cellular structure. This wood's cellular structure also offers better heat insulation value. Most respectable builders and contractors know and will advise on using cedar siding because of its lasting value and attractiveness, but the energy saving benefits are worth noting.

Decking

Homeowners today want to extend their living space into the yard to be closer to nature and to have more room for backyard barbecues, pool parties, relaxing and leisurely Al Fresco dinners, and evenings spent leisurely reading or chatting with family and friends. Decking provides a versatile living space however it is heavily trafficked and can suffer wear and tear. While cedar is a nice decking material, it may need yearly maintenance. Some homeowners don't mind and enjoy sanding and applying a new coat of finish every few years. For someone who wants less maintenance and more living, a better alternative is composite decking. These engineered products have the appearance of real wood, yet are more durable, weather resistant, and require less maintenance. Composite decking is the choice of today's homeowners.

Composite Decking

There are a variety of building materials you can construct your deck with. Pressure-treated pine is inexpensive but comes with a variety of problems such as rotting, warping, breakage, moisture retention, insect damage, and drying out. This leads to deck deterioration. Cedar and other woods such as Red Meranti are wonderful woods for decking, but some have to be sealed or stained every few years. Composite decking on the other hand is very durable and can withstand the harshest winter conditions. Maintenance is easy. As temperatures rise and fall and as moisture freezes and then thaws, it is composite decks that will better maintain their original appearance and condition.

Western Red Cedar Siding

There's nothing like Western Red Cedar siding. It is in strong demand.

Cedar wood types are white cedar, red cedar, and yellow cedar. The advantage of red cedar is tight grain and high oil content. Red cedar is more porous and you can apply a wider variety of paints and stains to it. The most plentiful supplies of cedar are Western Red Cedar from the Western Pacific regions of the US and Canada. Manufacturers such as Interfor (International Forest Products) are producing an array of superior quality, primed cedar products that deliver the great value of cedar and which can be finished in the color of your choice to match all modern home decors.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding products on the other hand are available in a limited amount of colors and the grain and texture in vinyl siding doesn't compare to cedar siding. Cedar's grain and texture is difficult to duplicate artificially. These primed and prefinished cedar products are developed under ideal temperature and humidity conditions, with the cedar substrate dried to the proper moisture content for superior paint adhesion.

Studies show that 70% of the cost of home siding is recouped when selling the home. However, cheaper vinyl siding will not contribute to the resale value as well as finished cedar siding products will. Your investment in cedar siding may be fully recovered when you sell your home.

Vinyl siding products account for a large share of all siding products sold in the Eastern US, however they are purchased because of perceived lower cost and maintenance. The average homeowner often makes the decision to buy siding only when an emergency situation arises such as severe deterioration, plans to sell the home, or damaging moisture or water penetration is occurring. The choice is to use an inexpensive building product in the hope that it will impress and serve the short term need.

Few homeowners can afford to buy new siding every 5 years so they're stuck with their vinyl siding product for years to come. Vinyl siding also has the tendency to break under very cold temperatures and another drawback is its appearance. Few dream homes utilize vinyl siding, and that should tell you all you need to know about the value of appearance. When you consider value, appearance and durability, it is difficult to beat cedar siding. Since you make this investment in your home so infrequently, why not consider cedar siding for your home?

Other Home Finishing Products

Some cedar wood product distributors carry a line of cedar building products for uses on patio railings, deck railings, mouldings, and exterior trim.

New Home Developers

If you're a builder of exclusive residential communities, cedar products can stimulate sales and build enthusiasm during open house events. Buyers of high end homes are sensitive to quality and nothing says class and elegance the way cedar does. Today's cedar siding products are manufactured and designed to suit any home architecture. The prestige of cedar wood products is worth noting and creates real sales-generating value for your new home development.




Boston Cedar

The top siding and decking distributor in the New England region is Boston Cedar. They offer a number of quality, cedar siding, decking, trim and railing products that will add immeasurably to the appearance and value of your home.

Boston Cedar is a distributor of composite decking , deck building products, deck railings , siding, and millwork products.





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2012年1月16日 星期一

Decking Increases Your Property Value


Decking can add about 90% cost to value of the home and lots of curb appeal. When it comes time to sell your home, this may be a deciding factor between your home and someone else's house. There are many things to consider when making your decision. Do your neighbors have decks? What type of decking material will you use and its lifetime? Do you live somewhere you can enjoy it? Do you have the room for a deck? What will you use the deck for? Entertaining, cooking or both? It definitely adds living space plus alleviates existing indoor space and is much less expensive than adding an additional room. A decking area will also give you more work space and cooking spaces in some instances.

When clients are looking for a home, the deck makes a big difference in that no additional work needs to be done. Many people end up putting more money into the home after they move in and one of those add on features is decking. No longer considered an option, many families consider it a necessity. Aesthetically pleasing and multi-functional, decks are labor intensive to build and can add up depending on the design you chose. Thus you want to build a deck that will last and to do that you need two things. One is installation. Get a professional to install who has experience and maybe a few referrals for you to check on and maybe go see. Two is materials. Get deck boards that have a history of performance and longevity. Ipe is a known decking board for its beauty, strength and longevity without chemicals. No mold or fungus to worry about. Google the products you want and see what the feedback is. Composite decking doesn't have very good feedback and very little history. Pressure treated is inexpensive but must be maintained and has chemicals that outgas. Longevity is average about 5-10 years compared to Ipe at 40-100 years. You don't want to have to replace your deck anytime during your life if possible as you will have to rip it out and pay to have it reinstalled besides paying for new materials. The downtime is another factor as well as the mess in the yard.

The final outcome is definitely what pays off. Decking can make your home more attractive and can be the final touch to selling if it comes to that. Don't skimp on the project that will serve you years to come and may be the selling feature of your future. In the mean time enjoy the fruits of your work, sit back, relax and maybe put up that pergola.




Rosi Lehr is a contributing writer for Advantage Trim & Lumber Co. Ipe Decking





This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

2011年12月7日 星期三

Warning - Using Composite Decking Can Seriously Improve Your Home's Value


During the planning stage of building your deck, the first thing you'll consider is what kinds of materials to use in its construction. Wood is often the first material that comes to mind. But if you're looking to build a deck that's maintenance-free, yet retains the great, outdoorsy look of wood, look no further than composite decking.

Composite decking material is simply a combination of cast-off wood by-products, like shavings and wood pulp, and recycled plastic or polyethylene. But don't let the words "by-products" or "recycled" fool you; much care and craftsmanship goes into the design of a good composite. Decking made from wood, while beautiful and sturdy, requires a level of upkeep that simply isn't necessary with wood composites.

Composite decking resists decomposition, fading, moisture-seeking fungi and hungry insects. And it does it all by itself - you don't have to lift a finger. What's more, all composite decking responds well to standard woodworking tools. When you use composite decking, the result is an attractive, long-lasting deck that never fails to please.

Different brands of composite decking have different strengths. Some feature a broad array of colors. Others are extra-friendly to bare feet, offering a silky-smooth walking surface. Still others put up a stronger fight against elements like precipitation and sunlight. Spend a few hours with a cup of coffee and a search engine; many of the finer brand names have informative Web sites.

Many composite decking materials were developed with reflective pigments that keep them cool to the touch, even on the hottest days. Most are also splinter-free and skid-free, making them an excellent choice for poolside decks or boat docks. TimberTech's Florizon planking, for instance, is well known for ensuring the authenticity of real wood without the knots or splinters. But TimberTech isn't the only decking brand that's comfy on bare feet; when planning your deck, be sure to spend a lot of time making sure the decking you choose is right for you and your family.

Decks spend all of their time outdoors, and are subject to some of Mother Nature's more unpleasant moods. Procell, for instance, offers composite decking with flax additives that minimize the expansion and contraction that can come about with extremes of heat and cold. Many other decking products feature dense, stain-resistant surfaces that prevent scratching and grain loss.

As a result of all this, the value added to your home by composite decks is much more profound than if the same decks were made of wood; while wood is attractive and durable in its own right, it often requires a greater investment when it comes to upkeep and elbow grease.




Kevin Ott writes on a variety of home improvement topics, including (but not limited to) decking projects and the installation and maintenance of outdoor decks. One of his clients is Sequoia Supply, the premier source of composite decking in the Northeast.

Visit Sequoia here:

http://www.decksupplies.com





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