Considerations for Adding a Deck to Your Home

When upgrading and improving your home, you not only want to consider how it will work for you and your family, but also if it is going to add any value to your home. There are a number of ways you can achieve both considerations, from remodeling kitchens and bathrooms to additions. One way that proves to be both affordable and effective is to build a deck. A deck adds outdoor space to your home, but does not require many of the expenses that would be present with a traditional home addition. Your contractors in Long Island can assist you with planning a deck that will add value and function to your home. 

photo is not mine

Benefits of a Deck

Besides creating an outdoor space for entertaining or relaxing, decks add value to your home. Most homeowners can expect about a 72% return on their investment from building a deck, which is more than the return on creating an additional bathroom, a kitchen remodel, garage improvements, and more. The factors that contribute to how much you can receive on your return will also determine how much your deck project will cost from the beginning. These factors include the type of materials used, yard size/deck size, style, and additional features. While many decks may be the traditional, rectangular deck space, others may be curved or even have multiple levels. Small details may be added as well, such as built-in storage benches, railings, stairs, planters, or privacy walls, or even larger details like pergolas, gazebos, hot tubs, and outdoor kitchen islands.

Decking Materials 

Common choices for decking materials available from your contractors in Long Island include natural wood, composites, and vinyl. Natural woods are considered environmentally friendly when obtained from sustainable forests, and are easily recycled. They also provide a warm, natural look that other materials may not be able to achieve. But woods require more maintenance, such as regular sealing, staining, or painting, in order to protect them from rotting, warping, insects, and splintering. Certain woods, however, may be more naturally resistant to moisture and insect damage than others, such as redwood, cedar, and cypress. Composite decking combines wood fibers and plastic materials to create a more durable decking material that is resistant to rot and insect damage. As a result, composite decks do not require sealing or staining, but only occasional cleaning to prevent mold. While many composite decking materials are created from recyclable materials, they are usually not recyclable themselves. Vinyl decking materials, which are composed of PVC, are recyclable. They are also resistant to rot, insect damage, and warping, and tend to require the least amount of maintenance of the material choices. It is important, however, to choose a vinyl decking with UV protection, as UV exposure can cause vinyl to become brittle over time.