Home Decking: Materials that Add Value

If you are adding a deck to your home, a driving force when planning is the materials you use. There are a lot of great options today, but these definitely stand out and offer many benefits.

Composite

Versatile is a word that perfectly describes composite as a decking material. It comes in many different colors and mimics the authentic look of wood, while being more durable. That’s because it is made of recycled wood and plastic.

The smooth surface is safe to walk on barefoot for hours, which is nice if you have children. Even though this material choice is more expensive than most, it doesn’t have a tendency of chipping or warping. Taking care of a deck has never been easier, thanks to this material.

Deck Tiles

Another good option is deck tile, a reusable material that can be customized in so many different ways. A lot of these tiles have a snap design so you can quickly connect them together and place them over the pre-existing deck material.

Glue and nails are not required to secure these tiles in place. If you get bored with the color or don’t want to use them anymore, simply unsnap them together. You can even interchange different styles and colors of tiles, for a dramatic effect that impresses everyone around the area.

The material you choose for your home’s deck is important, both for function and aesthetics. Consider what you are looking for before renovating, so you are content with your backyard oasis.

Tips When Building a Pergola

Pergolas are archways that give your backyard life and personality. In order to build one of these structures in a stress-free manner, there are plans you need to make first.

Permits

Before building one of these archways, you need to see if a permit is required. If you are part of a homeowner’s association, check with them or possibly with your local city building department. Typically, areas that get extreme weather will require a permit because the pergola needs to be sturdy and safe. You will also require permits depending on what you are doing to the pergola. If installing electric wiring, for instance, then you will definitely need one.

Contractors

If you don’t have any experience building these archways, it’s probably best to let a contractor oversee the project. Find one that is licensed and has prior experience with these types of work. These professionals, offering experience and resources, can do many things. They will inspect the area before the project starts. They’ll make sure there are not any sewer and electrical lines near the area, and any potential red flags are marked off appropriately.

Materials

Like with many projects, you need to think about the materials you want to use with the pergola. There are many great choices today, including redwood, cedar, and pressure treated pine. Wood is a popular choice because of its affordability and the natural beauty it brings to the area.

Building pergolas is more complex than just throwing materials together. It requires planning and sometimes even a professional touch to make them look great and structurally sound.

Why Choose IPE as a Deck Material

When building a deck for your home, you need to select the right material. But what material works best for your property? The decision is easy when you select IPE decking.

What is IPE Decking?

IPE decking is extremely popular and used worldwide, but what exactly is it? IPE, also known as Brazilian walnut, is one of the hardest timber species on the planet. It comes in a variety of color tones, from dark and olive-brown to blackish tones. It outlasts many popular decking materials on the market currently, including cedar and redwood.

Benefits

If you use IPE as a material for your deck, you get many benefits. Probably the most notable is durability, thanks to its hard surface. It is naturally resistant to fire, mildew, and insect damage. You also won’t have to struggle in terms of maintenance, which also saves you money. IPE is a material that has been known to last up to 50 years. No longer do you have to constantly replace damaged sections.

IPE as a deck material also has a cool surface. This means you can walk on it barefoot, no matter how hot it gets throughout the summer. Because this material doesn’t expand or contract as much during temperature changes, you don’t have to worry about your deck cracking and causing nasty splinters to get caught in your foot.

The success of your deck project is often predicated on the material you choose. IPE might be the right choice if you are looking for vibrant aesthetics that are long-lasting.