Whenever it comes to building our houses or redoing any part of them, we often pay close attention to the details to ensure that we are investing in something that will last longer. Likewise, our backyards hold a special place in our hearts. That part of the house reminds us of all the joyful family moments that we cherish for the rest of our lives. One of the most integral parts of our outdoor space is decking. The question of composite decking vs wood is one we often consider.
However, wooden decking is gaining popularity for all the right reasons. Here is what you need to know about it:
Types of Wooden Decks Materials:
1. Wooden decks can be made from many different materials, for example:
2. Cedar: is insect-resistant, rot-resistant, and prevents moisture from causing damage, and is currently a popular choice for wood decking.
3. Redwood: is also insect and rot-resistant but does have other issues; however, it gives the natural wooden look to your outdoor space precisely the way you want.
4. Pressure-treated lumber is not insect or rot-resistant but is a relatively cheaper option. The different wooden decks allow you to get variations and make your outdoor spaces look amazing.
5. Cypress: this one is easy to work with, whether it’s a DIY project or even if you have hired a professional to get the deck installed.
5. Hemlock: it is naturally resistant to decay and easy to install.
7. Exotic Wood choices: these are difficult to deal with and are a durable options. It might be expensive but will certainly last longer.
The Size:
The second important factor contributing to the total cost of your wooden deck installation is its size. If you want a small deck where you and your spouse can enjoy dinner, or you are looking for a place to party, the size of the deck varies with the area and the purpose of its installation.
The Finishing:
The unfinished wood ware away naturally, but to increase longevity and for its color to prolong, you should consider adding one of the following finishes and protective layers to it:
1. Paint: this one is usually preferred for less expensive wooden decks. Color prevents peeling, fading, and cracking and does not need much maintenance. You can recoat it after every five years.
2· Tinted Waterproof: this layer gives long-term protection to your wooden deck, and you can recoat after every three years. It also evens out color differences and prevents fading.
3· Solid Stain: as the name suggests, it covers the entire deck like paint and gives decade-long protection to your deck from UV rays and weather. Plus, color options other than wooden tones allow you to give your outdoor space a new look.
4·Clear Water Sealer: this gives a transparent finish to the deck and prevents it from harsh weather conditions. It helps in keeping the natural color and appearance of your wooden deck intact.
5· Semi-Transparent Stains: these contain slight pigmentation and enhance the natural color of the wood by absorbing it. It might fade over time and will need recoating more often.
Taking Care of the Decks:
No matter what coating you have applied, you will have to focus on doing maintenance of your wooden deck seasonally and annually. Keep it clean, wipe away all the leaves and branches that fall, you can even use a detergent to clean the spot and wait for it to dry until you can apply new coats and redo the finishing. Wooden decks are a breath of fresh air for your outdoor spaces; make sure to maintain them well!