Home renovations are the easiest way to make a cookie-cutter house feel like your dream home. If you’re considering renovating or adding new elements to your space, including building a deck, you’re not alone. In fact, more than 90 percent of homeowners plan to renovate or remodel their houses every year.

Building a deck is one of the best improvements you can make for your house. It adds usable space, increases your property value, and makes it easier for you and your family to enjoy the great outdoors.

Before you start building your deck, you need to consider these key factors if you want the project to go off without a hitch.

1. Figure Out Your Budget

Before you can start looking into different types of decks for your home, you need to think about how much money you’re willing to spend on the project. The cost of every deck varies based on the materials you choose, the permits you need, and how you build the deck itself.

Think about how much money you’re willing to spend on the project. If you have savings, consider how much you’re willing to use toward the deck build. If you’re financing the project, consider how much money your lender is willing to give you.

This number is your fixed budget. You’ll need to keep your costs at or below that amount if at all possible.

2. Identify How You’ll Use the Deck

Before you can start building your deck, think about how you’ll use the space. Are you planning on creating an outdoor living area to host gatherings? Or are you hoping to create a fully functional outdoor kitchen?

Once you know how you’ll use the deck, create a list of features you want the structure to include and support. This will help you better determine the types of materials you need and the overall layout of the project.

If you’re not sure where to start, look to your neighbors for guidance. See how they use their backyard deck and make note of the features you like about their design.

3. Think About Where You Want the Deck

Deck placement matters. Picking the right spot encourages you and your family to use the space while choosing the wrong location makes using it less enjoyable.

Think about where you want the deck built in the first place. Pay attention to the way the sun hits your yard at different times and choose a spot that works with the lighting. You want the space to be comfortable for as many hours of the day as possible.

Remember, you don’t have to attach the deck to the house unless you want to. You can build it wherever you get the best view or in the spot where you’ll use the deck most often.

4. Consider the Best Materials for the Project

There are dozens of different types of decking materials you can choose from and the best option for your home largely depends on what you want out of the deck.

Composite materials are long-lasting and durable, but they look synthetic and won’t add as much value to your property. Further, they’re harder to stain or paint if you ever want to refresh the look of your home’s exterior.

Natural hardwood materials like Ipe or Garapa wood last for decades with minimal maintenance. Since they’re natural wood planks, you’re able to stain, paint, and refinish them with ease anytime you want to refresh your deck’s appearance.

Keep in mind that natural hardwood can cost more upfront. But you’ll end up spending less on maintenance over the life of the deck. If you’re planning on staying in your home for several years, natural hardwood decking is the best choice.

5. Think About the Color You Want

No matter what materials you choose, you’ll need to figure out what color you want the deck to be. Think about how the deck will interact with your landscaping and your home’s design.

Many people choose to use a natural wood finish to give the deck a rustic feel. But that doesn’t mean you have to. You’re free to paint it whatever color you want if you think it will make the space work better with your home’s exterior.

As a general rule, avoid painting the deck the same color as your home’s siding. This way, it will be able to stand out and pop.

6. Find Out What Permits You Need

No matter what size of deck you build, you’ll need to secure building permits with your city or county. Without those permits in place, you risk costly fines and fees if you build the deck.

Take the time to research the types of permits you’ll need and any local building code restrictions you’ll need to be mindful of when construction starts. If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, make sure you find out about any restrictions they have in place before you start working, too.

The last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is having to take down a new deck because the HOA deems it unsightly.

7. Decide Between DIY and Professional Installation

Ultimately, you’ll need to figure out who will build the deck for your home. If you’re handy and confident that you can figure out how to build a deck yourself, you’re free to do so. However, if you’re not sure, it’s best to work with a professional.

Look for a general contractor that’s familiar with the building restrictions in your area and one that’s built several types of decks in the past. Review their portfolio in detail to make sure they’re able to bring your vision to life.

Building a Deck Is a Great Investment

If you’re looking for a simple way to add functionality and value to your home, building a deck is one of the best projects. Make sure you think about these key factors before you start construction and you’ll be able to get the best deck for your money.

Just make sure to invest in the highest quality materials possible. The better your decking is, the longer your deck will last.

Check out our selection of high-quality hardwood decking and don’t hesitate to reach out for advice or to place an order today.

Are you looking to enhance the aesthetic and functionality of your home? If so, you should consider installing a deck. Decks are not only great for outside gatherings like bonfires and barbecues, but they’re also cosmetically appealing and can do a lot to improve the overall appearance of a residential property. Note, though, that not all decks are created equal. With all of the different materials available, they can offer quite a bit of variation. Are you interested in learning about deck material options and what they can provide to you? Then read on. We’re going to discuss them in detail below. 

Ipe Wood

Perhaps the best of all deck materials is Ipe wood. Aesthetically pleasing and functionally impressive, it thrives on all fronts. A hardwood from Brazil, it can last as long as 75 years when properly cared for. 

Ipe wood possesses a dark shade and a smooth texture. Built to withstand scratches and dings, it maintains its look for years with only the slightest bit of help from its caretaker. 

Overall, this is an exceptional deck material. Durable, low-maintenance, and attractive, it’s as close to flawless as you’re going to get.  

Garapa Wood

Similar to but a little different from Ipe wood is Garapa wood. Also native to Brazil, this wood possesses above-average strength and density and can last up to 50 years. That’s longer than any other deck material, with the exception of Ipe. 

Aesthetically speaking, Garapa wood is lighter than Ipe wood. It has an orangeish hue to it as opposed to the brownish hue of Ipe. This provides it with a brightness that plays well with the colors of most houses. 

Like Ipe, Garapa wood is scratch-resistant, in addition to being insect-repellant and rot-resistant. As such, it requires very little maintenance throughout the years. 

All in all, Garapa wood is a terrific deck material. Regardless of your budget, it would be a solid choice. 

Cedar 

Cedar is a popular wood that’s both lightweight and strong. Easy to install, it generally lasts for around 25 years.  

Note, though, that it requires a decent amount of maintenance. Unlike the other materials on this list, cedar must be sealed and stained frequently. If it’s not, it will warp and rot and succumb far before its time. 

As such, cedar is a good but not spectacular deck material. If you can keep up with the necessary maintenance, it’s a viable option. If you can’t, you should start looking at other options. 

Pressure Treated Wood

If you’re looking for the cheapest material possible, you’re going to have to go with pressure-treated wood. This wood is treated with chemicals so that it can resist the adverse effects of water and sunlight exposure. 

Aesthetically speaking, pressure-treated wood is, well, average. It doesn’t stand out all that much, and it certainly doesn’t reach the aesthetic levels of Garapa or Ipe wood. That said, it’s passable, and will still help to enhance the aesthetic value of your property. 

While pressure-treated wood possesses fair durability, it’s nowhere near as durable as Ipe or Garapa. Even with intensive maintenance, it’s still only designed to last for around 20 years. Once it’s reached that point, it will quickly begin to succumb to warping and dry rot. 

All in all, this is a solid but unremarkable material. It’s good enough to get the job done, but it falls far behind many of the other materials that are available out there. 

Composite

Not interested in a wood deck? If so, you might instead consider going with composite. Made out of a collection of wood fibers and synthetic plastics, composite combines excellent durability with intriguing aesthetics. 

The upsides to composite?

For one, it requires almost nothing in the way of maintenance. Built to withstand sun and rain abuse, it can thrive for up to 50 years. 

For two, it’s aesthetically various. Available in a variety of styles and colors, there’s sure to be one that matches your preferences. 

And then there’s the issue of physical strength. It has tons of it and will hold up well when subject to physical trauma. 

The downside to composite? As you might expect, it’s on the expensive side. Plus, because it’s a synthetic material, its aesthetic isn’t as authentic or as natural as those provided by the wood materials reviewed above. 

Aluminum

Though it may not possess the pleasant naturalness of wood materials, aluminum does provide an intriguing aesthetic. Possessing a smooth and sleek texture, and available in a variety of colors, it can bring an air of luxury to a home.

Note, though, that aluminum generally isn’t used to build an entire deck. It’s typically only used for siding railings. 

It’s extremely durable. Resistant to rain, sun, and physical trauma, it can thrive for over 50 years. Of course, if you’re going to use it, you should combine it with a surface material that’s equally as durable, like Ipe or Garapa wood. 

As low-maintenance a material as you’re ever going to find, it rarely even needs to be touched. At most, it requires cleanings from time to time. 

Yes, it can be a little expensive. However, because it lasts so long and because it requires almost no maintenance, it actually provides quite a bit of bang for its buck. 

A Variety of Deck Material Options to Choose From

As you can see, there are a variety of deck material options to choose from, all of which offer their own set of benefits and drawbacks. That said, if you want a material that is both aesthetically gorgeous and functionally optimal, you should go with either Ipe wood or Garapa wood. 

Interested in installing either? Then you’re in the right place. BuyIpeDirect.com has you covered.

Check out our selection of Ipe wood now! 

In recent years, the demand for homes with decks has soared, with over 22 percent of all single-family homes started in 2018 incorporating decks in their design. 

Installing a deck can have significant benefits. Not only does this project significantly add aesthetic appeal to your home, but it also provides a place for you and your family to relax. Building a deck can also dramatically increase your home’s resale value.

But when you’re spending $14,360 on a new deck, you want to get everything right. That includes choosing the right material for the job. Hardwood decking is one of the most preferred decking options in the country. 

Of course, this type of decking does face worthy competition from other materials, especially composite. So, why should you opt for a wooden deck instead of a composite one? Once you’ve installed your hardwood deck, how can you maintain it properly, so it performs at the highest level for a long time?

These are just some of the issues we discuss in this comprehensive guide. Keep reading to learn more. 

What Makes Hardwood Decking So Desirable?

Why do so many American homeowners prefer hardwood to other materials when installing decks? The simple answer is that hardwood decking planks have certain characteristics that make them ideal for your decking project. These include: 

1. Hardwood Decking Is Highly Attractive 

Real hardwood has an authentic aesthetic appeal that no other decking material can rival. Consider the honey blonde color of the Garapa wood, for instance. The allure of this shade is irresistible, making this wood the number one choice for homeowners looking to boost their homes’ curb appeal.

With time, the honey blond color of Garapa wood starts to turn to an attractive silver shade. Of course, you can choose to retain the honey blonde shade by applying a sealant to prevent the shade from changing. However, many homeowners find the silver shade quite appealing and choose to let their decks turn to the color. 

2. Hardwood Decking Has a High ROI

There’s no question that any type of decking will boost your home’s value. But a hardwood deck’s ROI is significantly higher compared to that of other decking materials, including composite.

Once you invest in Garapa or IPE decking, you can be sure that you’ll recoup almost all of the cost when you sell you home. 

3. This Decking Option Is Eco-Friendly

Another huge selling point for hardwood decking is that the material is renewable and sustainable. The production of a deck board also entails very little waste. Less energy is consumed when these deck planks are being produced, which means less carbon footprint. 

By contrast, the manufacture of composite lumber involves mixing plastic, wood, and binding agents. As you can imagine, this process results in more carbon emissions.

4. It’s a Less-Expensive Decking Solution

Despite numerous desirable features as a decking material, wood is surprisingly affordable compared to composite. Of course, the difference in price tag depends on what type of hardwood you choose, its cut, finish, and so on. But in general, composite lumber costs more than hardwood.

But what makes composite more expensive than wood? Well, there’s generally more work involved in creating every composite board. Putting together wood fiber and recycled plastic requires specialized machinery and more time.

When it comes to hardwood, all that’s required is the cutting and sawing of the wood before it’s sold. 

5. Hardwood’s Surface Temperature Stays Lower in Summer

Historically, hardwood decks have always had an advantage over their composite counterparts during the summer. A composite deck can get uncomfortably hot during the day compared to a Garapa decking. 

Walking barefoot on a composite deck in the sweltering heat of the summer can cause blisters on your feet. 

6. Hardwood Decks Don’t Fade Easily

The majority of engineered decking products fade when exposed to UV rays from the sun. The sun’s powerful rays break down the colors of the decking material at an atomic level. 

Within the first 3 to 6 months of installation, first-generation composite decking starts to weather and fade. Second-generation composite decking performs much better. However, you’ll still need to repaint it several years down the line to bring back its aesthetic appeal.

Hardwood decking does not have this problem. Once you’ve installed it, you can expect decades of service life before the wood’s color starts to lose its allure. 

Tips for Maintaining Your Hardwood Deck

A hardwood deck is a big investment, and you want to make sure you get the biggest bang for your back. One way to keep your deck performing at its highest level is to invest in a good maintenance routine. Here are a few deck maintenance suggestions. 

Always Use a Professional

There are countless home upgrade tasks you can do yourself, but deck installation isn’t one of them. Unless you have the necessary skills, it’s best to leave the job to a licensed professional. Any mistake during the installation process could lead to costly maintenance tasks in the future.

Pre-Finish the Hardwood Lumber

Before you begin the actual installation of the hardwood decking, it’s a smart idea to have it prefinished. The purpose of pre-finishing is to block UV rays and slow down the acclimation process. The lumber can thus acclimate consistently, not just on the surfaces. 

Keep Your Hardwood Decking Clean

Cleaning your decking is one of the easiest and most effective deck maintenance tasks. Yet it’s also one of the most overlooked tasks. Dirt, pollen, leaves, twigs, and other debris can leave your deck looking unsightly.

And while hardwood is naturally resistant to mildew and mold, it isn’t immune. That’s why you need to set apart time to regularly clean your deck. Be sure to give your deck a deep clean whenever required. 

Invest in Professional Hardwood Decking

A hardwood deck is a great addition to any home. Not only does it make it possible to enjoy your outdoor space better, but also significantly enhance your home’s value and visual appeal. To keep your hardwood decking in top shape, remember to maintain it well.

Are you interested in top-notch hardwood decking solutions for your home? Please contact us today.