Decks
Repair or Replace
Because a deck is more exposed to the elements than the indoor sections of your home, they will need more frequent upkeep and repair. You should expect periodic painting, re-staining, or resealing. Wood boards and other materials may need to be replaced in spots. If you do not make regular repairs to your deck, it may become structurally unsound and need to be completely replaced. On a related point, decks that are on the second floor or above can cause injury or death if they become unsound or unstable.
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Cost
$35 to $70 per square foot to have a deck installed, depending on the complexity of the installation, materials used, and where in the Atlanta area you live.
Size
When planning the size of your deck, you need to consider three design factors and keep them in balance:
How are you planning to use the deck?
A deck off of your living room that will be used for entertaining needs to be much larger than a secluded and private deck you add to your master suite.
How much space is available to use?
Part of this question is about the size of your yard, usable area, and possible obstructions like trees or boulders. The other part of this is a question about the permit you can acquire to build a deck:
Can you acquire a permit for the size deck you want or will you need to modify your plans?
Your deck should appear to be in proportion with your house. When the project is complete, the deck should look like a logical and beneficial addition to your home. If the scale of the project is either too small or too large, it could look disproportionate to your house. A deck should also be proportional to your yard. If you are adding a deck so you and your guests can enjoy your beautiful yard, you cannot have the deck take up half the yard.
Materials
Wood is still the most common material used to build decks in Atlanta, but wood is starting to be replaced or supplemented by new materials in patio and deck construction. Here is a list of commonly used materials:
Wood: Until recently, all decks were constructed almost entirely of wood. Because of the exposure to moisture, most wood used for decks is pressure-treated wood. Pressure-treated wood is exposed to chemicals under pressure, and the chemicals prevent decay and termite damage, and can dramatically reduce repairs of your deck.
Composite Decking: Composite decking is a combination of wood pulp and plastic. It is looks like wood and is lower maintenance than wood. Composite decking lacks the strength of wood, and long pieces of composite decking used as floorboards require more closely spaced supports. Composite material is not generally used for the main supports pieces of a porch or deck, but is used in combination with pressure-treated wood.
Access
How many points of access you plan for your deck will impact its appearance and function. A deck usually has steps to the yard and access to the front or back door of the home. However, if you are installing a wrap-around deck, it is ideal to plan at least one additional entrance to and from the house, as we
ll as at least one additional set of stairs to the yard. Atlanta homeowners commonly add decks to the living room, the recreation room, or the master bedroom to function as an extension of the room. However, it is often necessary to install a door to provide access to the deck, and stairs from the deck to the yard. The door will often be made of glass, to present an inviting image of the deck from the room. If space permits, the use of either sliding or French double doors is also common.
Enclosures
To what degree to you want your deck to be open to the elements, and to what degree do you want it to be protected from the elements should be determined. This goes back to what time of day and year you plan to use the deck, and the weather and insect conditions in your area. Railings are the most basic form of deck enclosure, and they are essential for almost all types decks. Other enclosure options are screened in porches, windows, roofs and awnings. If you are installing screens, windows or awnings, consider making them removable so you can use them or not depending on the conditions.
Complete our Plan your Project request form or Give Del Sol Construction a call Today to spruce up your existing deck, or to construct an new inviting outdoor living space for you.
