Tag Archives: deck construction Overland Park

3 Common Deck Materials

You probably already know that a new or remodeled deck can add tons of value to your home. But did you also know that your return on investment will be heavily determined by the type of deck materials used? We stumbled upon this article that outlines the pros and cons of some of the most common deck building materials.

Pressure-treated (PT) wood

  • Most common and least expensive material
  • Requires annual sealing to prevent drying, twisting, cupping, splitting, slivering and warping
  • Usually insect- and fungus-resistant for about 10 years
  • Expensive fasteners are required for building since PT can eat through regular screws and nails

Cedar

  • Boards used to last about 20 year, but now they’re only good for about 5-7 years
  • Lack of natural oils makes it more prone to dry rot, mold and insects

Exotic hardwood

  • One of the most expensive deck materials
  • Very durable and long-lasting
  • Can be harvested under less than ethical conditions from forests in South America
  • Often labeled as sustainable when it may not be

To find out about the decking materials we use at Outdoor Environments, contact us today!

Image from How Stuff Works via cc

Earn Big Bucks with a New or Remodeled Deck

Adding value to the home is a priority for many Americans, particularly during difficult economic times like we’ve been experiencing. So it’s quite exciting to learn that, according to a recent article, adding a new deck (or remodeling your existing one) can earn up to 73 percent of your initial investment. So if you’re ready to add big bucks to the value of your home, take heed to these deck building and remodeling tips.

For a newly constructed deck:

  1. Experts say that consumers have fallen in love with composite decking because splits, splinters, cracks and mold are either rare or non-existent.
  2. Railings are always recommended as an added safety feature, but they also add a unique visual appeal to the deck with architectural details.
  3. Bigger is better when it comes to decks. They’re a great extension of the home’s interior, particularly multi-level decks. They allow for maximum space for entertaining and general enjoyment.
  4. Decorating your deck can and should be just as fun decorating inside your home. Don’t be afraid to play around with colors, furniture, textures and décor.

For a remodeled deck:

  1. We’re in the midst of summer, but it’s not too late to check your deck for safety hazards. Damaged boards, loose fasteners and shaky railings can all be extremely dangerous.
  2. Consider adding a fresh coat of deck stain. Not only does this refresh your deck’s appearance, but stains are also great at repelling water, which can lead to rotting.
  3. Bedazzle your deck by adding new elements like railings or other architectural/decorative elements.

Visit our Facebook page to see examples of our deck installations and remodels.

Image from My Home Ideas via Sunset

Tips for New and Existing Decks

If you haven’t spruced up your deck yet for the summer season, or even if you don’t have one – it’s not too late! Outdoor Environments is here to provide you with a plethora of tips and ideas to get your deck in order for the remainder of the season. Whether you’ve got a deck or not, here are some ideas to keep in mind.

For existing decks:

  • Make sure it’s still in good condition. Issues like damaged boards, loose fasteners and protruding nails may seem minor, but they can be very dangerous when ignored. Click here for our previous articles related to deck safety.
  • Consider a fresh coat of deck stain that’ll not only add life and color to your deck, but it’ll repel water, moisture damage, mildew and fading in high-traffic areas.
  • Add or swap out railings and/or decorative posts. These architectural details can work wonders for a deck and your entire outdoor living motif.

For new deck construction:

  • Top choices for materials include treated lumber (economical and usually comes with a good warranty against rot and decay) and treated wood (stands up against severe weather conditions).
  • For durable and eco-friendly decking materials, composite or PVC decking are other popular options. They look like authentic wood, but require much less maintenance. These materials don’t split, splinter, crack or mold.

For all your deck building and remodeling needs, call Outdoor Environments at 913-897-2706.

Information from LVRJ

Image from Pinterest