What is a deck of wood?
Decks are elevated structures made of wood or composite materials and often attach to the back of a house. They provide backyard space for outdoor living and help unify the house and the yard. A ground-level deck allows you to build a cheap deck without spending money on all the extras. Another bonus of building a ground-level deck is that it can be placed anywhere in your yard, it does not need to be attached to your house. So you could essentially build a little oasis in your garden if you want to.In architecture, a deck is a flat surface capable of supporting weight, similar to a floor, but typically constructed outdoors, often elevated from the ground, and usually connected to a building. The term is a generalization from the deck of a ship.
What is the wood on a deck called?
Decking refers to the boards that are installed on the top of the joists to create the surface of the deck. Decking is available in various lengths and can be made of wood, PVC, aluminum, fiberglass, or composite materials. Decking can be installed perpendicular to the joists, diagonally, or even in curved patterns. PVC Decking (Our Preferred Choice) PVC decking has become the top choice for homeowners who want a beautiful deck without the constant upkeep. It’s fully water-resistant, won’t warp, rot, or host mold, and requires only the occasional rinse to look like new.Although most decks are built with pressure-treated lumber, they can still get wet rot. The most susceptible areas are where cuts in the lumber were not treated and where water pools or seeps into cracks. The fungus spores can germinate when the wood’s moisture content exceeds 30 percent.But a wooden deck can soon fall into disarray if you don’t keep up with the necessary maintenance. The outdoor elements can be incredibly harsh on wood, causing it to fade, chip, or even start to rot.Suspectable to damage – Exposed wood decking is more likely to suffer from rot, insect infestation and moisture. High maintenance – Wood decking requires regular cleaning, staining and other upkeep to maintain protection.PVC decking is known for its incredibly low maintenance requirements. Made entirely from synthetic materials, PVC boards are highly resistant to moisture, mold, mildew, and insect damage. Even better, PVC decking tends to be lighter than wood or composite, making it easier to handle during installation.
What is deck material called?
The three main deck material options you’ll see on the market are pressure treated wood, composite, and PVC (also called vinyl). No decking material is entirely waterproof, but PVC and composite materials are often more water-resistant with less maintenance than all wood decks. PVC deck boards are especially efficient since they’re made entirely of synthetic materials, while mold thrives on organic materials like wood and paper.In general, however, deck lifespan estimations break down as follows: Traditional wood deck: Typically 10 to 15 years. Composite: Industry experts agree these boards can last 25 to 30+ years.Wood decks should be protected with a sealer application every one to three years as needed. There’s no way to 100% waterproof a wood deck, but best practices like annually resealing exterior wood or installing flashing tape can extend the life of your deck.
Is deck wood hard or soft?
Due to availability, cost effectiveness and ease of installation, around 90% of decks are made from softwood decking. Hardwood decking tends to be more expensive and requires more care to work with, though it is available in a range of attractive colours. Treated wood is the most common decking material, and it is widely available in many dimensions. WPC lumber is also becoming widely available, but retailers usually carry only one manufacturer’s brand. If you are looking for a particular type or color of WPC, you may have to shop around.For a long-lasting and innovative decking option, choose composite decking. Made from 95 per cent recycled materials (a combination of plastic and wood dust from re-used oak furniture), its advanced design ensures no warping, splitting, splintering, distorting or rotting over time.
What is the cheapest wood for a deck?
Pressure-treated wood remains the most affordable decking option, starting at around $2. The cost of a 20×20 deck can vary greatly depending on materials, labor, location, and additional features. On average, you might expect to pay between $12,000 and $24,000 for a professional installation of this size.Total Estimated Cost Depending on material selection, optional features, and labor expenses, the total cost for a 20×20 composite deck typically falls between $4,848 and $13,560.Deck cost by size A 12×12 deck is likely to cost between $5,760 and $8,640. A 14×20 deck is likely to cost between $11,200 and $16,800. A 20×20 deck is likely to cost between $16,000 and $24,000.Total Estimated Cost Depending on material selection, optional features, and labor expenses, the total cost for a 20×20 composite deck typically falls between $4,848 and $13,560.