Tag: decks

Weatherproof Your Decks and Docks for Longer Life

Posted on Staff

Building a deck or dock costs thousands of dollars, why not build it to last?

Though the process of weatherproofing can be costly and time consuming, it can save you in semi-frequent repairs and even reconstruction in the future.

Benefits of weatherproofing

Aside from perhaps an open flame, water is the most dangerous element your wooden structures can be exposed to.

By weatherproofing your deck or boat dock, you can ensure that building materials are protected from the elements as well as organic matter that can weaken the stability of your structure.

applying wood sealant

Rain water and other moisture can sink into the wood if not sealed properly, causing the material to rot away over time.

Additionally, moisture rich wood tends to mold, which is dangerous to both the integrity of the material and yours and your guests’ health.

Unsealed or non-weatherproof structures are also vulnerable to dry rot  caused by certain fungi. These organisms cause wood to become spongey in composition and therefore, unstable.

Weatherproofing also helps to maintained the aesthetic of your dock or backyard deck by preserving its color and polish.

Disadvantages of weatherproofing

The biggest drawback to weatherproofing your wooden structures is that the process is not a one-time investment.

Most experts recommend resealing decks and docks annually, which means homeowners are looking at a reoccurring maintenance cost.

According to Home Advisor,  higher-end structures can cost upwards of $1800 a year to maintain; however, the article also sites the average person spends around $831 sealing or weatherproofing a deck.

In areas where there is frequent rain or high humidity, homeowners may be looking at repeating this process multiple times a year.  This is especially true in areas such at the lake where structures are regularly subjected to large amounts of water.

Additionally, homeowners should note that clear sealants may need to be reapplied more often than colored ones.

Weatherproofing materials

When it comes to the materials recommended for weatherproofing your boat dock or deck, determine whether you want to use a waterproof stain or sealant, or if you want to bypass normal wood for a synthetic building material.

As previously stated, if buyers chose the first option, a sealant or stain of some kind, they run the risk of costly, annual reapplication. However, this is the more affordable option, especially for smaller or preexisting structures.

A single quart of sealant can cost anywhere from about $8 to more than $50, depending on the brand. For the higher-end material, an amount this size can cover about 240 square feet.

The average deck is approximately 300 to 400 square feet.

The second option would be to build your structure with a non-wood material, such as composite decking.

These boards are made of both plastic and wood fibers, mixed with a number of other additives such as pigments and UV inhibitors. This mixture is then heated to form a sturdy building material that is flame resistance, easier to maintain and fades less easily.

Low-end composite board costs about $4 per square foot, but can exceed $7 per square foot for higher end, more aesthetically pleasing material.

Though the start up cost can be expensive, this product’s longevity paired with reduced maintenance obligations make it an increasingly appealing alternative.

Fun Ways to Utilize Your Screened-In Porch

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

If you are fortunate enough to have a screened-in porch, then congratulations. This will likely be the most popular room in your lake home!

There are a number of ways you could go about this, depending on what your interests are. Maybe you are looking for a quiet place to get some reading done or maybe a place to entertain guests.

No matter what you enjoy, there is bound to be a fun and exciting way that you can create a screened in porch space that you will treasure for years to come.

Create a Hobby Room

Depending on what you enjoy doing in your spare time, you could create an area designed around your hobby. If you work from home, you could use it to create the world’s best home office for your business.

If you enjoy playing video games, you could turn it into a game room by placing arcade games (be sure you are 100% positive they are in a position rain will not reach them) and maybe throw in some table tennis. Not only would this be a good hobby room for you but for your guests.

If you enjoy knitting, you could make it into your very own knitting room to keep your supplies and new projects.

You could also turn the room into a room for a specific item that you collect. Maybe you collect model cars or baseball cards.  However, you may not want to put anything too valuable in the room. It can be seen from outside, and may experience strong gusts of wind from time to time.

screened in porchA Place for Entertainment

A screened in porch would be an excellent place for you to entertain guests. In the summertime it could be where you put your grill and lawn furniture so all of your guests are able to enjoy the sunlight while enjoying a home cooked barbecue.

To keep  things comfortable year round, have a ceiling fan installed for the warmer months and a propane patio heater for the colder months.

You could even add a mini fridge so you or your guests will not have to run inside to grab a cold beverage. Adding a TV would also make things fun. Especially when there is a sporting event like the Super Bowl or March Madness.

While you’re at it, go ahead and grab an outdoor couch. You can turn your porch into a man cave with the world’s best view!

Kids Play Area

A screened in porch could also be used as a children’s play area. This is a great way for children to get some fresh air while also getting to play with their favorite toys.

You could decorate with all of their favorite items and make it a fun place for your children to relax. As they get older, you can let it grow up with them, change it up a bit.

These are all fantastic ideas if you have a screened in porch to utilize. No matter what it is that you decide to do, make it fit around what already makes you happy. That is the easiest way to create a porch that you will love for years to come.

Decking 101: Lumber and Lumber Alternatives

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

A deck is the favorite hangout and entertainment spot of any home no matter where you are located, but this can be especially true for a lake home.

In the past, many types of treated lumber have been used for decking. But today, the most commonly used product is green lumber. Green lumber is a good option for decking materials, but there are a few more selections to choose from when deciding on decking material.

There are a few newer products available on the market today that are more sustainable and can last a lifetime.

man cutting treated lumber for a deckPressure Treated Lumber

This is the cheapest alternative when it comes to choosing a long lasting decking material. This pressure treated lumber is the same type of lumber that was used on some of the earlier decks.

Instead of being treated with a liquid solution, it goes through a process where the treatment is cooked into the lumber while under pressure. This works much like a big pressure cooker.

Pressure treated decks are great for high moisture locations. This pressure treated lumber is not only long lasting, but it is resistant to rot and insect damage.

A pressure treated deck still needs to be washed and treated with a preservative sealer. With the proper maintenance, a pressure treated deck will last up to 30 years.

Redwood and Cedar Wood

Redwood and cedar decks are naturally insect, rot, and fire resistant. Cedar does not have to have the yearly spray treatment that a pressure treated deck requires. Redwood and cedar lumber will also provide a unique color and finish. The natural color and finish of the wood can be enhanced with a sealer or it can be stained with a variety of colors that are available from local hardware stores. Some companies and contractors that use cedar or redwood will offer lifetime warranties on their decks.

Wood and Plastic Composite

Wood and plastic composite will also give you a long lasting alternative. These materials are made in the same style and look as real wood. Wood and plastic composites are available to you in a wide variety of pre-made colors. This material can also be cleaned with soap and water and will always hold the color for a long lasting great look. Many manufacturers of these products offer a 25 year warranty on their product.

Rubber Composite

As the name states, this lumber alternative is made of recycled rubber. This material is also long lasting and will almost always come with at least a 25 year manufacturer’s warranty. It is also not as commonly available as the other options, so it may cost more to use this material. It is also not recommended for very cold climates in which the weather frequently falls below zero degrees (F).

No matter what materials are used to build, a deck is certain to add value to your lake home. When it comes to lake homes, an elaborate deck can even be a key selling point when it comes time to put the home on the market. Check with your local contractor to see what options are available. Or, if you are looking for a DIY project, you can check with your local hardware store.