Decking Out the Backyard

As summertime approaches more and more people are looking to spend time in their own backyards. No matter whether you want to barbeque or lounge, the backyard seems to be the place to be. It seems that people nowadays are no longer content to sit on their lawns; they want a deck and all the amenities that come along with it.

Outdoor living is a popular trend that is convenient, economical, and relaxing. It’s an easy way to get more usable space out of your property, and unlike a lot of home improvements, decks and the like actually increase the resale value of your home. So what exactly are you waiting for? Get the deck you’ve always wanted, fire up that barbeque, and start enjoying the sunshine.

Things to Think About

One of the first things you’ll want to do is think a bit about the deck and ask yourself some questions. Before you arbitrarily flip through the Yellow Pages or pick up your hammer and nails you're going to want to consider a few factors.

• What kinds of activities do you expect to be using a deck for? Will you be using it simply for relaxing in your favourite lawn chair or will you be setting up a table and chairs for romantic outdoor dinning? Perhaps it’s both.
• Just how much of a sun worshipper are you? Depending upon the time of year, your home could block the sun. On the other hand, if you live in a hot climate, you might want to build your deck at an angle that provides you with some degree of protection from the sun. Also consider that some trees lose their leaves in winter and will allow the winter sun access to your deck. Other trees, such as evergreens, however, won't lose their leaves, and will continue to provide shade and cooler temperatures on your deck when you won't necessarily want them.
• Do you like skin cancer and rapid aging? Probably not, so of course shade is necessary. You’re probably going to need an umbrella that you can adjust as the sun changes direction over the course of the day. When the winter months roll in, however, you're going to need a place to store that large umbrella.
• Do you like wind? Either way you’ll want to consider the most common wind direction in your yard. You may want to consider building an ivy-covered screen or hedge to block out annoying breezes (imagine what a strong wind can do to your outdoor dinner party).
• How big should your deck be? Most people tend to build their decks too small for furniture and for function. Add a couple more feet than you think you'll need. Every inch will be used.
• How much noise do you get in your backyard? Does your home back up to a major highway? While it's nearly impossible to insulate yourself from all surrounding noise pollution, planting trees or hedges or building screens can help to some degree.
• Which part of your backyard is most scenic? Would you like to be able to see it from your deck? Make sure you don't block the view with high screens or hedges, or construct them in designs that allow for partial views. And speaking of views, make sure that your neighbours won't be able to wave at you while you're enjoying your deck. Build your hedges or screens to maintain your privacy.
• Do you plan to sit outdoors on your deck at night? Then you're going to need to wire the outside area to accommodate lighting and waterproof electrical outlets.
• What about all your stuff? Most people don't consider it, but decks often become catch-alls for garden tools, hoses, empty pots, children's toys and/or pool accessories. Before long, your deck becomes an unsightly mess. It's worth your while, then, to plan to build a storage space along with your deck. Place it in a hidden space away from your deck if possible, or if you use those items frequently, plan to build yourself an attractive or perhaps camouflaged storage space near or on the deck.
• How do you get onto the deck? The most common form of entry onto a deck is through a pair of French doors. Sliding glass doors are next in line, although they are becoming a bit outdated, and their safety has been questioned because burglars have had success in forcing them open. French doors are a more visually attractive choice, and if you plan to entertain on your deck, you'll want to provide entry through the kitchen if possible.
• Where are you allowed to build your deck? This is perhaps the most important consideration, so make sure to consult your city's building department to find out requirements for property lines -- before you find yourself slapped with a fine, angry neighbours or both. And If your back yard slopes down from your home, you're going to need to build your deck upon posts -- a job which no homeowner should attempt to pursue on his or her own. Call an expert.

 It's best to get out your pen and paper, and write down your "wish list" for a deck -- what its design will be, what you'll be using it for, and the views you'd like to see from the deck, among other factors. And like any other home improvement project, interview several builders before you select one. Shop around, and don't rush yourself.

More Tips to a Better Deck   

Now that you have a general idea of what you are going to use your deck for, it’s time to think about something’s that are a bit more specific to the actual building of your deck.

• For example, which is the best time to build your deck? You probably want to think about building in the fall months, since most contractors are backlogged in April, May and June. Not only can you avoid lag time, but because it’s essentially the builders “slow months” you might even get a price break.
• If you choose lumber as your deck material, moderate fall weather will give your new green lumber time to cure. Summer heat and sun can damage new lumber by rapidly pulling moisture out of the wood. Improper curing can cause wood to warp and can create undesirable hairline cracks. Also, new decks need time to cure before applying sealers, paints and stains, unless you use newer engineered decking materials made from wood fibres and recycled polyethylene plastic. The low maintenance materials don't require curing, sealing, staining or painting and they also come ready to install.
• For the greatest financial return, many builders and real estate agents suggest that the deck be designed as an extension of the living space, not an appendage to the house. A deck is high on the wish list of virtually anyone buying a house in the city. Depending on the time of year, one can actually "expand" a home, providing additional living space, with hot tubs, grills and patios, and even outdoor showers.
• A lot of houses, especially true Victorians, don't look quite right with a deck - try a patio garden, pergola or porch. But if you think a deck would go well with your house, take a look at what others have built. Then think about appearance and size, determine what you can afford to spend, and obtain estimates.
• Every municipality has its own requirements for decks and their builders. In some, builders must be licensed; most are required to be insured. Other towns require that a scale drawing of the deck plan be reviewed by the building inspector. Each contractor should provide a detailed estimate of the project, including a description of the materials, how they will be used, how much the project will cost, and about how long it will take. The contractor handles all permit and inspection requirements and builds the cost of them into the price. Many provide the required scale drawings once the contract has been signed.

Plastic or Wood?

Now comes the question, what should I build my deck out of? Of course there is wood, of which there are a multitude of varieties, though cedar and redwood are the most common. Just remember that wood decks deteriorate due to weather, sun, mildew, foot traffic wear and plant containers. For these reasons, materials used to construct the deck should be decay resistant like cedar or pressure treated lumber and connectors/fasteners should be galvanized, zinc coated or stainless steel. Cedar will last 20-30 years depending on the climate and care.

Besides wood the two hottest types of decking are composite lumber and vinyl. The first, composite decking, is made with lumber that combines properties of both wood and plastic. Manufacturers, such as Trex ™ claim outstanding durability without preservatives and sealants, workability that wood cannot hope to come close to, and color that stays looking good for years to come. It provides low moisture absorption, slip resistance, UV protection and uses no virgin wood within its wood-polymer composition. It won't rot, crack or splinter, does not need to be sealed, and cannot be damaged by water, sun, or insects. Testing has already shown it to be durable for more than 20 years, according to the manufacturer's information. Although it is not designed for the structural replacement of wood in all applications (such as posts, joists, and beams) it offers a wide variety of uses and provides more durability and purported easier maintenance than wood decking. The product can be painted or stained, although some color fading can occur. Capable of being attached to wood, aluminium or steel foundations, all-vinyl decking is fast becoming popular for recreational decks, walkways and matching fencing as well. Brock Deck ™ Systems claims to have a patented "Clip-Strip" application system that abuts each plank closely together using metal fasteners, tightening gaps that may be left by other types of vinyl or composite decking. Vinyl lumber manufacturers claim care-free maintenance, and some, like Brock, tout slip resistance, no surface screws, durability in any climate, and rotting, warping and splintering resistance. Some of its most notable attributes, according to product information, are the product's inability to absorb stains, as well as the perpetually cool surface it provides underfoot. It supposedly never needs painting or staining and is easily cleaned with a garden hose, but is limited in available colors to such as tan, white, or grey tones.

Both of these decking systems are more costly than wood decking in initial outlay, but both claim that their practically limitless durability outperforms wood in the long run. When considering long-term decking of this type, homeowners would be wise to do some research of their own on the internet (such as within sites like Homebuilder.com), or contact decking companies for information on the products.

Deck Maintenance

If you decide to go with a wood deck one thing that you will have to be consistent with is maintenance. The job of deck maintenance is directly proportional to the wetness or dryness and temperature extremes of the climate. No matter what, all wood decks need ongoing preventive maintenance of some kind to ensure that they survive their normal useful life.

Make sure to inspect your deck every summer to determine its condition and note any needed repairs. Check metal flashing for rust, loose areas or breaks. Check deck condition for softness by pressing down with your foot. Soft decking is indicative of dry rot or termites. Keep in mind that outdoor carpet on decks traps moisture creating an ideal environment for dry rot. Also, plant containers should have proper catch trays so water does not overflow onto the deck. It is best to remove both carpet and planters from the deck during the wet winter months.

Proper flashing is extremely important to route water away from the buildings. "L" flashing is used at the building wall-to-deck junction to seal this critical point of water intrusion. "Drip edge" flashing is used at the outer edge of the deck and has a small bend on the bottom lip that will kick water away from the deck as it runs off. Check your coating manufacturer's specifications for flashings to ensure yours are compatible. You may need to remove and replace what you have.

Door thresholds, entry door and screen door clearances are another item to think about. You may need to budget for shaving doors down or raising threshold heights when applying a new coating over an old coating.

Preventive maintenance extends a deck to its maximum useful life of 15-20 years. Decks should be cleaned annually to remove dirt, algae and moss. Heavy coating applications should be reapplied every 3-5 years. Lighter weight deck paints, stains and water sealers need to be reapplied every 1-2 years. As a rule, it is best to leave wood decks unpainted since there is a high likelihood that the paint will not adhere well. Painted wood decks tend to absorb and retain moisture which leads to premature failure.

If you do decide to paint your deck here’s some tips on how to do it:

1. Set nail and screw heads, as those not set or caulked properly may rust out or bleed through the paint leaving rust spots.

2. Remove deteriorated paint by scraping, wire brushing or by using a paint remover properly protecting landscaping.

3. Pressure wash the entire deck removing scaling paint and dirt. If the surface is still discoloured, test for mildew by applying a drop of household bleach. Mildew will usually bleach in 1-2 minutes. The reason for this is mildew will bleed through new paint. If mildew exists, use one of many commercial mildew washes or use the following solution:

• 2/3 cup trisodium phosphate
• 1/3 cup ammonia free laundry detergent
• 1 quart household bleach
• Enough warm water to make a gallon.

Wear rubber gloves and goggles when applying the solution. Scrub with a soft brush, and then rinse with fresh water.

4. Once deck is dry, apply a mildew resistant exterior deck paint or mix paint with a mildewcide, all available at most paint stores.

Before applying any new coating, the decking must be in good repair and prepared properly to accept the coating. Never install a coating over bad wood since it will only mask a problem that will get bigger and cause the coating to fail as well.

In Conclusion

While the recreational value of a deck is obvious, keep in mind that it can also add to the value of your house at resale time. Although you want your deck to be luxurious, you don't need to overspend. Set a realistic budget and remember - you don't have to do everything at once. Once you have the actual deck in place, pace yourself and add one or two new items each year. With a little preparation and some time you can turn an ordinary backyard into a peaceful, scenic respite.

This paper is intended for informational purposes only. Nothing contained herein constitutes legal, financial or other professional advice. Transmission of these materials is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, any relationship of any kind between the provider and the recipient. Some of these points may not apply in your area. Different term and conditions may vary from state to state and province to province. All articles, text and photographic material presented here is for the use and pleasure of the recipient only.

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