Before Buying A Deck, Be Sure You Know The Ropes

(HIT) - Buying a new deck is a big decision, so be sure it’s the right one. All decking and railing products are not alike. You need to consider different manufacturers, materials, maintenance, plank colors, costs, and more. By learning the ropes of the deck industry, you’ll avoid "walking the plank" financially and emotionally. Working with a reputable decking contractor is critical to getting the job done right and preventing do-it-yourself disasters.

When choosing a deck, there are ten key considerations:

1. Know your materials. While beautiful, wood is a high-maintenance material that requires annual re-staining and sealing. Durable old-growth timber isn’t used anymore. Pressure-treated, fast-growth timber has replaced it—while attractive initially, this softer, cheaper wood loses luster after two years, and can rot and warp. An excellent wood alternative is vinyl or virgin vinyl (non-recycled). Vinyl withstands the elements, won’t deteriorate, and offers carefree maintenance. Another alternative is composite (wood fibers and plastic). Keep in mind that some first-generation composites sustain water damage, mold, expansion, and contraction because of exposed wood fibers.

However, advanced generation composites blend wood’s beauty with vinyl’s brawn. For example, Royal Crown Limited’s Harmony Select™ Advanced Decking System offers homeowners the distinctive look of hardwood, adding significant value and curb appeal to a home, according to Deron Manwaring, National Sales and Marketing Sales Manager for the Company.

2. Do it right the first time. More consumers are choosing "maintenance-free" homes, yet they choose high-maintenance wood decks and regret it later. Decking is often an afterthought too, so people wind up with decks that don’t fit their lifestyles. Your deck is an outdoor living space—consider the possibilities for entertaining, family time, and more. A 10x10-foot wood deck won’t cut it. Plan on a minimum of 400 square feet—anything smaller is not very versatile.

3. Know the company behind the product. Some deck manufacturers have been around for decades, continually develop new products, and solve problems. Find a leader that listens to customers and responds with innovative solutions. For instance, ask if their composite deck resists water damage and mold growth for decades. If not, look elsewhere.

4. Don’t limit yourself. Find a supplier with a range of products, so you can compare decking options, prices, and benefits. For example, some companies may offer ten styles of railings, while others offer one. And, don’t limit yourself to a supplier that doesn’t offer a range of colors to complement your home.

5. See for yourself. Ask for customer references. Better yet, check out decking installations in person. Reputable companies often have customer sites where you can view their handy-work.

6. Look for code compliance. Verify that decking products meet or exceed ICC (International Code Council) building code standards—look for an ICC number. ICC has a rigorous process products undergo, including verifying performance claims. Deck Lok™ by Royal Crown Limited is one of the only vinyl decking systems to earn ICC-ES compliance (Report #ESR-1051) in strength, durability, and quality tests, satisfying IBC, IRC and UBC requirements.

7. Keep safety in mind. Wood planks aren’t slip-resistant and can be just as hazardous as other wet surfaces. Look for vinyl and composite deck planks with non-skid, embossed surfaces.

8. Get all the trimmings. Ask for complementary trim packages, which hide unsightly deck substructures. Some companies don’t offer packages, though 75% of consumers who purchase vinyl or composite decking also invest in trim.

9. Ensure you’re covered. A limited lifetime warranty is standard. Just make sure that it covers both decking and railing. Some companies offer transferable lifetime warranties, so if you sell your house, the warranty can be transferred to the new owner.

10. Think of the future. Vinyl can be recycled and reused, so it won’t require landfill space. But, while wood decks are biodegradable, they’re treated with chemicals that can be dangerous to the environment and unsuitable for landfills.

For more information about decks as well as outdoor living and entertaining spaces, call 1-800-488-5245 or visit www.royalcrownltd.com or www.harmonyselect.com.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center