All You Need To Know About Building And Caring For Your Outdoor Deck

Having a house and no deck doesn’t really make sense. Decks are awesome and have more advantages than we can count. There’s a lot to love about a deck, a patio, a pergola or a terrace, especially if there’s also a view to be enjoyed. Deck can be of various different types. The floating deck is one of them , being one of the most interesting.

There are a few tricks you can use if you want to increase the longevity and the looks of your deck
There are a few tricks you can use if you want to increase the longevity and the looks of your deck
The wood boards used on the deck are exposed to periodic changes, being wet and dry and becoming less good-looking
The wood boards used on the deck are exposed to periodic changes, being wet and dry and becoming less good-looking
Install the boards with the bark side up to avoid polls of water on the surface of the deck
Install the boards with the bark side up to avoid polls of water on the surface of the deck
It’s also important to use the right nails and screws when building a deck
It’s also important to use the right nails and screws when building a deck

When building a deck, the choice of materials is important. For the moment, we’ll focus on wooden decks. There are six main types of wood that are most commonly used in this case. Redwood is easy to distinguish by its deep red color. The color can be maintained over the years by treating the deck with a clear finish or stain otherwise the wood will eventually turn to a silver-gray shade. This is the most expensive wood usually used in decking. Cedar is about half the cost of redwood and has a golden brown color. It turns to a gray tone if left untreated and is similar to redwood in terms of durability and resistance to rot and insects.

A good choice of materials and hardware reduces the chance of corrosion and unaesthetic stains
A good choice of materials and hardware reduces the chance of corrosion and unaesthetic stains
Space the boards approximately 1/8’’ apart for a beautiful and practical construction
Space the boards approximately 1/8’’ apart for a beautiful and practical construction
If the wood is kiln-dried and treated with preservatives, wider spacing is required as the boards shrink and swell
If the wood is kiln-dried and treated with preservatives, wider spacing is required as the boards shrink and swell
Regularly apply a water-repellent finish to reduce the damage done by rain
Regularly apply a water-repellent finish to reduce the damage done by rain
This treatment can be applied every year or two for proper maintenance of your deck
This treatment can be applied every year or two for proper maintenance of your deck
Stone outdoor fireplace with barn doors to hide tv and deck on floor
In late spring, wash and seal the deck. This has to be done every year
In late spring, wash and seal the deck. This has to be done every year

Cypress can sometimes be more expensive than redwood, depending on the region. It has a tan-reddish color and is lighter in tone than redwood. Tropical hardwood is a more interesting choice, having a life expectancy of over 40 years and very few knots as well as a tight grain pattern. It’s a very expensive type of wood and is also subject to ecological concern regarding its harvesting conditions.

Remove all the debris from between the boards using a putty knife
Remove all the debris from between the boards using a putty knife
After that, sweep the entire deck making sure you use the right cleaner. Let it dry for a few days
After that, sweep the entire deck making sure you use the right cleaner. Let it dry for a few days
In order to seal the deck boards, first lightly sand the wood
In order to seal the deck boards, first lightly sand the wood
Then check all the boards and remove and replace any damaged or missing screws and nails
Then check all the boards and remove and replace any damaged or missing screws and nails
At the end, apply the sealer or the stain and allow it to dry as long as needed
At the end, apply the sealer or the stain and allow it to dry as long as needed
 In midsummer, you should inspect the deck and repair any damage you see
In midsummer, you should inspect the deck and repair any damage you see
Look for cracks in the wood, rotten boards that need to be replaced or damaged railings
Look for cracks in the wood, rotten boards that need to be replaced or damaged railings
In fall, it’s time to do some maintenance and to apply preventive measures
In fall, it’s time to do some maintenance and to apply preventive measures
This means you have to trim the bushes near the deck, to clear the debris and to move the furniture and planters
This means you have to trim the bushes near the deck, to clear the debris and to move the furniture and planters
 The looks of the deck are important, allowing you to create the desired ambiance
The looks of the deck are important, allowing you to create the desired ambiance
Decorate the deck with greenery and planters in order to give it a fresh look
Decorate the deck with greenery and planters in order to give it a fresh look
This strategy is great for rooftop decks which are not directly connected to a garden
This strategy is great for rooftop decks which are not directly connected to a garden

The other two common types include pressure-treated wood and plastic wood-composites together with vinyl. Decks built of pressure-treated wood are as durable as any other type but pose certain concerns. It’s best to wear gloves and dust masks when working with this material. The wood has a greenish color and it turns gray over time. Plastic wood composites are usually made of 30%to 50% recycled plastic and wood fibers. It’s splinter-free and more expensive than redwood. It lasts forever but doesn’t have the look of real wood.

A deck can be small but the surrounding area can serve as an extension
A deck can be small but the surrounding area can serve as an extension
If you want to put furniture out on the deck, it would be nice to have a roof above for protection
If you want to put furniture out on the deck, it would be nice to have a roof above for protection
It’s possible to turn the deck into an extension of the indoor social zone
It’s possible to turn the deck into an extension of the indoor social zone
A raised deck becomes a separate zone by itself, standing out from the rest of the space
A raised deck becomes a separate zone by itself, standing out from the rest of the space
A large and covered deck can accommodate an al fresco dining area and a lounge space
A large and covered deck can accommodate an al fresco dining area and a lounge space
The type of railings used on a deck often change the whole look
The type of railings used on a deck often change the whole look
Another important aspect linked to the design and ambiance is the lighting on the deck
Another important aspect linked to the design and ambiance is the lighting on the deck
Fairy or string lights can be used to give the deck or garden a magical look
Fairy or string lights can be used to give the deck or garden a magical look
Accent lights are great at creating a pleasant ambiance. They can also be use to highlight certain features
Accent lights are great at creating a pleasant ambiance. They can also be use to highlight certain features
A fire pit or a fireplace can also be a source of light, mostly at night
A fire pit or a fireplace can also be a source of light, mostly at night
Instead of railings, you can line the deck with a raised platform that doubles as a bench
Instead of railings, you can line the deck with a raised platform that doubles as a bench
This is another example of a bench designed to outline the deck
This is another example of a bench designed to outline the deck
 Planters can also be used in a similar way. They also add color and texture to the design
Planters can also be used in a similar way. They also add color and texture to the design
You can either choose to display individual planters or large boxes that hold multiple plants
You can either choose to display individual planters or large boxes that hold multiple plants

A careful selection of materials ensures a good structure and beautiful look for a deck. But there are also other elements to take into consideration. Deck lighting, for example, has its own crucial role, completing the looks and adding charm to even the most beautiful pergola designs or terraces. To ensure a beautiful look all year round, proper care and maintenance are necessary for both the deck itself and all the accessories.

For a zen and relaxing ambiance, find inspiration in japanese gardens
For a zen and relaxing ambiance, find inspiration in japanese gardens
If the deck is large enough, you can even have an outdoor kitchen or a bar
If the deck is large enough, you can even have an outdoor kitchen or a bar
The furniture you use on the deck has to be suitable for outdoor spaces
The furniture you use on the deck has to be suitable for outdoor spaces
 Because comfort is important, consider a sofa or a sectional instead of chairs
Because comfort is important, consider a sofa or a sectional instead of chairs
Treat the deck as an extension of your living room. You can even decorate it with area rugs
Treat the deck as an extension of your living room. You can even decorate it with area rugs
To maximize a beautiful view from the deck, choose glass railing or thin rods
To maximize a beautiful view from the deck, choose glass railing or thin rods
Small decks can also be charming, especially when they have a traditional design
Small decks can also be charming, especially when they have a traditional design
Add color and texture to a deck with beautiful accent pillows and planters.
Add color and texture to a deck with beautiful accent pillows and planters.