3 Factors That Determine the Longevity of Your New Deck
Posted on: 23 September 2021
When building a new deck for your outdoor space, you should consider the projected lifespan of the structure. When constructed correctly, decks can last up to a decade or even more after repairs. Conversely, poorly built decks may show signs of deterioration within a few years of construction. Therefore, as you design and build this structure for your home, consider the following factors that will determine its longevity.
1. Quality of decking materials
When choosing deck materials, most homeowners consider cost and aesthetic appeal. Some materials may be affordable and visually appealing, but they have a short lifespan. Therefore, one may incur huge repair costs throughout the usable life of the materials. Materials such as concrete, stone and brick are incredibly durable. Conversely, some wood species rot and attract bugs when exposed to moisture; therefore, they are not ideal for deck construction.
Even durable species such as redwood require refinishing every few years to prevent deterioration. If you want a natural wood appearance without dealing with longevity issues, consider a composite deck. Thus, when choosing decking materials, look beyond cost and visual appeal. Remember, most materials today can be stained and engineered to achieve the desired appearance.
2. Usability of the material
Besides choosing durable materials for your deck, you must assess their suitability. For example, if you want to install an outdoor kitchen on your deck, you should avoid materials that get stained easily. These include wood, porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles and stone. Staining can affect the visual appeal of your deck flooring and lower its lifespan.
If you want to create an open play area for your kids, avoid patio materials that get uncomfortably warm on hot days, such as vinyl and composite. Instead, choose cool materials, such as concrete, sandstone, granite and limestone. Avoid materials that aren't suited to high-traffic areas, as they will deteriorate fast.
3. Deck performance in harsh conditions
The durability of an outdoor deck depends on how well the structure can hold up in harsh conditions. Your material choices and the installation procedure may influence the deck's performance. For example, if you don't construct a concrete patio with a slope for water drainage, rainwater may pool on the surface. If the moisture seeps into the concrete, it can cause it to crack.
Freeze-thaw cycles can also affect the longevity of your patio materials. Therefore, observe proper installation procedures to extend the durability of the new deck. Assess and address the potential effects of poor drainage, ground movement, extreme heat and other conditions unique to your area.
Address the above issues to extend the durability of your new patio. Consult a deck construction contractor to learn more and begin the process.
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