Deck Building & Maintenance Tips
Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am. Have your most pressing home improvement questions answered by calling 651-989-9226. Here’s must-know information from our in-house deck specialist, Luke Panek, shared on 6.12.21.
When selecting a composite decking material for the northern climates, it’s wise to steer clear of those that contain organic material or sawdust. The dramatic temperature and humidity changes in the Midwest can wreak havoc on wood-based products. Cellular PVCs and capped polymers are solid composite decking selections that do not contain wood fibers. An example of such a product is TimberTech® AZEK® decking.
View A TimberTech AZEK Deck Being Installed By The Craftsmen Of Lindus Construction:
The appearance of a deck can greatly be changed by the type of railing system utilized. There was a point where metal balusters in combination with wood or synthetic railings were widely popular. Nowadays, complete metal railing systems are gaining popularity. Welded metal railings are preferred because they do not require assembly. Galvanized steel and aluminum railings by Fortress Building Products prove popular with homeowners and contractors alike. This is because of their durability and resistance to rust. In terms of strength, steel railing systems edge out aluminum ones. Metal railing systems in dark colors, such as black or dark bronze, offer unobstructed views. In addition, dark metal railings offer a contrast from the wood decking. Glass railings are popular on lake homes and golf courses. Beware of horizontal cable railing systems in homes with small children because they can be easy to climb. Many homeowners opt to include lights on their deck posts. This allows for evening entertainment.
Homeowners opting to install a new cedar deck should make plans to stain it soon after it’s been installed. That’s because cedar dries out very fast and the surface will turn gray from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Make plans to stain a new cedar deck as soon as the stain can be absorbed into the wood. A moisture meter can be used to determine how wet the wood is. Wood that has a moisture level of 10%-15% is ready to stain. Testing in an inconspicuous spot can allow a homeowner to determine if the decking is able to handle the stain. If you notice the stain beading up, it is a sign that the wood is not dry enough to be stained. It’s worth noting that cedar decks can have rot on the edge of the deck boards in as little as 10 years. This is because the wood being used in today’s cedar decks is made from younger trees which are less durable than older ones.
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