Expert Deck Planning 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 651-461-9226. Here’s must-know information from our in-house deck specialist, Luke Panek, shared on 9.18.21.
Homeowners wanting to build a wood deck should be wary of cedar. Modern-day cedar is delicate and does not hold up as well as many other types of wood. That’s because it is now harvested from less mature trees. A better option is kiln dried treated pine. This type of decking is more durable. It does not require the annual maintenance that cedar decking does to prevent decay. Pressure treated wood should not be stained for at least a year after it’s been installed. To verify whether the pressure treated deck has dried out enough to be painted, a moisture meter should be used. A level of 15% or less is safe to stain. Whether you’re using cedar or kiln treated pine, the balusters can still be made from maintenance-free materials. A popular option is steel because it is maintenance-free and durable.
Watch a TimberTech® AZEK® Deck Installation:
For homeowners preferring a maintenance-free deck, they should consider TimberTech® AZEK®. It is manufactured without sawdust or wood filler. This ensures beauty and longevity. Composite decking that includes wood fillers or sawdust can be prone to swelling in Midwest because of the temperature fluctuations throughout the seasons.
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