Tag Archives: Wood decks

Wood Decks

Exploring Wood Decks: Benefits, Costs, and Maintenance

Introduction: The Timeless Appeal of Wood Decks
Wood decks have long been a favorite among homeowners for their natural beauty and versatility. From traditional wood decking to wood patio covers and wood railings, a wood deck adds warmth and character to any outdoor space. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits, costs, and maintenance required for wood decks, along with tips on finding the best wood decking contractors in Omaha.

Benefits of Wood Decking

Wood decking offers unmatched natural beauty, giving your outdoor space a classic, organic look. Whether you opt for cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated wood, the grain patterns and warm colors of natural wood enhance the aesthetic of any home. Beyond its beauty, wood is durable and versatile, allowing for customization with stains and finishes.

  • Customizable: Wood decks can be stained or painted to match your home’s style.
  • Affordable: In many cases, wood decking offers a lower upfront cost compared to other materials.
  • Sustainable Options: Homeowners seeking eco-friendly choices can opt for sustainably harvested woods.

Wood Deck Cost

The wood deck cost can vary depending on the type of wood used, the size of the deck, and the complexity of the design. Pressure-treated wood is often more affordable, while cedar and redwood come at a premium due to their natural rot resistance.

  • Pressure-Treated Wood: $15 – $25 per square foot.
  • Cedar or Redwood: $25 – $35 per square foot.
  • Installation: Hiring professional wood decking contractors can add to the overall cost, but ensures quality construction that will last for years.

Wood Deck Maintenance

One of the key considerations for homeowners is wood deck maintenance. While wood decking is beautiful, it does require regular upkeep to maintain its appearance and structural integrity. This includes staining or sealing every 2-3 years and regular cleaning to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Maintenance Tips:

  • Annual Cleaning: Sweep and wash your deck to remove debris and grime.
  • Staining or Sealing: Every 2-3 years, apply a stain or sealant to protect the wood from moisture and UV damage.
  • Inspect for Rot: Periodically check for signs of rot, especially in areas where water may collect.

Finding the Right Wood Decking Contractors in Omaha

If you’re in Omaha, finding reliable wood decking contractors is essential to ensure your deck is built to last. Look for contractors with experience in wood decking Omaha and a portfolio that demonstrates high-quality craftsmanship.

Conclusion

Wood decks are a timeless choice for homeowners who value natural beauty and versatility. Though wood deck maintenance requires effort, the payoff is a stunning, long-lasting outdoor space. By understanding the wood deck cost and hiring experienced wood decking contractors, you can create the deck of your dreams.

Are Composite Decks Hotter Than Wood Decks?

Are Composite Decks Hotter Than Wood?

When it comes to choosing the perfect material for your deck, one common question that arises is: Are composite decks hotter than wood? Understanding the thermal properties of both materials is crucial, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time on your deck during warm weather. In this post, we’ll explore the temperature differences between composite and wood decks, the factors that influence these temperatures, and practical tips to keep your deck cool.

Understanding Composite Decks and Wood Decks

Composite Decks: Composite decking is made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic. This blend creates a durable, low-maintenance material that resists rot, splintering, and insect damage. Composite decks are available in a wide range of colors and styles, often designed to mimic the appearance of natural wood.

Wood Decks: Wood decks, on the other hand, are made from natural lumber. Popular wood choices include cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine. Wood decks offer a classic, natural look and can be stained or painted to suit your preferences. However, they require more maintenance than composite decks to prevent issues like rot and insect damage.

Temperature Differences Between Composite and Wood Decks

One of the main concerns for homeowners is the temperature of their deck surface, especially in the summer months. Here’s a closer look at how composite and wood decks compare in terms of heat retention:

Heat Retention of Composite Decks:

  • Composite decking tends to retain more heat than wood.
  • The plastic components in composite decks absorb and retain heat more efficiently than natural wood.
  • Darker-colored composite decks can become especially hot under direct sunlight.

Heat Retention of Wood Decks:

  • Wood generally stays cooler than composite materials.
  • Natural wood has a porous structure that allows it to dissipate heat more effectively.
  • Lighter-colored woods, such as cedar or redwood, tend to stay cooler than darker woods or composite materials.

Enjoy more time relaxing and less time maintaining with our low-maintenance decks, designed to withstand weather and wear effortlessly.

Factors Influencing Deck Temperature

Several factors can influence the temperature of your deck, regardless of the material:

  1. Color: Darker colors absorb more heat, while lighter colors reflect it. Choosing a lighter shade for your deck can help keep it cooler.
  2. Sun Exposure: Decks in full sun will naturally become hotter than those in shaded areas. Consider the orientation of your deck and the amount of direct sunlight it receives.
  3. Ventilation: Good airflow can help reduce the temperature of your deck surface. Ensure there is adequate spacing between deck boards and consider using a pergola or shade structure to provide relief from the sun.

Practical Tips to Keep Your Deck Cool

Regardless of whether you choose composite or wood decking, there are several strategies you can use to keep your deck cool:

  1. Use Outdoor Rugs: Placing outdoor rugs on your deck can provide a cooler surface to walk on and reduce heat absorption.
  2. Install a Pergola: A pergola or other shade structure can block direct sunlight and significantly lower the temperature of your deck.
  3. Opt for Lighter Colors: Choose lighter-colored decking materials to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat.
  4. Incorporate Planters and Greenery: Adding plants and greenery around your deck can create shade and help cool the surrounding area.
  5. Use a Cooling Deck Paint: Some paints and coatings are designed to reflect sunlight and reduce surface temperatures. Applying a cooling deck paint can help keep your deck more comfortable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, composite decks do tend to get hotter than wood decks, primarily due to their plastic content and color choices. However, by understanding the factors that influence deck temperature and implementing practical cooling strategies, you can enjoy your outdoor space comfortably, regardless of the material you choose. Whether you prefer the low maintenance of composite decking or the natural appeal of wood, there are ways to ensure your deck remains a cool and inviting retreat during the warmest months of the year.

Now is a Great Time to Invest in Your Home with a Custom Deck

Since the beginning of 2020, people have been spending a lot of time at home. The entire pandemic experience has transitioned many Americans into permanent or at least partial work-from-home employees. More time at home and little ability to travel comfortably have led a lot of homeowners to put more resources into their homes. They’re making it a more comfortable place to relax and entertain while adding value at the same time. One of the most popular investments among Omaha area homeowners is a custom deck upgrade.

Types of Custom Decks

The two most common types of decks are wood and composite. The type of material you choose will directly affect the durability, maintenance requirements, and budget needed to build it.

Wood Decks

There used to be a time when redwood and cedar were your only options for building a week deck. Today, you have more choices with pressure-treated wood. A lot of people like natural wood because it’s durable and looks great. The downside is that it requires the most maintenance. You need to put a lot of time into cleaning and re-sealing it.

Pressure-treated wood is the most affordable, but a lot of people are wary of the toxic chemicals used to treat it. Redwood and cedar are beautiful options that are bug-resistant, but they’re softwoods and are easily damaged.

Composite Decks

Composite decking is a popular alternative to natural wood. It’s made from a blend of wood fibers and plastics. The composition makes it resistant to rotting and wear while closely resembling the look of natural wood. Most can’t notice the difference in appearance.

Composite decks come with nearly unlimited color and texture options. You can choose the color you want and never have to worry about painting, staining, or re-sealing it for the remainder of its life. The day-to-day and yearly maintenance is minimal.

Composite deck installations leave a clean and seamless look upon completion. Wood decks leave the hardware holding the boards together visible. The clips, deck screws, and fasteners are all hidden with composite decks.

Different Styles of Decks

Wraparound
This is a traditional style of deck and is often called a wraparound porch. Unlike a porch, though, your deck can have varying shapes and levels. The benefit of this style deck is that it gives you plenty of usable outdoor space and is easily accessed from more than one entry point in your home.

Multi-Tier
If your property has hills or isn’t perfectly level, then you have the perfect setup for a multi-tier deck. You’ll build one level that’s attached to your house and level with your exterior doors.
Then there are steps that lead up or down to another flat deck area. You could have multiple levels of different sizes to suit different uses.

Attached
An attached deck is one that’s built directly off of your home. You’ll be able to open the exterior door of your home and step directly onto your deck. They’re typically a square, rectangle, L, or U shape.

Detached
If you have a large backyard, you could build a deck that’s detached from your home. This is a floating deck level that’s accessed by a path or walkway. These decks are perfect for creating usable areas on your property that have poor drainage.

Omaha Custom Deck Builders

Want to find out more about how you can invest in your home with a custom deck? Give us a call today and schedule your deck build. If you’re not sure what you want, come by our showroom and see what we can offer in person. One of our deck-building experts can walk you through all your options and give you a free quote.