Does the thought of a new year have you dreaming about improving your home? If you think new deck construction or deck renovation projects are in your future, here are a few things you should consider.
How Will You Use the Space?
With our fabulous Southern California climate, decks and patios provide an extension of the liveable space in the home.
Areas of Orange County like Santa Ana, San Clemente, Ladera Ranch, Anaheim, Irvine, and Newport Beach provide stunning vistas to enjoy. Whether you have views of the ocean, the mountains, or the city lights, your deck should make the most of what you have.
Consider how you will use the deck area. Is it a place for entertaining friends and family? Are you looking for dining, quiet relaxation, or an impromptu dance party?
The design should reflect the use.
When Will You Use the Space?
Will you sip a cup of coffee in the morning on the balcony of your bedroom? Is it a space to gather at the end of the day?
When you use the space impacts aspects of your new deck construction project. For example, if you anticipate using the deck area during the day, shade is an important consideration. Shade can take the form of a fixed roof or pergola or may be provided by umbrellas.
If the space is used for dining, you’ll want your new deck construction project to create a space with plenty of airflow for comfort.
This roof deck is an outdoor living area
Is the new deck or deck renovation to enhance swimming or hot tub areas? Then you need surfaces that aren’t slippery when wet.
The time of day, the time of year, and the activities all impact your choices in deck design.
What Materials Are Best?
Orange County new deck construction and renovation projects use three primary building materials:
- Wood
- Concrete
- Composite
Each material has its benefits and drawbacks.
Wood Decking
Wood can be an expensive decking material. When it comes to cost, you will find softwoods save money over hardwoods. Wood is popular for Orange County deck construction projects because it offers a natural look that complements most architectural styles. However, wood requires regular waterproofing. Crank Waterproofing recommends waterproofing every few years to protect the wood and extend the life of your wood deck. When properly maintained, wood decking can last for ages. While it’s been repaired many times, the original Atlantic City boardwalk opened in 1870.
If you like the idea of wood but not the cost, wood tiles provide a cost-saving option. Wood deck tiles are laid over a concrete base, saving money.
Concrete Decking
Concrete provides an inexpensive alternative. Like wood decking, it is incredibly durable. When you want to get creative, concrete is the way to go. You can pour concrete into any shape or form you can imagine. That’s not possible with wood. Unlike wood, concrete affords you the opportunity to change the look of your deck by resurfacing the concrete. Sure, you can paint or stain wood to change the color, but concrete resurfacing can completely change the look of your deck. Go from textured knockdown to a surface that emulates tile or flagstone with a resurfacing. Like wood, concrete decking requires waterproofing to protect from the elements.
Composite Decking
Increasingly, Orange County homeowners are turning to composite materials for new deck construction. The composites consist of recycled wood and plastic. They are formed into “boards” and “planks” that look like real wood.
While composites are more expensive than wood, they do not rot and will not twist or buckle. They never require waterproofing and maintenance is as easy as washing the deck surface.
New Deck Construction and Renovation Experts
For over 70 years, Crank Waterproofing has provided decking services in Orange County. From new deck construction projects to repairs and renovation, Crank Waterproofing has you covered. Turn to Crank for:
- Deck rails
- Deck lighting
- Deck resurfacing
Estimates are free, satisfaction is guaranteed.
