When deciding the right material for your new deck construction project, there are a few things to keep in mind. Start with the architecture of the home, then consider the amount of maintenance you want to perform and finally take a look at the available budget. Crank Decking and Roofing has been building and waterproofing decks in Orange County for over 70 years. Here’s the factors we think you should consider when selecting deck construction materials for Orange County decks.
Consider the architecture
Orange County homes feature many architectural styles. Consider yours. Look at the area where you want the deck to be located as well. Consider the view. Is it elevated? Can you see the ocean from the potential deck area? Will your new deck look out over beautiful Orange County hillsides?
Maybe your new deck is just a ground level space to give you more square footage for entertaining and relaxing.
Your deck construction project should deliver a deck or patio that complements the architectural style of your home. A wood deck might compliment your mid-century modern but what about a Spanish home?
Existing fencing and the view from the deck should influence the view. If you have great views, don’t select materials that will obstruct them.
Imagine using materials in deck construction that blocked this view!
Glass railings enhance the deck area and provide an unobstructed view. The Desert Crete concrete overlay is finished with a knockdown texture. It perfectly complements the clean lines of the deck. Desert Crete is a series of materials built up over a plywood subfloor. The top layer is a microtopping you can finish however you desire. It’s a good thing the topmost layer is a waterproofing layer. Due to the proximity to the water, keeping the deck dry could be a problem. Of course all decks in Orange County need waterproof protection, whether they are on the ocean or not. And that’s another major consideration – maintenance.
Select materials for easy maintenance
A major factor in selecting the deck construction materials is their need for ongoing maintenance. No deck material is 100% maintenance free, but some require more maintenance than others. For example, wood provides natural beauty but it must be continually waterproofed, and painted or stained.
Cement is extremely versatile. It can be poured and formed into almost any shape you desire. It also must be regularly waterproofed.
Composite deck construction materials like Trex decking give you the look of wood but don’t require waterproofing. However, they do need to be cleaned regularly.
Pressure treated lumber is a common deck building material in Orange County. But the disposal of the trimmings and the sawdust created when building is highly regulated. While it withstands the rigors of the elements, it’s harder to legally and ethically get rid of the construction debris.
Wood can be stained when you want a new look. Cement can be resurfaced as well. However, wood is subject to dry rot and insect damage. Cement is not.
And then there’s that money thing
Last but certainly not least is the cost of the deck construction. That’s where you must balance the building cost and the maintenance cost over time.
For example, you might love the thought of a wood deck. Then you factor in the cost and hassle of disposing of the building materials. Going forward, you will have to eventually waterproof the deck. So that’s added cost in terms of materials and time. Maybe the Trex decking would make sense.
Trex and other engineered wood products are popular in Orange County. They are easy to maintain because you never need to waterproof them. But they cost considerably more to install. If you plan to live in your home for many years or you abhor maintenance, it might make sense to spend the extra money.
If you don’t want to spend the money on Trex but aren’t keen on pressure treated lumber, consider redwood and cedar. They are more expensive than pressure treated lumber but much less than Trex. Both materials stand up to the Orange County climate but they will need waterproofing.
Deck construction done right
Need help deciding? Call Crank Waterproofing, the Decking and Roofing experts in Orange County. We will help you pick a style that matches the home, materials that are easy to care and work within your budget.
It’s deck construction done right. Call (949) 646-9356 or Contact Us online today.
