(ARA) - More and more, outdoor living is no longer considered a luxury, but a way of life for homeowners across the country. Families are spending more time at home enjoying the freedom of relaxing and entertaining on their backyard deck. However, with today's hectic lifestyles, homeowners are often pressed to find the time needed to properly maintain their decks.
Homeowners are also creating outdoor living spaces that have year-round appeal. That means paying close attention to choosing decking materials that withstand the most demanding climate conditions. But with the variety of options now available, it can be a challenge to determine which decking materials will stand the test of time and add long-term value.Following are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing materials for making your deck a long-lasting and inviting extension of your home.
Materials
The choice of decking material is an important first factor in the overall look, quality and amount of maintenance required to keep your deck looking great year after year. While wood remains the prevalent material for decks, composite decking, made of recycled wood fiber and recycled plastic, is rapidly gaining in popularity.
Homeowners' desire for low-maintenance materials is the primary reason for increased use of composite decking. With homeowners having less time for home upkeep, composite decking is an appealing choice as it does not require sealing and staining. Composite decking, such as Weyerhaeuser ChoiceDek decking, offers many other benefits in addition to easy maintenance. It resists insect attacks and the effects of weather and decay.
Composite decking is also resistant to splintering, so it's easy on bare feet. Homeowners get the combined benefits of an attractive, authentic appearance with low maintenance. What's more, composite decking is now available in more color options, including colors that have the look of tropical hardwoods. So homeowners can create bold, innovative multi-tone decks in a wide range of colors.
Maintenance Costs
As homeowners look for ways to save time and money on deck maintenance, materials that need less upkeep are an attractive option. While front-end costs for composite decking can be slightly higher, homeowners can expect to have low maintenance costs with composite decking in the long-term. Composite decking typically requires only periodic cleaning with a general purpose deck cleaner or outdoor bleach mixture and a push broom. Composite decking is also durable and will not splinter or crack, and requires no chemical treatments, combining the best in aesthetics and performance.
Warranties
Savvy homeowners are thinking beyond material choices and considering how to protect their investment in a deck. One way to ensure your deck is available for years of use is to consider the type of warranty offered by the manufacturer. Not all warranties are created equal, so it's wise to consider the guarantees offered with each product. Many composite decking materials have 20- or 25-year limited warranties, while some brands offer a standard limited lifetime warranty. For example, Sue Snuggs of Weyerhaeuser explains, "The ChoiceDek limited lifetime warranty is fully transferable and covers rot or decay, termites and insect damage, and also applies in water contact situations. Homeowners enjoy the peace-of-mind that comes with a durable deck backed by a strong warranty."
Sorting through the options and getting the best value from your deck project is as simple as paying attention to the qualities and features that will bring the most long-term enjoyment. Careful consideration of options in material choices, maintenance requirements and warranty offerings will help ensure an attractive, durable deck that will provide many years of low hassle use.
To learn more about the low maintenance of Weyerhaeuser ChoiceDek composite decking and railing products that combine modern durability with the classic appearance of wood, visit www.choicedek.com or your local Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse. In the United States, call (800) 951-5117 to speak with a Weyerhaeuser representative.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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