Wood Deck
Decking with wood or timber can be used as part of garden landscaping and may extend to living area of house or as an alternative to stone based patios. Decks can be made from treated lumber, composite material, aluminum, red cedar, teak, mahogany, and other hard woods. Artificial decking products are called – Wood Plastic Composites.
Wood deck is the choice of many. Just find out why?
Because wood by its nature has warmth, friendliness, and hospitality and this is the reason it was used as the first building material by early humans. A wood deck obviously brings beauty along with coziness and it creates an outdoor room where you can enjoy with family and friends. It brings your indoors out into the open and expand your living space.
Wood decks also enhance the landscape of your home and particularly they blend well with the homes that have gardens and outdoor wooden storage sheds.
Modern landscape design decks come in dramatic geometric shapes, – horizontal or vertical, easily personified in wood planks. They create a modern sculpture effect while colors and plantings evoke a warm welcome feeling. Sometimes light and water fountains are installed to enhance the visual feast. It is the juxtaposition of old and new, modern and traditional, soft and hard, linear and non-linear, free-flowing and restrained wood deck design.
Different types of wood deck designs:
English garden design: The English garden design and style is the essence of an informal garden and a deck made of wood enhances that informality. Colors, styles, and textures create a feast for the eye and wood decks make a pleasing backdrop with all greenery and flowers around.
Urban landscaping: An urban yard or garden has blank wall of your neighbor or a space that is just in a straight line. The goal of urban landscaping must be to create space in which the home and architectural elements must have a natural bonding and blend well. However, wood decks definitely fit into this type of landscaping.
What type of wood should you choose for your wood deck?
There are numerous choices but the most popular and reliable wood is pressure-treated pine because it stands up well to weather and damp soil. It is cost-effective and long lasting. The chemical preservatives are forced into the wood cells under pressure. Thus pressure-treated-wood usually has a warranty against decay and termite damage.
However, redwood and cedar also can be used as they also have resins that naturally protect them from weathering and rotting. Cedar has a natural resistance to decay and requires low maintenance.
Woods generally stay straight and retain fasteners and thus provide a firm base for many types of stains and paints.
Wood is a natural element and requires ongoing mother-care-treatment. If taken good care, cleaned and painted then it will last for years to come.