ATLANTA DECK CONTRACTORS
Read our reviews on Atlanta deck contractors
Know yourself
Before designing and purchasing a deck, you should first decide how you want to use it. Once you decide how the deck will be used, you can design the deck around your needs. Some questions to consider include the following: Do you want a hot tub or spa on the deck? Do you want to leave space in case you change your mind later? Are you planning a swimming pool at some time in the future? If so, where will you put it? How will the deck and the pool fit together in the design? Are you planning to use the deck in the rain? If so, do you want a roof over a portion or all of the deck? Will you want to enclose the deck using screens?
General design types
Decks provide a natural transition from the home to the landscape and should complement both. Often, different sections of the same deck will be used differently. For example, one homeowner might want an eating area, a hot tub area, and a large open area for lounge chairs or parties. The key to a successful design is a deck that is both usable and complementary to your existing landscape and home. A few basic design features can be used in conjunction with each other:
Multilevel design. As the name implies, a multilevel deck divides different areas of the same deck through a change in elevation. Steps make the transition from one area to the next.
Wraparound design. Many decks are designed to wrap around to two or more sides of the home.
Cantilever design. The posts on a cantilever design deck are less visible because they are usually located underneath the deck, one to three feet from the deck's perimeter. Although cantilever construction is more complex, the finished product is usually more visually appealing.
The price of the deck usually increases with the complexity of the design. Once you have a design in mind, the next step is picking the materials.
Deck materials
Pressure-treated pine. All pressure-treated pine is not created equal. The grade, cut, size, and shape of pressure-treated pine deck boards greatly affect the deck's long-term performance, beauty, and cost. High-quality pressure-treated pine boards last longer and are just as attractive as cedar and redwood. However, they are also relatively expensive. Low-grade pressure-treated pine, while less expensive, is usually less attractive, has greater dimensional change, and has greater appearance deterioration. Pressure-treated pine is generally highly resistant to both decay and insect infestation.
Cedar. While cedar is commonly used for fences and overhead structures, its lack of strength and tendency to rot make it less suitable for structural members, high-traffic areas, low-to-ground placements, and high-moisture placements. Cedar requires annual maintenance.
Redwood. As its name implies, redwood has a dark red color when it is first cut. If it is not sealed, redwood will turn to a gray color over the years.
Engineered composites. Engineered composites, which are typically a mixture of wood fiber and plastic, are becoming more commonly used for decks. These composites are strong and durable, and are usually guaranteed by the manufacturers against rot, insect infestation, warping, cracking, and splintering.
Next page >>>
Return to the main Atlanta deck builders page
