COBB-MARIETTA DECK CONTRACTORS
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A well-designed deck creates additional seasonal living space, enhances both the home and the landscape, and increases property value.
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: Do you want a hot tub or spa on the deck? Do you want to leave space for one? Are you planning a swimming pool for the future? If so, how will the deck and the pool fit together in the design? 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, such as multi-level design, elevated design, wraparound design, and cantilever design, can be used in conjunction with each other. 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-treatment pine. All pressure-treated pine is not created equal. The grade, cut, size, and shape of pressure-treated pine deck boards greatly affect the decks 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.
Pressure-treated wood and CCA
Because pressure-treated wood resists rot and insect infestation, it is commonly used for decks. Historically, most wood was pressure-treated with chromate copper arsenate (CCA), which has an arsenic component. The industry has voluntarily stopped using CCA for residential applications. The EPA suggests that existing CCA-treated decks should be properly maintained and sealed. More information on CCA is available from the EPA at www.epa.gov or from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Consumer Hotline, 800-638-2772.
Construction
Post-and-beam. Many homeowners prefer a post-and-beam construction style because the weight of the deck is supported by a wood-to-wood contact and not simply by fasteners. Additionally, many homeowners view the style as more aesthetically pleasing than other styles.
Building permits
Most counties require a building permit before any substantial change is made to the exterior of a home. Although getting a building permit is ultimately the homeowners responsibility, many deck contractors will, usually for a fee, handle the process on the homeowners behalf.
Maintaining decks
If a deck is to look its best over time, it must be sealed. Some experts recommend that sealing take place as soon as possible after installation to minimize warping and cracking. Many deck installation contractors will take care of this initial treatment or advise the new owner to take care of it promptly. Periodic treatments will keep the deck looking good for years to come. (See
deck cleaning & sealing companies section for more information.)
Deck contractors
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a visit is worth ten thousand. We strongly recommend that you take the time to look at a few decks built by the contractor(s) you are considering. Additionally, make sure that all materials, grades, and construction types are clearly specified in your contract. To cut corners, some companies use inferior materials and construction methods. When comparing quotes, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. As always, you should ensure that the company has both workers compensation and liability insurance.
