Wooden Decks

A wooden deck can add value to your home if it is installed properly with the right materials.  Once installed it could be a pleasant place to spend a relaxing afternoon with your family.

There are two options that a homeowner can choose when they select the type of wooden deck it all depends on the material used. Wood decks could be made of natural wood or synthetic wood.  There are many factors to take into consideration before making the decision of which one to choose.

Here are some things to consider when buying and installing a wood deck:

• Price, this can be determined by the material used and your available budget.  You would need to price the difference between natural wood and synthetic wood, overall it’s a good idea to go for the best to ensure it lasts a long time.

• Natural wooden decks add a timeless beauty to your deck, a deck that has been installed properly adds value to your home as well as being aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

• A variety to choose from, Natural woods give you a variety of woods to choose from, such as pine, cedar, redwood and cypress, each type of wood has its own price range and all of them look exceptionally good when properly laid down.

• Excellent heat deflection, a Natural wood deck because of its composition does not absorb much heat, therefore if it is placed in direct sunlight on a daily basis it retains it coolness and does not distort or change shape due to the heat of the sun.

• Durability is one of the good qualities of a wooden deck, it has a lasting quality and if properly maintained can last for many years.

• Versitile, a natural wooden deck can be very versatile, it can be cut into a variety of shapes to create interesting patterns, compared to synthetic materials which have a limited range of styles and designs.

Using woodworking plans to help you

Prior to building your wooden deck you will need to plan ahead, decide on the size of the deck you wish to build, the material to use, your plan will give you the layout, size and different materials that are necessary to complete the project. Once the woodworking plan has been completed it gives an excellent guideline for building the deck.  You can choose to design and plan your own wooden deck or hire an expert to build it for you. If you choose to do it yourself then you can be more flexible in your design.  Doing it yourself also give you the satisfaction of a job well done.

The pleasure that you will derive from a well fitted, neatly planned deck will carry on for years as well as add intrinsic value to your home in the event you wish to sell it.  Wooden Decks are well worth the effort put into its creation and it’s also an excellent talking point when you have visitors to your home. Choose your plans, execute them and you will have years of wonderful pleasure with your wooden deck.

Timber Decks

Adding a timber deck to your home can add some intrinsic beauty to your home as well as add to its value.  There are many things go consider before you get to the planning stage of your deck.

Pre-planning is considered important so that when you get to the actual building of the timber deck you have everything at your fingertips, which means less problems in the long run.
Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Doing an analysis of your needs is important, it’s no use building a deck and finding it’s too small or irregularly shaped to be able to enjoy the space.

• How much space do you need for your timber deck to ensure that it’s a comfortable space to enjoy.  If you plan to put a table on your deck you need to ensure that there is enough room to be able to walk round it when people are seated at the table, eating dinner on the deck, the hostess will need to move freely round the table to place dishes and remove used crockery and cutlery for the next course.

• If your children want to use it for skateboarding, or riding their bikes, you need to consider the safety aspect, sufficiently big enough for them to use and not raised above the ground so that they can fall off and hurt themselves.

• Protection from the elements, you could consider a roof above the decking or a skylight.

• If it will be sunny during winter and shady during summer.

• Private and away from view from the neighbours.

• Easy access to well used areas of the house such as the kitchen for getting snacks and cool drinks.

Selecting the type of timber you wish for your deck

Wood has a warm rich feel and look about it and choosing a good, durable wood, will add to the appearance and lasting ability of your deck.

There are two major woods for decks that are suitable for outside usage hardwoods and softwoods.  Hardwoods are usually longer lasting but more expensive than softwoods,  although cheaper softwoods are a good choice and often chosen. If they are treated correctly and maintained yearly they can last 15-20 years.

Some of the more popular local timbers used are African Mahogany, African Rose Wood, Kiaat, Rhodesian Teak, Redwood, Chamfuti, Ivory Black, Tambotie, Ysterhout, Jacaranda and Geelhout.

Imported timbers are also available such as American Ash, Birch, Cherry, Imbuia, Maple, Beech Canadian, Beech European, Oregan Pine, Walnut and Sycamore. Discuss with a good timber merchant the merits of each wood and which might be best for your circumstances and environment.

Types of timber decks, can be chosen, not only for its ability to withstand the elements, a quality wood and finish of a good deck can add versatility, transform the outside of your yard, provide a comfortable living space where more leisurely hours can be spent with family and friends.

When choosing timber for your decking it’s good to look at the quality of your timber, when finished it should blend well with the environment it is placed in, and if properly looked after wooden decks created with timber can easily last a lifetime.

Timber Decking

A good timber decking can look attractive and stylish, will blend with the environment, and can also last a lifetime.   Timber decks are versatile and can be either stained, painted or left untreated to weather naturally. One of the beautiful aspects of timber decking is its versatility. The variety and choices of styles and shapes can fire up your imagination, with different colours of woods to add to the creative mix.

Individual tastes can be factored into a timber decking project, or use a traditional or contemporary design that has already been created and available from various sources.  Depending on your skills level, if you wish to construct the decking yourself, choose a design that is within your capabilities.  On the other hand if you wish to have a very fancy and difficult design then using a professional who is experienced would be a good idea.

A deck attached to a home is usually made of wood, a structure built above ground which is connected to the main part of the building. Features for a timber decking could include:

• A balustrade installed to create a safe areas for children and animals to play

• The decking can incorporate planters to add greater beauty to the area

• Adding seats make it more comfortable to relax

• You can build a sandpit for the children to play in

• Additional luxury would be a Jacuzzi or hot rub.  Some people have also put a pool on their decks.

• Storage facilities for things like bathing costumes or other outdoor wear

• A pavilion can be an additional attraction as well as needed shade from a harsh sun.

One of the key reasons of selecting timber decking is its durability, its ability to resist rot, is hard wearing and will withstand as lot of wear and tear, and it does not decay easily.

Considering your budget, and your time constraints choosing between hardwoods which are much harder wearing and softwood that requires more maintenance but is a cheaper alternative, you will choose the one that is best suited to you and your circumstances.  Don’t be put off by softwoods, they can be very attractive, and if properly treated can last at least 15 years or more if properly maintained.

Maintenance is an important aspect to ensure that your timber deck lasts to its full potential.  Regular checking of the decking and fixing up the problem in a timely manner will give it the best chance to last longer.

If you plan to hire a professional installer and builder, you will go through the plans that he may have on offer, often also have photographs of completed projects. An assessment will be done of your home and garden, and the professionals will be able to make suggestions on the best place to install to get the maximum benefit.

Plans will be drawn for your approval, then once that has been done will they start the building process of your timber decking, with a good team of workers and depending of the size of the project a deck can be completed in a day up to a few days, this will be discussed at the time of the assessment.