Wood Deck Design: Choosing A Wood Deck

Since we live in a world full of modern conveniences, we’re all becoming more and more aware of the incredible quality and longevity of wood.

Wood is the most versatile of all building materials and is also not only environmentally friendly but can last for centuries without any maintenance or replacement. Because wood is more durable than concrete, steel, and other modern building materials, it has become more important to us than ever before. When choosing a deck, consider the style and function of the home. Deck size is a big consideration in choosing a wood deck. Newer decks are often twice or three times wider than a typical house. This extra width is needed to allow for the space required by your appliances and furniture, as well as to accommodate additional storage space. Other things to consider when choosing a deck include its aesthetic appeal, structural durability, privacy from neighbors and views from windows, and ease of maintenance. Here, we’ll show you how to choose a wood deck.

How To Make A Wood Deck: Easy DIY Project for Your Deck

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Why Are Wood Decks The Best Deck Material?

It seems like almost everyone is building a deck these days, and for good reason. This isn’t surprising considering how many benefits decks can offer. There are multiple reasons why decks are becoming more and more popular. From leisure time activities such as grilling and relaxing to adding extra living space and storage, it is no wonder that deck builders are popping up all over the nation. Even if you don’t build a deck yourself, there is a huge industry of deck builders that have taken on the task of building decks, patio furniture, gazebos, and other backyard accessories for homeowners. Wood decks are more appealing than most other materials. The aesthetics of a wood deck are not only attractive but are also easy to maintain. Wood is considered a great material because it is lightweight, easy to work with, and looks good in your yard. Wood decks are environmentally friendly, but a wood deck is not without challenges. Because wood needs to be removed and re-used, you need to have good rot and pest prevention, as well as plenty of time to do so. If you plan to have a wood deck built, it is important to pick out the right material. Wood deck materials can be stained, varnished, or sealed, but a stain is a stain and doesn’t really change the appearance of the wood.

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What type of wood is used for outdoor decks?

The type of wood used for the floor of your deck is a very important consideration. There are different types of wood used in making decks. For a beginner wood deck, choose the wood that is durable, and has an aesthetically pleasing appearance. A modern look is preferred. The most popular woods are Cherry, Maple, and Oak. Steel decks are also popular in some areas due to their durability and ease of maintenance. 

Wooden deck building :

Deck Wood Vs Composite Deck

The two most popular types of decking today are composite and wood. As you probably know, composite decking is made from recycled plastics, wood, or cedar shingles and glued together. What’s left is a wood deck. Wood decking is the traditional way of decking. It’s made from heavy, solid timber that is held together with wooden pegs. These are cut and shaped to fit around the joists of your deck, usually made from oak or poplar. They can be easy to install or very time-consuming and expensive. In some cases, the shingles are added to create a glassed-in deck. This type of decking is popular in formal and high-end homes as it makes it easy to tell what’s below, and its durability makes it a perfect choice for many decks.

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Тropical hardwood decks

In traditional Florida tropical wood decks, the veneer is usually used in order to add gloss or durability to the deck surface. Some decks will have flat tops and siding, some will have high ceilings, and still, others will have polyurethane finishing. And, of course, there’s the more common angled style of decking where decking runs around the perimeter of a property and you can sit at the end and enjoy the views. In tropical wood decks, you’ll find many different varieties of wood. Some will be the primary wood used for the deck, while other timbers will be used only for railing, trims, and other decorative purposes. Timber will be used in various tropical wood deck designs, but even when timber is used, it is considered just a secondary part.

Wood joists decks

Choosing the wood joists for a deck is an important decision, as it is the base of the deck. To determine the size and the overall size of the joists, the dimensions of the area should be divided into 4 equal sections. These sections can be divided any way you like, such as 4×8, 12×12, 16×16, 18×18, or 24×24. With the measurements in mind, cut them to the right size and plane them for extra strength. The joists are used as a support system that holds the deck boards in place.

How to build a deck : 

How To Build Lasting Wood Decks

The secret to creating a durable deck with a unique aesthetic appeal is to build a deck using reclaimed wood. Avoid building a wood deck made from new wood that has been treated, as wood naturally dries out and becomes less sturdy. When considering how to build a deck from reclaimed wood, there are a few things to keep in mind. For one, you want to be sure that all of the new boards for the deck are treated for rot before they are reclaimed, otherwise, the wood will die faster once it has been reclaimed. You also want to avoid picking lumber from a fallen tree. As long as it is in decent shape and hasn’t been stripped of its bark, it is okay to reuse. When you have chosen a good piece of wood, you need to consider how it will be used.

Do wood decks need to be sealed? 

If you decide to build a deck that does not need to be sealed, make sure to use a quality exterior deck sealant that is water and stain-resistant. If you choose to keep your deck covered, choose a wood product that has an attractive light-colored stain that will not fade or chip over time. Make sure the deck is also made of composite lumber so it won’t warp. Before choosing a wood deck, inspect the deck and the lumber to make sure it is well-made and compatible with your home’s exterior. Make sure the decking does not stick out from the eaves or floors of your home. Don’t choose a deck that has a concave profile, as this may be an indication of understructure or a weak deck. Make sure to ask for referrals to deck designers and contractors in your area.

How to protect wood decks?

Because wood is such a valuable building material, you want to be extra careful with the deck you build. A poorly built deck or decking may not be as long-lasting as the wood you have in mind, and if you are not careful, it may collapse or rot at any time. The right way to build a deck is to select the wood you can afford to lose. Wooden decks should be treated with a stain or sealer. It is a good idea to go with a more expensive wood such as cedar or oak to protect the wood and give it a polished look. Always follow directions carefully for a project like this. You want to use enough sealer to prevent water damage, but not so much that you remove all the beauty of the wood. If you add some additional TLC, you can usually get the same look without spending a fortune.

How to paint wood decks?

If you need to repair, rebuild, or refresh a deck, first check with your local building code agency. They will have specific requirements for deck construction. If you have questions, contact an experienced professional deck builder or the manufacturer of your deck. Once you decide on the style, materials, dimensions, and shape of the deck, the actual painting and finishing of it are up to you.

Slippery wood decks in winter and how to fix it ?

Wood decks become slippery in winter and when the weather is wet. Slips and falls are common with falling snow, slush, and salt, which accumulate on wood decks and can be easily rubbed or coated with anti-slip paint. Wood is susceptible to shrinkage and expansion. Improperly installed decks can shatter, and boards may separate if the deck is not properly anchored.

Yacht wooden decks

Yacht builders design their decks in a similar way to that of a typical house deck – they’re designed with consideration for space, functionality, and aesthetics. Other things to consider when choosing a yacht deck are materials used, the number and size of storage space, and functionality. Boats are covered in tarps, rope, and sails and covered decks aren’t always comfortable for that type of traffic. If your yacht is out on the water and you want to sit outside, you’re going to want a wood deck because it is more secure, will protect you from the sun and wind, and allows you to sit down and enjoy your cocktails. 

How to  clean wooden decks?

The floor of your wooden deck needs to be cleaned often. There is often condensation, dirt, debris, and stains on the floor.  The key to keeping your wooden deck clean is to not allow dirt, water, food, or oil to stay on the floor for a long time. To keep your floor clean, use a disinfectant cleaner and a mop. Once the cleaner is used up, clean your floor again with a clean mop. Never use the same mop and cleaner two or more times without a full cleaning.

How to power wash wood decks?

One simple way is to use water or a power washer. You can just hose the deck with water, use a garden hose or a pressure washer. You can also use a brush or a power mower to scrub off the rust and dirt. There are a number of ways to power wash your deck. A power washer is a type of hose-mounted pressure washer which is more than capable of cleaning your deck. 

Is bleach bad for wood decks

Yes, bleach is a little harsh on the wood, but it’s still much better than regular water because it will clean off dirt, mold, and grease. The harshness is more to do with the chemical used than the type of bleach. The natural oils in the wood make it more difficult for bleach to dissolve and its corrosive power is much more extreme than regular household liquids.

Cleaning wood decks with vinegar?

The one thing that might surprise you about the wooden deck is that it is surprisingly easy to clean with natural ingredients. It’s also better for the environment than alternatives. Even if you can’t afford a professional deck cleaner, a little effort can go a long way. The answer to this and many other deck care issues is vinegar! Apply white vinegar and baking soda to the deck. Wait a few minutes and scrub with a brush. After that just rinse with pure water. The results are an awesome, clean wooden deck.

Does salt hurt wood decks

Since wood is porous and can’t be built to last forever, some decks are built with a thick coating of cement, concrete, or other material to ensure that the wood doesn’t get damaged from the effects of contact with water and salt when temperatures fall below freezing. Of course, if your deck is not anchored down or treated with a water and salt barrier, any salt or moisture in the air can damage the deck and its finish over time.

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We hope you’ve enjoyed our post. You can check out our other post for more great ideas.