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A Helpful Guide to Choosing the Right Materials for Your Deck

Admin • April 30, 2024

Transforming your outdoor space starts with the right deck materials. Whether you’re an avid entertainer, a grill master, or someone who simply relishes in the peace of a garden view, the materials you pick for your deck are crucial to its longevity and compatibility with your home aesthetic. Harco Fence and Deck is your trusted resource for choosing the materials to make your deck dreams a reality. From classic wood to the latest in composite decking , we’ll cover the factors you need to consider and the pros and cons of each material. This knowledge is the foundation for building your deck.

Understanding Different Deck Material Options

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to the best deck material. Each type has its own set of characteristics and advantages.

Wood

Wood decks are the quintessential choice for many homeowners due to their classic beauty and versatility. You can achieve various looks and styles with pressure-treated lumber, cedar, and redwood. Wood is also known for its affordable cost, making it a great option for budget-conscious buyers. However, wood does require regular maintenance to prevent rot, splintering, and insect damage.

Composite

Composite decking offers a middle-ground alternative to wood and plastic materials. Made of a combination of wood fibers and recycled plastic, composite decks are attractive due to their low-maintenance requirements and environmentally friendly nature. They withstand the weather and heavy use exceptionally well and resist rot and insect damage. However, composite materials can be more expensive than wood upfront.

PVC

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a plastic decking material prized for its durability and low-maintenance nature. It is completely waterproof and resistant to stains, scratches, and fading. PVC does not rot or attract insects, making it one of the highest-performing materials in harsh elements. The downside is that it can be more expensive than wood and composite and may not offer the same natural appeal in texture and color.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Deck Materials

Several significant factors should guide your decision-making when deciding which material to select for your deck.

Budget: Your finances often dictate the scope of your project. Wood is typically the most affordable option, while PVC is more expensive. Composite materials have a greater upfront cost, but the overall investment might be reduced due to their longevity and decreased maintenance.
Climate: Weather conditions significantly affect how well your deck material will hold up over time. Wood is a traditional option, and PVC and composite materials offer better resistance to these environmental stresses, making them suitable for a wider range of settings.
Maintenance: How much time and effort will you devote to maintaining your deck? Wood decks require the most attention; regular staining and sealing are needed to keep them in top condition. Composite decks require some maintenance, but how much depends on the specific brand and product.
Aesthetics The look and feel of your deck are important, as it should harmonize with your home’s architectural style and personal taste. Wood conjures a sense of warmth and tradition, while some composite options are designed to mimic the appearance of natural wood.

Make Your Decision with Harco Fence and Deck

Choosing the right material for your deck is a significant decision that should align with your priorities and long-term goals for your outdoor space. A wood deck could be the best option if aesthetics and initial cost are your top concerns. A composite or PVC deck might be more suitable if you prioritize durability and low maintenance.

We recommend getting professional advice from a professional deck builder like Harco Fence and Deck before making your final decision. In addition to having valuable insight based on our years of experience, we also have the requisite knowledge of local building codes and the materials that will work best for Kansas City decks. Building a deck can be a significant investment in your home and your quality of life so it’s worth the time to make an educated choice. When you’re ready to move forward, give Harco Fence and Deck a call at 913-815-4817 or request a free quote from us.

The post A Helpful Guide to Choosing the Right Materials for Your Deck appeared first on Harco Fence and Deck.

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Wood or Composite Deck? Which Should I Do?

By lagoon_admin • November 15, 2021

It’s easy to decide whether or not you want a new deck—the hard part is deciding what material is best for your specific project. Should you go with a more traditional wood deck, or is your money better spent on composite materials? Our team is always ready to help you choose the perfect material for […] The post Wood or Composite Deck? Which Should I Do? appeared first on Harco Fence and Deck.

4 Covered Decks We Promise You’ll Love

By lagoon_admin • June 16, 2021

Whether you’re looking for a way to increase the usability of an outdoor space for the warmer seasons or you’re wanting to invest in your house’s value, a covered deck is the perfect option for most homeowners. Besides providing protection from the elements, covering your deck or patio can complete the look of your backyard oasis. Rather than an umbrella or temporary structure, a built-out covering will compliment the home, helping make the transition from indoor to outdoor living space as aesthetically pleasing as possible. Here are our top 4 deck coverings to elevate your outdoor space. The post 4 Covered Decks We Promise You’ll Love appeared first on Harco Fence and Deck.

4 Advantages of Adding a Pergola to Your Backyard

By lagoon_admin • August 31, 2020

The backyard is one of the major deciding factors of why people choose the house that they do. Outdoor living activities have increased in popularity. To that end, homeowners usually have contractors build structures that will augment their outdoor living. One of those structures is the pergola. A pergola is a roofed structure usually with […] The post 4 Advantages of Adding a Pergola to Your Backyard appeared first on Harco Fence and Deck.

Building Your Dream Deck? 4 Elements to Consider

By lagoon_admin • August 31, 2020

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By lagoon_admin • August 31, 2020

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3 Backyard Upgrades Ideal for Personal Family Photography

By lagoon_admin • August 7, 2020

If you love capturing pictures and moments of your family, then you know that the location is one of the key elements. When you take pictures at your own home, you have the ability to create all types of memories of children playing together, adults hanging out, and family bonding. To help enhance your family photos, consider a variety of upgrades in the backyard. Each one includes multiple advantages for your photos along with the advantages for everyday living. 1. Raised Decks A large deck area offers a lot of space for families to hang out. When it comes to photography, the deck offers an ideal location to snap pictures in natural light and capture multiple types of memories. Decks may be used for family meals or other activities like board games. A raised deck installation also comes with additional photography benefits. While on the deck, the background views are higher. Photo backgrounds may include the landscape of the neighborhood or backyard as opposed to just the ground level. A higher deck also offers a different perspective when you shoot pictures of your family in the backyard. For example, a raised position could help you get a unique angle of a family playing Wiffle ball or swimming in a pool down below. The higher deck gives a whole new perspective and may completely change the way you take various images, including all types of overhead shots. 2. Privacy Fences The background of an image makes a big difference when looking back on photos. You do not want to look back at old photos and see a neighbor’s house, a random street, or a background filled with various distractions and clutter. Help create clean and stylish backgrounds with wooden privacy fencing. Privacy fencing stands taller than traditional fences and will help fill the background for a number of the photos you take. Once the fence gets installed, photo portraits may be taken right up against the fence. The privacy fence also provides a comfortable backyard setting and helps reduce the natural noise from other neighbors and traffic in the area. When you select the privacy fencing style, there are multiple options to choose from. There’s a horizontal panel wood fencing with large boards. Picture frame fences feature a frame of wood around the edges which could add some nice shadows and lighting effects to the photos you take. Certain fence materials can reflect natural light too, which can remove harsh shadows from your subject. The post 3 Backyard Upgrades Ideal for Personal Family Photography appeared first on Harco Fence and Deck .

Safe Decks For Homes With Kids And Dogs

By lagoon_admin • August 7, 2020

A deck often becomes the most popular destination in the home. It is a place to enjoy the sunshine, eat dinner in the fresh air, and entertain family and friends. Many people may concentrate on the look and style of the deck as they plan, but safety becomes a priority when children and pets will […] The post Safe Decks For Homes With Kids And Dogs appeared first on Harco Fence and Deck.