SPECIAL SECTION: HOME IMPROVEMENT
EXTRA SPACE IS ON DECK
One of the most inexpensive ways to add living space to your home
is the addition of an outdoor deck or patio. Having a great outdoor
space is like adding an extra room to your house. It can be enjoyed by
the whole family, or experienced in quiet solitude as a retreat to the
Zen of outdoor living.
If you like to entertain, then an outdoor space is a must. Guests can
spill out onto the patio, extending your home to allow more freedom
for guests to mingle, both inside and out.
Though the words “patio” and “deck” are often used
interchangeably, there is a difference. A patio is generally constructed
of stone pavers, tile or a simple concrete foundation that sits
squarely on the ground. Decks are usually made of wood, PVC (also
called vinyl) or composite, which has wood content that has been
encapsulated in a PVC wrap. Decks can either be ground level or
elevated. When considering which option is best for you, you’ll want
to look at the costs and also which one works well with the style of
your home. The good news is that regardless of the option you choose,
you’ll get a positive return on your investment, somewhere between
30% and 75%.
For a wood frame house, wooden, composite or PVC decks can
match the trim of your existing home. Since wood can be painted,
a wooden deck offers the most color options; however it will also
require frequent repainting. Both PVC and composite decks are
available in a wide range of earth tones to match your home’s style.
Vince Lorenzi, owner of Lorenzi Home Design Center, explains
that there are cost differences, but feels the PVC and composite decks
require less maintenance in the long run.
He says wooden decks will run about $2 - $3 per square foot. These
are attractive, but they do require more maintenance and will have to
be resealed every few years to give them maximum life.
Both PVC and composite decks will run an average of $8 - $9
per square foot. They will require power-washing for cleaning, with
frequency depending on location. If the deck is adjacent to trees and
shrubbery, leaves and pollen will settle on the frame and washing is
required to keep it looking sharp.
If your home is made of stone, you may opt for a patio that is a
continuation of the stone look, but this also works well with a wood
frame or brick home. Patios work best in yards that are level, while a
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deck can be placed pretty much anywhere, including a hilly or uneven
lawn.
According to Marci Buckiso of The Fireplace and Patioplace,
and local expert in furnishing outdoor living spaces, homeowners
are especially keen to add fire features to their outdoor area, which
functions as a gathering point for both family and guests. Traditional
wood-burning fireplaces not only add physical warmth and beauty,
but emotional warmth as well.
Contemporary homeowners are opt [