SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
He says wooden decks will run about $2 to $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 to $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
so 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 deck can be
placed pretty much anywhere, including a hilly
or uneven lawn.
According to Marci Buckiso of The Fireplace and
Patioplace, a local expert in furnishing outdoor living spaces,
homeowners are especially keen to add fire features to their
outdoor area, which function 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.
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 that PVC and
composite decks require less maintenance in the long run.
Continued on next page >
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