IN Mars Area Spring 2019 | Page 37

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 > Your Neighborhood Landscape Supply Destination! HUG E CL IN-STO Ston EARAN CK C e an d Pa E vers 50% OFF MULCH: • Double and Triple Shred Natural Mulches • Double & Triples Shred Dyed Mulch • Certified Playground Mulch NATURAL STONE AND GRAVEL SOIL–TOPSOIL-MUSHROOM MANURE LIGHTSCAPES, FIREPITS, AND MORE FREE Delivery * $ DELIVERY OR PICK-UP $3 OFF * Mulch - 12 yards or more Per yard of mulch *Offer expires 7/31/2019 *Valid on retail sales only *Not valid with any other offer or prior purchase *Offer expires 7/31/2019 *Valid on retail sales only *Not valid with any other offer or prior purchase **Call for delivery area** 2458 Rochester Road, Franklin Park, PA 15143 PAVERS AND RETAINING WALLS HUGE SELECTION OF COLORS, STYLES AND TEXTURES LOWEST PRICES 412-635-8441 www.draguns.com MARS AREA ❘ SPRING 2019 35