HOME IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
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.
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PVC and composite decks require less maintenance in the long
run. Although wooden decks run about $2 - $3 per square foot, 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
deck can be placed pretty much anywhere, including a hilly or uneven
lawn.
Many homeowners 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 opting for very modern linear gas
fireplaces, with smooth, clean lines to mirror the style of their home.
For homeowners who don’t have the space for a traditional
fireplace, fire pits make a great feature, creating a beautiful flame
that glows through crystal rock. They’re available in three different
heights, with a lower coffee table height, dining table and bar height.
The homeowner also has the option of selecting wood‑ or gas-
burning fire pits.
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