DECKED OUT
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 that PVC and
composite decks require less maintenance in the long run.
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.
Continued on next page >
MONROEVILLE
❘
SPRING 2019
29