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.
PVC and composite decks require less maintenance in the long
run. Although wooden decks run about $2 - $3 per square foot,
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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.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
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Choice Granite and Marble - Counters, Cabinetry and So Much More
F
or nearly 60 years, Choice Granite and Marble
has been providing homeowners with the
perfect countertops for their homes, adding
value and class to their kitchens and baths. Today, the
company has branched out to become a one-stop shop
for all of your home building and renovation needs
when it comes to adding those finishing touches to the
most important rooms in your home.
Not only do we stock full-size slabs of natural
granite and other natural stone alternatives, it offers
cabinets, hardware, backsplash tile and flooring
to complete any look. And, if you’re not sure what
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724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE
❘
will look good in your home, we have onsite design
services to help you bring your concept to life.
And while granite counters have been a staple of
homes for decades, Choice Granite and Marble offers
a myriad of stone for every taste. From ten different
types of quartz to marble, soapstone, travertine and
manmade variants, Choice Granite and Marble will
have something to fit your lifestyle and budget. They
also carry a wide variety of remnants for small projects
like fireplaces and vanities.
For more information on Choice Granite and
Marble, including an online portfolio of their past
icmags.com
work, go to their website at choicegraniteandmarble.
com. The website not only provides you with details
on everything they can do for your home, it’s the first
place to check when it comes to deals and discounts
on existing products and services. Choice Granite and
Marble is located at 803 Geyer Road, Warehouse #1,
Pittsburgh, 15212, where you can peruse a facility
full of full-size slabs of natural stone. You can also call
with any questions at 412.821.3900. Email: sales@
choicegraniteandmarble.com
Visit them online at ChoiceGraniteAndMarble.com
and ChoicePittsburgh.com