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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.
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.