|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ADVANTAGES:
|
|
DISADVANTAGES:
|
|
Economical and Plentiful
|
|
Limited Lifetime Warranty against termites
and fungal decay
|
|
Very strong; load bearing material
|
|
|
|
Color (green)
|
|
Very susceptible to water damage if unprotected
(checking, cracking, warping)
|
|
Maintenance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Treated lumber is made by pressurizing chemicals into wood (usually pine) which bond to the wood's fibers. The
chemicals used in the treatment process are either alkaline copper quarternary (ACQ) or copper azole (CBA). Both
preservative types are approved for full exposure to above ground, ground contact, and freshwater applications.
Treated lumber expands and contracts as it absorbs water and dries out, causing the wood to check and splinter.
To prevent the checking, cracking, and warping caused by water damage, a high quality sealant should be applied
to the entire exterior surface of the deck. Exposure to the sun's rays will cause the wood to turn grayish in color.
A high quality sealant with UV protectants can be applied to slow the graying process. Treated lumber can also be
painted. Treated lumber is used for all structural materials because of its resistance and load bearing capabilities. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ADVANTAGES:
|
|
DISADVANTAGES:
|
|
|
Appearance; warm and decorative
|
|
Naturally resistant to insects and
decay
|
Less likely to crack and warp
|
|
|
|
More expensive
|
Eventually susceptible to insects and decay
|
|
Maintenance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cedar and redwood have a warm glowing appearance with decorative straight grains. They have natural chemicals
in them that are resistant to insects and decay. Unlike treated lumber, these chemicals will wash out of the wood
over an extended period of time. To prolong the life of the material, a high quality sealant should be applied to the
entire exterior surface of the deck. Exposure to the sun's rays will cause the wood to fade to a silver gray color.
A high quality sealant with UV protectants can be applied to help preserve the wood's natural beauty and slow the
graying process. Cedar and Redwood can also be painted.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ADVANTAGES:
|
|
DISADVANTAGES:
|
|
|
Appearance; warm and decorative
|
|
Naturally resistant to insects and decay
|
|
Extremely durable
|
|
Virtually knot-free
|
|
|
|
Very expensive. Material is more costly and labor prices increase substantially because all fasteners require pre-drilling.
|
|
Maintainance, if walnut look is required
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ipe is twice as hard as oak and is naturally resistant to insects and decay. It has a life expectancy of 40 years
without any maintenance. Ipe has tight grain patterns that make it nearly impervious to water. It can be sealed or
left to weather naturally.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plastic Wood-Composites (Trex, Epoch, TimberTech, etc.) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ADVANTAGES:
|
|
DISADVANTAGES:
|
|
|
Nearly maintenance free
|
|
10 Year Limited Warranty against splitting,
splintering, rot, decay, and termite damage.
|
|
|
|
Very expensive
|
|
Not as warm and decorative as wood (most
w/o knot or grain characterstics)
|
|
|
|
| Composites are wood polymer, part wood and part plastic. They do not splinter and deck screws sink in and
disappear. The only maintenance is to keep the deck clean and remove debris from the gaps between the boards.
Composites are not affected by moisture, however they do expand and contract with temperature change.
Boards must be spaced slightly to allow for this change and also proper water drainage. Composites are available
>in many different colors. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PVC, Aluminum, & Coated Steel Deck Systems
(CareFree, Dream Deck) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ADVANTAGES:
|
|
DISADVANTAGES:
|
|
Nearly maintenance free
|
|
Limited Warranty against splitting, splintering, rot, decay, and insect damage
|
|
|
|
Expensive
|
|
Not as warm and decorative as wood (most
w/o knot or grain characterstics)
|
|
|
| These products are usually more expensive than composites and many have longer warranties. Cellular PVC
decking and powder coated aluminum or steel railing systems have become extremely popular. Cellular PVC's look
like painted wood and have an extremely hard, tough surface. Some of the products are hollow and many do not
>have nice wood grain characteristics. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| There are many alternative materials available. Please inform us if you are interested in another material. We will do our best to locate a source for the material and deliver an estimate as quickly as possible. |
|
