How To Build A Deck by Adam West - HTML preview

Swimming Pool Deck

When talking about swimming pool decks, one talks about the surrounding surface of the pool

itself. Wooden deck chairs could be easily found on these decks, standing as functional furniture

pieces on which swimmers could rest and relax on, or perhaps bask under the sun.

So there you have it, three of the most common venues where wooden deck furniture shine.

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The Advantages of Waterproof Decking Material

Selecting your decking material can be a little tricky since your choice would generally spell out

a world of difference to its longevity and enduring beauty of this outdoor structure. Since decks

are constantly exposed to direct sunlight and moisture, it is important to carefully invest in

waterproof decking materials that can easily withstand the harsh elements without succumbing

to rot, warps, cracks, decay, termite infestation and fading. Hence, residential owners are

constantly on the lookout of better and more durable materials that would not only add a touch

of beauty in their exterior design but also provide a highly functional living space.

In the past, the top favorites are the unmatched elegance of wood decking. Although there are

some wood materials such as redwood, mahogany, and pressure treated wood that are known

to be quite resistant to the outdoor wear and tear, it can hardly be considered a waterproof

decking material. Other options also include metal and aluminum decking, which are inarguably

waterproof, can be prone to corrosion and denting. However, the introduction of synthetic

decking have finally provided homeowners a wonderful solution to decking materials that

resolutely offers a perfect combination of both form and function. To date, there are about 60

different manufacturers of synthetic and waterproof decking materials in the United States

today, most of which amazingly look like genuine wood. In fact, these days, you are definitely in

for a surprising realization that fake wood has never truly looked this good!

The great thing about synthetic waterproof decking material is that is resistant to rot, cracking

and peeling and is known to be supremely durable. Another great feature that easily win over

many residential owners is the fact that it is virtually maintenance free, requiring a fuss-free

cleaning that is a perfect complement for the fast paced lifestyles of many individuals. What is

more important is it can be readily installed with the use of regular power tools, which ultimately

means lesser cost of installation. Unlike wood, you need not worry about getting possible

material defects, since you can only expect uniform quality with the strictest standards. Now, if

you are a strong environmental advocate, then it can be comforting to know that some of the

waterproof decking material are made from recycled products that are nontoxic, and are made

available in every imaginable colors to suit your taste and fancy.

Synthetic and waterproof decking material is definitely the more practical modern solution to a

longer lasting deck that will not only enhance the beauty of your home, but provide you with a

comfortable haven to come home to at the end of every single day.

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The Numerous Advantages of Vinyl Deck Material

While wood is undoubtedly the popular material used in the construction of decks, many

residential owners are now on the lookout for better alternatives. This is mainly because wood

requires expensive maintenance and repair costs and at the same time could not withstand long

in the outdoor exposure without giving in to rot, decay, cracks and mold and termite infestations.

Among the great alternative is vinyl deck material that efficiently provides a non-nonsense

approach to the reduction of maintenance and overall long-term cost. If you already have an

existing wooden deck, then you are quite familiar with how the constant need for repair,

maintenance care and replacement can eat up your budget. But what are exactly the

advantages with the use of vinyl deck material as a cost-effective alternative? One of the most

important features of this product is its UV protection, which means it doesn’t require any paint

and its color will go all the way through all the deck material, which will make any gouges and

scratches almost invisible. While vinyl deck material is known to be considerably expensive than

the traditional wood, you will save a lot in the long run without the expensive cost of

maintenance care. Vinyl deck materials are generally made from 100% virgin vinyl that makes it

resistant to shrinking, rotting and decomposing – all of which wood materials could never take

credit for.

When buying any vinyl deck material, look for a manufacture that offers non-prorated lifetime

warranties to ensure you will get true value for your money. After installation, you will only need

to make some minimal cleaning from time to time, which will perfectly complement your hectic

schedule. For these reasons, thousands of residential owners all over United States have

decided to replace their existing wooden decks with vinyl. Unlike wood that would require

constant chemical treatments that can be quite hazardous to your family’s health, vinyl is

actually manufactured under strictly controlled factory environment and makes use of stringent

safety standards that will ensure the material is non-toxic.

If you like to entertain guests from time to time, all without having to constant fear marring the

beautiful surface of your deck, then its best to consider choosing vinyl to save you from worrying

needlessly. So if you want to invest in something that will last for several years and still maintain

its original beauty, then it’s about time that you seriously consider using vinyl deck material.

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Synthetic Deck Material: Elegant yet Low Maintenance

Synthetic deck material is very much used these days by most homeowners because not only

does it look classy and elegant, but also it is very easy to maintain. For the past five years,

manufacturers have come to realize that an appearance is very essential when choosing the

right synthetic deck material. Deep wood grains that are embossed on a specific surface of a

board exude a wood appearance. And because they appear to be wood, they really look very

elegant and very classy.

When it comes to synthetic deck material, there are generally five separate categories and two

types of plastic and wood composites. These two are the polyethylene composite and

polypropylene composite.

Polypropylene Composite - This specific synthetic deck material is a mixture of plastic and

wood. The materials are normally fifty percent pure and another fifty percent recycled. These

are made from Polypropylene and very fine wood particles. This type of synthetic deck material

is manufactured under pressure and heat to easily encapsulate the wood into the plastic. The

materials then become very light in color from the first few years of use, not unless they are

protected with a UV inhibitor. Most producers make the surface of this type of synthetic deck

material with wood grains that are embossed into it. Additionally, this particular type retains its

shape if you decide to bend it and make curved railings or benches.

Polyethylene Composite - This type of synthetic deck material has deep embossed grains that

were created by a process called compression molding. The materials contain polyethylene

plastic that is partially recycled and wood fiber. The decking normally carries a limited warranty

of twenty-five years and are offered in four different natural colors that include Redwood, cedar,

Cape Cod Grey, and Weathered Wood.

Aluminum - This is also another type of synthetic deck material that most homeowners prefer

to use. Aluminum is known to have the least amount of contraction and expansion of all the

other man-made materials. They also have powder-coat paint finish and come in tan, gray, and

white. Carbide saw can be used to saw aluminum and it is important that its edges are properly

smoothed.

Laminated Vinyl Membrane - This type of synthetic deck material consists of polyester fabrics

that are encapsulated in between two vinyl films. The finish thickness of this vinyl membrane is

about 50-mm. This is the product that is perfect to make as maintenance-free decks.

If you wish to have the most elegant decks minus the maintenance and the expensive cost,

consider a deck made from synthetic deck material.

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Practical Tips for your Pool Deck Designs

Having a pool deck speaks of elegance and class. If you wish to have a pool deck of your own,

start your pool deck designs by determining the right materials, next to the layout and the

location.

Since the material you choose for your pool deck designs is the first thing that your guests will

notice, take some time in carefully scrutinizing this particular area.

Concrete- This type of material used for your pool deck designs are considered the most

popular materials simply because more choices are offered at more affordable prices. Whether

you prefer to have the colored decking, or the stamped concrete that strikingly resembles as

stone masonries, those interlocking paving stones, or large “rocks” that make as landscaping

features like natural looking waterfalls and boulders, concrete is extremely very tough to beat

not only for the cost perspective but also for the design perspective.

Bricks- Another nice material to be used for your pool deck designs are bricks. Brick decks

greatly make your pools very attractive and elegant, especially if you home is also made from

brick. However, bricks can tend to become hot on sunny afternoons. If you have young children

or kids at home, bricks are not good ones for your pool deck designs.

Stones- Pool deck designs that are made from stones are mostly sought after by the higher-end

pool making projects. Sandstones, most specifically the bluestones and the flagstones are

suited for pools because its surface that is porous is not slick once it gets wet. Likewise, marble

and granite are elegant options also for your pool deck designs, provided that you have enough

budget to consider these types of stones. Just make sure though that you get those roughly

hewn stones, especially if you prefer those higher end stones.

Ceramic Tiles- These are also great options for your pool deck designs. Like concrete, these

ceramic tiles are manufactured in varied materials and come in every possible texture and color

that you could imagine. These ceramic tiles make it very possible for you to create colorful and

stunning murals and mosaics on your pool deck designs.

Take time to go over the Internet, visit shops, or seek for the advice of the professionals in order

for you to have the best possible pool deck designs. That way, lounging lazily on your pool deck

on warm weekend afternoons will always be one thing that you will look forward to. After all,

nothing beats relaxing right at the comfort of your very own backyard, right?

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Retractable Deck Awnings: The Most Common of Deck Awnings

In understanding retractable deck awnings, understanding the nature of decks would greatly

help one see why retractable deck awnings stand to be the most common of deck awnings in

the world. Basically decks aren’t just items one would find as staples in a casino, in the form of a

deck of cards, or as parts of a skateboard. Those are all basically different classes of decks.

The decks we are talking about here are decks in the architectural sense, meaning they are

parts of a house or building’s design. A deck, again in an architectural sense, is a flat surface

which is designed so support weight, and functions no different from a floor, but is typically

found outdoors. The most common use of decks involves it to connect various sections of a

building, connecting them from one area to another. Oftentimes decks are elevated from the

ground.

The most common material used in deck construction is wood, but other materials are known to

also be used in making or forming decks. There are decks which are made from composite

material, treated lumber, Western Red Cedar, Aluminum, Teak, Recycled Planks and High-

density polyethylene, polystyrene and PET plastic.

Historically, Redwood, Western Red Cedar and Atlantic White Cedar were used in making

decks, but as the times had changed, specifically as issues with over-logging these trees started

to be much more of a concern, other alternative materials for deck construction were utilized.

Decks are often paired with retractable deck awnings, as they are the ideal items to block away

the sun’s rays and rain on one’s deck, without having to permanently setup a roof over the area.

As retractable deck awnings are retractable, users could easily expand retractable deck

awnings, ensuring that rain and/or sunlight don’t bother those on the decks. Retractable deck

awnings could either be bought premade or could be custom made depending on their user’s

needs. Typically, the awning itself of retractable deck awnings are made from durable materials

which are quite versatile in withstanding the various elements they are tasked to face and deal

with.

Generally, there are two classes of retractable deck awnings; the automatic and the manual

classes. Manual retractable deck awnings work with a handle or crank, similar to the dynamics

of how an umbrella works. Automatic retractable deck awnings are often powered by a

mechanical system, which is typically electric. There are a number of manufacturers of premade

or custom retractable deck awnings, as well as manual and automatic, with many of them

featuring free installation services as part of their product package.

Retractable deck awnings are amazing items as they keep summer’s cool, and rainy days dry

on decks, without compromising the general design of one’s deck.

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Motorized Retractable Awnings: Perfect for One’s Deck

Decks in one’s home are amazing architectural features to have. Motorized Retractable awnings

are the perfect partners for decks.

In architecture, decks are basically flat surfaces, which serve the similar function of floors, but

differ in the sense that they are often used outdoors. Typically, decks in a home are used as

“pathways” connecting various sections from one to another, typically to and fro to the main

section of a home, but are also known to be utilized to complement a landscape design’s overall

aesthetic look, as well as to serve as alternatives to the more stone based of patios.

Motorized retractable awnings, which are basically retractable roofs, are the perfect partners for

decks, keeping elements like rain and sunlight away, providing shelter from them. Motorized

retractable awnings also keep the material used in making decks course through the most

minimal of wear and tear values. Also, motorized retractable awnings, given that they are

retractable, also stand to be the perfect partner for one’s deck as they don’t actually

compromise the overall design of one’s deck.

Decks are historically known to be made from wood, with the decks of a house typically made to

be built above the ground, again, connecting sections to the main section of a house. Redwood,

Atlantic White Cedar and Western Red Cedar were often used, but as the fast logging of these

trees started raising issues, a number of alternative materials are being utilized in deck

construction, or decking. These days treated lumber, composite material, teak, mahogany,

recycled planks, aluminum, and high-density polystyrene, polyethylene and PET plastics, as

well as wood fiber and other mixed plastics, are used in decking projects.

Generally, retractable awnings are the perfect complements for decks, as they are typically less

expensive compared to patio and/or deck cover construction costs. Also, retractable awnings

have the ability to be easily “stored”, only to be “taken out” when unexpected rain falls or when

sunlight comes up. They keep one’s deck from withering away, protecting them from the

elements.

Motorized retractable awnings stand to be one of the two classes of retractable awnings, the

other being manual retractable awnings. Manual retractable awnings, as their name already

says it, are retractable awnings which operate with a handle or a crank, requiring users to have

to manually operate them. Motorized retractable awnings work in conjunction with a motorized

system, making it quite easy and simple to use them.

Indeed, decks in one’s home are amazing architectural features to have. With motorized

retractable awnings are the perfect partners for decks, easy to use, keeping things shaded and

dry during summer rains, keeping one’s deck condition in tip top shape.

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Where to Find Free Deck Design Software

Every homeowner believes that having a deck at his or her own backyard is very essential. This

is particularly true to those who love to spend their weekends outdoors with their friends and

loved ones. That is the reason why having a deck takes a lot of careful planning.

There are a number of possible ways on where you can obtain deck design software. You can

either buy it from specific websites or home furnishing shops. However, why buy these when

you can have free deck design software? When you say free deck design software, it means to

say that you can legally obtain it from different websites from the Internet.

The best thing to do if you wish to have free deck design software is to go over the Internet and

browse over varied companies that primarily deal with patio and deck designing. What is good

about having them obtained thru the Internet is that you can specifically choose the type of free

deck design software that is suitable to your taste and your preference. Most of the free deck

design software is sent to clients in a span of a week or two, depending on the location.

Additionally, the software has step-by-step instructions on how to build decks of your

preference.

Another practical idea to obtain free deck design software is thru home and gardening books.

Some of these books give instructions and free brochures that you can send back to them,

should you wish to have free deck design software. And because it is free, you need not worry

much about having to pay for these software.

There are also some home furnishing shops that offer free deck design software, especially if

they have a lot of new products to introduce to their clients. Aside from the software, clients can

also avail of free tutorials from the in-house professional landscapers and architects, as far as

deck designing is concerned.

There really are a lot of ways on how you can have free deck design software. Ask your friends

also who have their own copies of this software so that you will gather more and more ideas

about deck designs. You need not worry much as to what free deck design software since most

of what they offer are almost similar to those deck design software sold anywhere.

Why buy design software when you can have free deck design software that can certainly help

you with your deck-designing plans? Go grab yourself a copy of the software now and

experience designing your own deck with just some few simple instructions. After all, every little

planning of your decks all start from you, right?

Hope you found this guide helpful for more information on Building a Deck please visit:-

Http://HowToBuildDecking.com

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