Architecturally, decks are flat surfaces designed to be capable of supporting weight. They
function similarly to floors, but differ as decks are often utilized for outdoor use. They are
oftentimes utilized in connecting various sections of a house or building, as well as structures
which complement garden landscape designs, as well as alternatives to the more stone based
of patios. Decks are often constructed to be elevated from the ground, with some wide enough
to serve as lounging areas where people could relax after a long day.
Historically, wood was used in the construction of decks. Lumber from trees like the Western
Red Cedar, the Redwood and the Atlantic White Cedar were used in deck construction, but
were soon stopped, as the over logging of these trees posed to be a problem. Today, composite
decks stand to be one of the most popular of decks. Composite decks are basically decks made
from composite material, like wood fibers, which are often called composite lumber. Composite
decks are quite sturdy, and rather no different from the various other classes of materials
utilized in deck construction, in the general sense of the term of course. Other materials utilized
in deck construction would include treated lumber, teak, mahogany, Ipe, hardwoods, even
aluminum, and high density polystyrene (PS), high density polyethylene (HDPE), and PET
plastics, as well as other classes of mixed plastics.
As decks are outdoor structures, composite decks stand to be quite sturdy enough to withstand
the outdoor elements of rain and sunlight. To further protect composite decks, owners often add
retractable awnings, as roofs for their composite decks.
These retractable awnings don’t just benefit a composite deck’s condition, as those “on deck”
could also garner some benefits from them. Sudden rains would no longer be a problem, as well
as direct sunlight. With retractable awnings, composite deck owners are not as limited with fixed
roofs over their decks. Retractable awnings come in two general classes, one being the
automatic variety, the other being the manual class of retractable awnings. The automatic
variety of retractable awnings is motor operated, making their use rather easy and convenient.
Manual retractable awnings, which basically serve no different purpose as automatic retractable
awnings, depend on manual brute force in their successful operations.
If you are planning on setting up a deck in your home or building, getting a composite deck, and
rigging it with retractable awnings would be the way to go.
http://howtobuilddecking.com
9