HOMEOWNER S GUIDE TO. Choosing the Right Deck. A Free Guide From Allied Remodeling of Central Maryland

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1 HOMEOWNER S GUIDE TO Choosing the Right Deck A Free Guide From Allied Remodeling of Central Maryland

2 Have Questions? Need More Information? Call (410) or (240) or Visit AlliedOfCentralMD.com Allied Remodeling of Central Maryland 1212 E. Joppa Road, Towson, MD HOMEOWNER S GUIDE TO CHOOSING A DECK

3 What You Should Know About DECKS In Ten Minutes or Less I see a lot of decks that are poorly built that are bound to split, warp, crack, and become an eyesore. Every time I see a bad deck, I think, I wish I could have talked to that homeowner before they decided on that material. About 25 years ago most decks were made of wood, and it required a lot of upkeep. It was common to spend weekends refinishing your deck. However, people got tired of all the sanding, staining and painting. Decks have changed dramatically since then. There are so many options available, there is no way a homeowner can make a good decision about the kind of deck they want without a (brief) explanation of the options that are available. The information in this guide explains what you need to know about decks so that when you choose one for your home, you will be able to make an informed decision. I hope that you find this information helpful. Sincerely, Nick Caperna Owner, Allied Remodeling of Central Maryland ALLIED REMODELING OF CENTRAL MARYLAND CALL (410)

4 Deck Choosing Your MATERIAL You can choose natural wood or pressurized wood. You can select from any number of composites that will stand against the harshest rain, snow, and sun, and still look like new for years to come. They are tough enough to stand up to the frozen winters and the burning summers without ever needing sanding, painting, or staining EVER. These Materials Have The Full 100% Replacement Guarantee: When you get your maintenance-free deck from Allied Remodeling of Central Maryland, we add our own Lifetime Warranty to protect you from cracking, splitting and rot. There Are Three Main Categories of Decking: Natural Wood. Composites and Synthetic. 4 HOMEOWNER S GUIDE TO CHOOSING A DECK

5 Natural Wood Pressure treated wood is a process that adds preservatives into the wood in order to make it more resistant from attack by insects, termites, and decay. The wood is placed inside a closed cylinder, thenthe container is pressurized to force the preservatives into the wood. There are significant differences in the quality of pressure treated wood, so be careful about the kindyou choose. Some materials on the market are made of a lower grade wood. The grains in the boards isn t ideal and they tend to have more knots and blemishes. Some lower grade materials leave too much moisture in the boards. As the boards dry, they tend to twist and shrink, and it will be uneven and look bad. Invest in a higher grade pressure treated wood. It will likely be straighter, and have fewer knots. Chances are it will have been kiln dried, so there is far less likelihood of warping and twisting after the deck is built. Cedar is the premier natural (untreated) wood for deck building. It resists absorbing moisture, and is naturally resistant to rot. Cedar board tends to remain straight and not twist or warp. A well-built and maintained cedar deck can last about twenty years. Cedar is a natural material and will require maintenance if you want it to last. Like any natural wood material, it is prone to scratching and can be damaged in high traffic areas. As it ages and is exposed to the elements it is prone to losing its color and turning gray or silver. You can help retain the original color of the wood by cleaning and resealing the deck every twelve to 24 months. While cedar may cost a little more than some pressure treated woods, a lot of homeowners choose it because of the natural warm color and rustic appearance. ALLIED REMODELING OF CENTRAL MARYLAND CALL (410)

6 IPÊ (pronounced ee-pay ), is a popular hardwood flourishes in Central and South America. It is extremely hard and dense, and is cherished because it is durable, strong, and resists rot and insects. Ipe is a beautiful dark color with fine grain and an unusually consistent color throughout. Because Ipe is so dense and hard, it does not take a stain well. If you choose to stain your deck, you will likely need to stain it at least every other year. The natural wood is also somewhat unstable; it tends to shift and warp, so be sure that your installers are using strong fasteners and connections. Ipe wood is increasingly popular because of its durability and striking appearance. Composite EverGrain is a composite decking material that is made with a compression molding process that creates the unique,deep grain appearance that you can normally only find in natural woods. Combine the advantages of this exceptionally durable and strong material with the advantage of the appearance of deep wood grain, and you can see why EverGrain is a popular choice among Maryland area homeowners. The wood-like grain gives the deck an authentic appearance, and the material comes in attractive natural colors. You get what looks like real wood, but it will never need paint or stain. It comes with an outstanding Warranty against rotting, splintering, splitting and termite damage. 6 HOMEOWNER S GUIDE TO CHOOSING A DECK

7 Trex is the brand that boasts the original composite It has excellent traction even when wet, so it can be used decking material is a blend of wood and plastic fibers around hot tubs, saunas, and anywhere that needs to be to make an extremely durable material. Trex keeps water resistant. It comes in a broad range of colors. thousands of tons of wood and plastic scrap out of landfills every year by turning the materials into beautiful and enduring decking materials. twist, and resistant to insects and termites. The wood gives the natural grain appearance and protects the plastic from 7 excellent traction even when wet and resists damage from moistureand sunlight, so it is an excellent choice for pools, The plastic in Trex makes the wood not splinter, warp, or UV rays. Trex contains no toxic chemicals or preservatives. It has hot tubs and spas. Trex is an ideal choice for a long-lasting deck that will never require sanding, staining or painting, ever. HOMEOWNER S GUIDE TO CHOOSING A DECK

8 Another Great Option To Consider ENCLOSURES Enjoy The Outdoors More Even In Less Than Ideal Weather. (And Keep Pesky Insects Out). Decks are a terrific way to add a fun and entertaining space to your home, but you should also consider an enclosure. Many who start out considering a deck eventually decide that an enclosure would better suit their lifestyle. The Benefits Of Enclosures Are Many Here A Few: You Still Get The Outdoor Feel, But Without The Rain Or Direct Sun Beating Down On You Less Expensive Than A Full Sunroom Or Addition, But Having Many Of The Same Benefits Bugs & Other Annoying Critters Are Kept Out Increase The Value And Appearance Of Your Home Have An Awesome Place To Entertain Even When The Weather Is Not Perfect When deciding between a deck and an enclosure, out recommendation is to consider which will give you and your family maximum use and enjoyment. Ask yourself questions like: Would my family and I enjoy dining outdoors more? Do I want a relaxing, quiet place to go to during a summer rain? If I am planning an outdoor party, do I want to have a space that works even if the weather is bad? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you should ask about the possibility of an enclosure during your initial consultation. ALLIED REMODELING OF CENTRAL MARYLAND CALL (410)

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10 Want To See Your Project BEFORE Work Begins? MAKES SENSE. Our design team will show you with the aid of hand drawn drafting exactly what your remodeling project will look like before we ever start. Talk about starting off on the same page! No surprises, no miscommunications. Everyone is working for the exact same goal. 10 HOMEOWNER S GUIDE TO CHOOSING A DECK

11 Permits & Inspections Eliminate Stress: Select A Company That Will Handle All The Necessary Permits & Inspections Permits and inspections are a necessary but complicated part of adding a deck or porch enclosure to your home. As you do your research on your project, be sure to factor this in. If you are considering doing it yourself, have a plan for this part of the process. And if you are comparing contractors, be sure to ask what kind of assistance you will get and what you ll be expected to do on your own. The Answer You Should Expect: We ll handle it. Our recommendation is to do business with a contractor who demonstrates a firm grasp of all necessary permit and inspection processes. The contractor should also promise to handle the permits and inspections for you. This is a tedious and arduous process, but it is important to make sure everything is done legally and up-to-code. Always insist that the company you choose will handle this process with the utmost professionalism. Special note: If you belong to a homeowners association, make sure your contractor will be able to provide you all information, drawing, and samples to make the HOA approval process very easy. Here is a list of some of the permits and inspections that may be required depending on the scope of your project: Permits: Building Permit Usage Permit Electrical Permit Structural Permit Inspections: Footing Framing Structural Electrical Final ALLIED REMODELING OF CENTRAL MARYLAND CALL (410)

12 Have Questions? Need More Information? Call (410) or Visit AlliedOfCentralMD.com Allied Remodeling of Central Maryland 1212 E. Joppa Road, Towson, MD 21286