Every year, the American Institute of Architects issues a report on what are known as special function rooms, identifying which of these purpose-built spaces are most popular and what homeowners want them to be like. This year, as in many previous years, outdoor living spaces like decks, patios, screen porches and sunrooms are ranked very highly on the list.
As a deck building company in Massachusetts, we found one item on the list of desired features particularly relevant. Homeowners have a number of choices when it comes to deck building materials. Each type of material has its pros and cons. Wood has long been used for building decks: it’s the traditional choice – yet many homeowners are reporting far greater levels of satisfaction when they choose a deck building material that needs less maintenance than wood.
What’s motivating the desire for a low-maintenance deck? The two top reasons are time and money. Many people who live in Western MA are extremely busy with professional and personal obligations. Free time is precious. Do you really want to give up a free weekend to stain and seal your deck? When you choose a deck made out of composite material, you never have to.
Let’s talk about the other costs. If you add up the amount of money you’ll spend buying paint or stain for your deck every couple of years over the life of your deck, you’ll find yourself looking at a good chunk of change. Choose a deck built out of PVC or composite decking material, and you’ll pay slightly more up front and save lots of money in the long run.
The other issue relevant to deck maintenance has to do with how well your custom built deck will stand up to all four seasons of Massachusetts weather. Composite decking materials don’t warp, twist and split the way wood does. This means less need for repairs and replacement as the years go by!