The seasons are shifting. The economy is shifting. Days are long, the weather is warm, and money is tight. Focusing on ways you can capitalize on what is already available to you at home is one way to make the most of the weather, your dollar, and the dog days of summer. Instead of driving to destinations this year, create a destination in your own back yard. A porch, patio or deck can be the perfect venue for summer gatherings, barbecues or simply relaxing.

Tigerwood Decking

Have you already got a deck that is begging for an update? Or will you need to begin planning from scratch? There are a number of great online resources that can help outline deck building basics. I recommend www.decks.com as an invaluable resource. The website does a good job explaining everything from footings to finish. You will want to check which building permits are needed. Look online, but also make a phone call: Your local building inspector will likely give you some free advice.

You can make decisions that effect the environmental impact of the project itself, how long the deck, porch or patio will last, and any other considerations that might impact your family or pets. There will be options that I miss. There will be elements specific to your personal project that make planning and asking questions of your contractor and decking supply store essential.

A Sustainable Solution
Wood Framing and Decking: A long-popular choice for decking has been pressure-treated lumber. Pressure-treated lumber can be impregnated with a variety of chemicals in order to increase its longevity when exposed to the elements. In some cases, pressure-treated wood can last more than 40 years. However, in 2004, the manufacture of Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) pressure-treated lumber was banned because of its use of arsenic in the manufacturing process. If you want to avoid using chemically treated wood, there are options available; these products will last more than 25 years.

Consider using Juniper landscape timbers whose heartwood is insect and rot-resistant. If you must use pressure-treated lumber for support joists, consider using a hardwood deck surface that will require little chemical maintenance and will weather beautifully over time. It makes sense to look for a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label or other certification that ensures the wood comes from a sustainably managed forest.

Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood and Purpleheart are common names to look for in a tropical decking selection. Tropical hardwoods are oil-rich, insect- and rot-resistant. Over time these woods wear to a silver gray and require power washing and a natural oil seal every other year to ensure their look and longevity over time.

Deck Finish and Wood Sealer: Deck finish or sealer is frequently a penetrating, oil-based coat that contains tiny pieces of (usually transparent) pigment that reflect harmful UV rays and protect the wood against the damaging rays of the sun. Many current deck owners would like to find a deck finish you applied once and never gave another thought to. Sadly, such a product does not exist.

Tropical hard woods weather nicely in most climates with minimal care due to the oil content.  As mentioned in the above section, regular cleaning is the bulk of the care necessary. Softer woods, sapwood (versus heartwood), and more open-grained woods are more likely to split, check or warp without moisture protection in the form of a natural oil finish, or similar treatment. The specie of wood, and vision of the deck owner, will dictate how frequently the deck treatment need be applied.

It is important to do your homework. You’ll know what kinds of decking material you’d like to have, and this helps the retailer help you make an appropriate choice.

As you apply the finish, pay special attention to the manufacturer’s instructions: Many of these products have chemical properties that make used rags or brushes prone to spontaneous combustion if not properly disposed of or cared for.

With a vision, some motivation and the right tools, you could spend this summer, and many summers to come, enjoying the oasis of your own backyard. The only gas you’ll need to buy is what it takes to fire up the grill.