Posts Tagged ‘advice for homowners’

In Deck Design, Form Equals Function

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

FiberPRO Bayn Wood of Michigan’s Autumnwood Construction joins us again to discuss deck design and provide tips for homeowners beginning to plan their own outdoor living space.  Read below to learn how to design a deck that is truly your own with tips from our pro.

Usually form follows function for deck design.  When beginning to design your own deck, start with how you plan on using this space. Most decks have three primary uses – entertaining, grilling, and egress into the backyard – so think of each of these for your own deck.  Typically, the challenge rests in fitting each of these uses into the designated space and budget you have. Most importantly though, you should add personal qualities to your deck by adding your own touch of flair or style into the design.

When we first visit homeowners to estimate on designing and building a deck, I listen closely to the customer to learn how they plan to use the space and what expectations that have for their dream deck. In planning your own deck, here are a few areas to take into consideration:

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Prepping Your Deck For Winter

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010

In North Carolina we typically enjoy the fall, with few nights dropping below the 40s. While it is bearable to be outside without bundling up, this will soon change, so it’s now a good time to winterize the deck.

snow lines by NapaneeGal

snow lines by NapaneeGal

With PVC and composite decking, it’s really quite simple. Make sure you keep it clear of leaves and debris. Also, check between the boards to remove any built-up dirt. (more…)

Building A Composite Deck – Start To Finish

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010
composite decking

Composite Deck - by Rolling Ridge Deck Co

Photographs of a Recent Deck Installation by Professional Contractors

This week’s post comes Barry Streett – owner & president of Rolling Ridge Deck Company in Evergreen Colorado. For more information on Barry and his company, visit www.rollingridgedeck.com.

A few months ago, a great debate got going on this blog about whether or not homeowners could build their own composite decks without professional training. No matter what side you’re on, I think we can all agree building a composite deck involves many steps and lots of precision work. (more…)

Keep Spills From Becoming Stubborn Stains on Your Composite Deck

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Stain Prevention on Fiberon Decking

This week’s video post is from Southwest Fence & Deck, Inc, in Carrollton, Texas.

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Top 10 Composite Decking Care and Maintenance Tips

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Ensure your composite deck maintains its natural beauty

Follow these ten easy care and maintenance steps to keep your composite deck looking great throughout the year:

composite decking

Horizon Composite Decking in Ipe

10.  Never use shovels or sharp edges to remove snow and ice from your deck.

9.  Place a vinyl-backed splatter guard mat underneath your grill.

8.  For oil and grease stains, speedy clean up is the best. The longer the oil or grease sits on the surface the most likely it is to soak into composite wood fibers.

7.  Use extreme caution with pressure washers when cleaning your deck. Use at pressures less than 1,500 psi at 12” above the deck surface.

6.  Keep debris out of gaps between the decking boards so rain showers can remove pollen

5.   Clean any mold spots when deck is completely dry with eco-friendly commercially available cleaners like Corte-Clean, ConcrobiumXT Eco-Wash or other commercial deck cleaners designer specifically for your type of decking.  Strictly follow manufacturers’ instructions.

4.  Clean your deck periodically, at least twice a year, to remove pollen, leaves and debris that promote mild growth.

3.  Maintain a deck that is dry and clean. Dislodge accumulated dirt with a broom or by using soap, water and a scrub brush, scrubbing in the direction of the grain pattern.

2.  Improve drainage or grade soil to eliminate standing water under decks. Direct downspouts, downspout extensions and splashguards away from decks.

1.  Ensure adequate ventilation under and between decking boards to prevent mold growth.

Refer to the Fiberon Care and Maintenance document for more information.

Do you have maintenance tips of your own? Leave them in the comments below!