Deck Rebuilding/Building Ideas

With plenty of beautiful sunshine ahead during the remaining days of the summer and fall seasons, you might be asking yourself, should I restore/upgrade my old backyard deck or possibly build a new deck? Depending on the age and condition, in many cases, an older deck can be resurfaced with new planks and railings for a new look, assuming the supports are in good condition.

Whether you decide to take on the project yourself or hire a professional, there are plenty of options available. The traditional favorite is wood decking planks. It is the lowest cost alternative, and it is relatively easy to build and maintain. The next option would be composite or vinyl deck planks. They resist mold and fading and are very easy to maintain. They are also moderately priced, readily available, and are installed in the same manner as wood decking. The final option for planks would be steel or aluminum. This option is very durable, but is often said to not have the same beauty as wood or composite. It also can be more expensive to purchase and install.

If you are seeking an alternative to planks altogether, then consider outdoor porcelain ceramic tiles. Existing wood frame decks can often be modified, or if needed rebuilt, to accommodate the heavier weight of outdoor porcelain ceramic tiles. They will require the installation of additional joists and footings or the replacement of some. There may also be a requirement for steel columns.

There are companies that now manufacture "systems" to aid in the installation of outdoor tiles with the use of plastic baskets that the tiles sit in between the joists. Ceramic porcelain outdoor tiles are approximately 20mm in thickness. Although the plastic baskets can make installtion easier, they can also be expensive. Other options are available.

If you can justify the added expense, outdoor tiles provide long-lasting beauty that can rival any outdoor paver or tile patio.