Alright, Cranston homeowners, let us talk about decks. You are looking to add some outdoor living space. Maybe you want a spot for that summer BBQ. Or maybe you just want a quiet place to enjoy the evening. One of the first big decisions you will face is what kind of wood to use for your Deck Construction. Two popular choices are pressure-treated lumber as well as cedar. All Things Decks has built plenty of both around here. We have worked from Edgewood to Garden City. Our team can tell you they each have their good points as well as their bad points. Let us get into it.
Pressure-Treated Lumber: The Workhorse for Deck Construction
Pressure-treated (PT) lumber is probably what you think of when you hear "wood deck." It is typically pine or fir. This wood has been infused with chemical preservatives. This process makes it very resistant to rot as well as decay. It also keeps away those pesky insects that love to munch on wood. All Things Decks uses pressure-treated lumber for many Deck Construction projects in Cranston.
Cost for Your Cranston Deck Construction
This is where PT lumber really does well. It is generally the most budget-friendly option upfront. For a Deck Construction project in Rhode Island, you are looking at around $15 to $25 per square foot installed. This makes it a solid choice. It helps you maximize your outdoor space without spending too much money. All Things Decks can give you a clear estimate for your pressure-treated Deck Construction.
Durability & Lifespan of Pressure-Treated Deck Construction
PT lumber is tough. It is designed to stand up to the elements. This is important in Cranston with our humid summers as well as snowy winters. With proper maintenance, a pressure-treated Deck Construction can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years. Sometimes it can last even longer. The structural parts, like joists as well as beams, can go even longer. These can last 25-40 years. But here is the important part: that "proper maintenance" is a must. You need to do it if you want your Deck Construction to last.
Maintenance for Your Pressure-Treated Deck Construction
You cannot just build a pressure-treated Deck Construction and forget about it. It needs regular cleaning. This gets rid of mildew as well as dirt. You will also want to apply a water-repellent sealer every two to three years. If you do not do this, it will still last. But you will see more warping as well as cracking. You will also see more splintering. The chemicals protect the wood from bugs as well as rot. But sealing protects the wood itself from the weather. All Things Decks can advise you on the best maintenance for your Cranston Deck Construction.
Appearance of Pressure-Treated Deck Construction
When it is new, PT lumber often has a greenish tint. This tint fades over time. You can stain or paint your pressure-treated Deck Construction to get the color you want. There are many options out there. Just know that without staining, it will not have that rich, natural wood look. Some folks in Cranston prefer that natural look. All Things Decks can show you different staining options for your Deck Construction.
Cedar: The Natural Beauty for Your Cranston Deck Construction
Cedar is a naturally beautiful softwood. It is known for its rich color as well as its pleasant smell. Unlike PT lumber, cedar does not need chemical treatments. Its natural oils provide resistance to insects as well as decay. All Things Decks builds many cedar Deck Construction projects in Cranston and the surrounding Rhode Island areas.
Cost for Your Cedar Deck Construction
Cedar is a step up in price from pressure-treated lumber. You are generally looking at $20 to $35 per square foot installed here in Rhode Island. It is more expensive upfront. But some people argue it offers long-term value. This is because of its natural properties as well as its good looks. All Things Decks provides clear pricing for all cedar Deck Construction projects.
Durability & Lifespan of Cedar Deck Construction
Cedar is naturally resistant to rot as well as insects. This is a big advantage for a Deck Construction. It is also less likely to warp or crack than pressure-treated wood. With good care, a cedar Deck Construction can last 15 to 20 years. Some sources even say up to 25 years or more. It is important to note that without maintenance, its lifespan can drop a lot. All Things Decks helps Cranston homeowners understand how to care for their cedar Deck Construction.
Maintenance for Your Cedar Deck Construction
Cedar still needs attention. But it is a bit different from pressure-treated wood. If you love that natural reddish-brown color, you will need to clean and seal it regularly. This is usually done annually or every couple of years. If you do not seal it, it will weather to a beautiful silver-gray color. Many people love this look. Either way, annual cleaning is a good idea. This helps keep your cedar Deck Construction looking its best. All Things Decks offers advice on cedar Deck Construction maintenance in Cranston.
Appearance of Cedar Deck Construction
This is where cedar really stands out for many homeowners. It has a warm, attractive appearance. It has unique grain patterns as well as colors. These colors range from light brown to reddish-brown. It brings a natural, high-end look. This look is hard to beat. You can stain it to keep its original color. Or you can let it age gracefully to that classic silvery-gray. All Things Decks can help you choose the right finish for your cedar Deck Construction in Cranston.
The Cranston Recommendation from All Things Decks
So, which one should you pick for your Cranston backyard? Here is our honest take from All Things Decks:
- If budget is your absolute top priority, pressure-treated lumber is a fantastic as well as durable choice for the decking surface. You will need to do a bit more work with maintenance. It is also the standard for the structural framing of just about any Deck Construction. This is true even if you go with cedar or composite for the visible boards.
- If you are looking for that premium, natural look, cedar is an excellent option. You will pay a bit more upfront. But you get a Deck Construction that offers natural resistance as well as a beautiful aging process. It is a great choice for highly visible areas. Appearance is key in these spots.
Given Rhode Island's climate, both materials perform well. We have those hot, humid summers as well as cold, wet winters. The key is "properly cared for." If you neglect either one, you will be looking at repairs sooner than you would like. All Things Decks has seen it all. We have worked on Deck Construction projects in the coastal areas of Warwick. These get hit with salt air. We have also worked on decks tucked away in more sheltered spots in Cranston. The frost line here is about 36 inches. So footings have to go deep. This is true no matter what material you pick for the top. That is a structural thing All Things Decks always gets right.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you value most. Do you value initial cost savings? Or do you value a specific look? Either way, you will need to commit to maintenance for your Deck Construction. If you are still not sure, give us a call at All Things Decks. We can walk you through the options. We can also show you some samples. Our team will help you figure out the best fit for your home as well as your lifestyle. All Things Decks will even handle the permits with the City of Cranston building department. These permits typically range from $100 to $250 for a standard Deck Construction.