If you are looking for ways to beautify your home and increase its value, you should not just look at the interior to find home improvement projects. There is a trend toward using outdoor areas as extra living space and so having a well constructed deck can be a necessity. There are so many different decking options to choose from it can be difficult to know what is best for your needs.

You may be lucky and have a home that you purchased with a deck. New homes are paying more and more attention to what the yards offer and many buyers are demanding outdoor living spaces. But other people may not be so lucky. Or, you might be looking at replacing an older or worn deck and want to know what products and options are on the market today.

Decks can be broken down into what materials they are made of. There are wooden decks and decks made of composite materials. Both have their advantages and disadvantages and they are both worth looking at.

Wooden decking is often made of pressure treated lumber but there are other woods which are available as well such as cedar. Both pressure treated lumber and cedar are great choices since they can resist a lot of weathering and warping and also repel insects that often try to eat the wood. Cedar decking also weathers beautifully and smells heavenly. But it is also extremely expensive and so many people opt for pressure treated lumber.

Composite decking is new and becoming incredibly popular. It is usually made up of a mixture of wooden pulp that has been combined with a substance like polyvinyl chloride. The mixture is formed into boards and other building elements and can be used much the same as wooden boards. Composite decking is quite a bit more expensive than wooden decking, but it is extremely durable and long lasting. It repels bugs and will not warp. As well, it will not give off slivers and can be manufactured in a range of colors. This allows people to create decks using patterns to give added visual interest.

If you are planning a deck, it is critical that you consider a few things before you begin construction. What will you be using your deck for. Is it simply a space to put your BBQ or do you plan to spend as much time on your deck as possible in warmer weather? If you can go all out, consider a large deck with multiple levels. This can give you one space for cooking and eating, and another for relaxing and socialization. A stepped down deck with several levels can be a wonderful way to deal with a sharply slanted yard or a way to make getting from the house to the yard less steep and dangerous. You should plan an eating area that is large enough for a table and six or eight chairs. Plan enough room for the chairs to be pulled out and people can get up and down from the table.

If you will be spending time out on your deck, consider putting in elements such as planter boxes, benches and decorative railing elements. A railing is very important because it keeps people from falling off the edge of the deck and injuring themselves. Do you want a traditional look? Consider a wooden railing that may or may not have a bench built into it. Remember that if you have small children, they could climb on a bench and over the edge of the railing. Elements such as flower boxes are wonderful but they will really increase the cost of the deck.

Decking can be a wonderful way to create an easy and relaxed outdoor living space. It is a practical way to make use of your yard and can add beauty and value to your home.