When winter ends, homeowners in Maryland tend to shell out a lot of money to get their deck back to its original shape and appearance. Due to harsh weather conditions, your deck suffers from wear and tear—forcing you to revive it from the dead of winter. However, you can reduce this high-maintenance cost and frequent deck restoration due to changing seasons. If you’re tired of re-staining, resealing, and refinishing your wood deck periodically, it is probably the right time to consider building a composite deck. It is the best time to talk to a Maryland composite deck contractor and discuss how you can start the project. But before moving the project into construction, let’s run down some helpful tips for choosing the best composite decking for your home.
Are You On A Strict Budget?
While installing a wood deck is less expensive upfront than composite decking, it loads more maintenance. With periodic cleaning and refinishing almost every year, wood decking can be more costly in the long run. This makes composite decking a low-maintenance and an ideal option for homeowners who do not want to spend much time and money on cleaning and maintaining their deck. However, one important factor to consider in building a composite deck is your budget. If you are on a tight budget, you can spend as low as $3 to $7 per square foot. This cost depends on the size of your deck, the complexity of the project, materials to use, and the designs you want to incorporate. Make sure to speak to your Maryland composite deck contractor regarding variations in designs, colors, and materials. Ask for budget-friendly options without compromising your preference and style.
Are You Concern About The Wood-Like Feel And Appearance?
Composite decking mimics the feel and appeal of timber decking. This is also the main reason why some people see it as inferior to wood decking. However, if you are hesitant to build a composite deck because you want your outdoor living space to look like real wood, then you don’t need to fret. Modern-day composite products can make it possible. For instance, higher-end composite can now offer incredible grain designs, so your deck has a wood-like feel and appearance. You can choose individual grain variations and wood shadings that will match your needs and preferences. It is not only limited to deck boards, but you can also incorporate it in some other deck features such as posts, railings, balusters, to name a few. For recommendations, do not hesitate to talk to your Maryland composite deck contractor.
Do You Live In An Area With A Warm Climate?
If you plan to build a composite deck, you need to consider your location and climate. Are you located in an area with a warm climate? If so, you must choose the right deck color. Dense and dark-colored composite decking tends to become extremely hot under the sun. It can really heat up your outdoor living space and make you sizzle like a burger on a grill. Avoid dark-colored composite decking if you also want to use your deck barefooted during summer. With this in mind, it is important to select lighter colors instead. Get some samples from your Maryland composite deck contractor and do a test run. Set the samples outside on your deck site and identify which one works best during a warm climate.
Is Your Deck Meet Building Codes?
Before you even start the project and spend a substantial amount of money, make sure to check with your local building officials if the materials you want to use are approved. Every local county or municipality has certain rules and limitations on what materials can be used for framing, stairs, and other structures in your area. When it comes to building a composite deck, be smart enough to check the codes, so you won’t end up being surprised during the inspection. Discuss this with your Maryland composite deck contractor to help you out. Don’t forget to obtain the necessary permits before moving the project into construction.
Do You Prefer Hidden Fasteners?
Hidden fasteners are not a big deal to some homeowners. However, if fasteners really bother you, choose a hidden fasteners system, so you won’t see any hardware that typically went into the installation. You may want to consider using tongue-and-groove systems, which hide screws and eliminate gaps. Keep in mind that these systems entail higher cost upfront as opposed to using face screws during installation.
How Wet Will Your Deck Get?
Composite decking is made up of a mix of plastic, wood fibers, and little amounts of additives. The main function of the wood fibers is to provide strength, while the plastic is important to protect the finished deck boards from moisture damage. However, the moisture performance of composite products varies depending on decking brands. If you plan to build a composite decking near a pool area, or you live in a high humid area, a smooth-textured composite is not recommendable as it can be slippery when exposed to moisture and water. You may choose a composite material with pronounced texture to provide a little traction. When it comes to this concern, you can always talk to your Maryland composite deck contractor for better recommendations and options.
How Will You Use Your Deck?
When you’re planning the design of your composite deck, make sure to consider how you are going to use it? Do you plan to utilize it as an area to entertain your guests or throw parties? Is it a special nook for relaxation? Do you have young kids at home? You must ask yourself the very main reason why you want a composite deck, to begin with. In this way, you will know what deck features and designs you can incorporate.
Are You Adding All The Extras In The Budget?
In building a composite deck, always make sure to consider additional features and their cost. Include skirt pieces, special trim, and other add-ons such as posts and railings. By knowing the cost of all these extras, you can realistically allocate your budget.
Are There Any Warranties?
Not all warranties are the same across composite decking brands. Some manufacturers offer a 25-year, while others provide a lifetime warranty. When you hire a Maryland composite deck contractor, you must always ask about a warranty. Determine the coverage of the warranty, and how long it is.
It’s Time To Talk To Maryland Composite Deck Contractor
Planning to build a composite deck is an excellent way to enjoy the nature outside while sharing great moments with your loved ones. Considering these nine tips mentioned above can help you decide the right composite decking for your home. And if you still need more help in deciding which design ideas, materials, and style best-suit your outdoor living space, feel free to contact us today.
If you plan to build a composite deck, you need to consider your location and climate. Are you located in an area with a warm climate? If so, you must choose the right deck color. Dense and dark-colored composite decking tends to become extremely hot under the sun. It can really heat up your outdoor living space and make you sizzle like a burger on a grill. Avoid dark-colored composite decking if you also want to use your deck barefooted during summer. With this in mind, it is important to select lighter colors instead. Get some samples from your Maryland composite deck contractor and do a test run. Set the samples outside on your deck site and identify which one works best during a warm climate. 
Before you even start the project and spend a substantial amount of money, make sure to check with your local building officials if the materials you want to use are approved. Every local county or municipality has certain rules and limitations on what materials can be used for framing, stairs, and other structures in your area. When it comes to building a composite deck, be smart enough to check the codes, so you won’t end up being surprised during the inspection. Discuss this with your Maryland composite deck contractor to help you out. Don’t forget to obtain the necessary permits before moving the project into construction. 
