WOOD DECKING
Barefoot Decking specializes in building wood decks to add a natural place for you to experience outdoor living in your very own yard. At Barefoot Decking, we have built hundreds of decks of the highest quality for our clients. A new deck adds not only an aesthetically pleasing and valuable addition to your home, but it also adds a beautiful place for you to gather with your friends and family. When it comes to choosing a material for your new deck, one of your options is wood. We will tell you everything you need to know about wood decking so you can choose the right material for your new outdoor space.
Wood Decking
Your options when it comes to your new deck are wood and composite. A wood deck doesn’t need to be boring! You can choose from several design elements, like wrought-iron spindles and various railing profiles, to help you personalize and beautify your new wood deck. For example, you can choose a beautiful iron railing to enhance the look of your deck.
There are several pros and cons to choosing a wood deck. Our experts will lay out the benefits and downsides of wooden decks to help you make the best decision for your own home. While we have the knowledge, our job is to build you the deck YOU want, so ultimately, the choice is your own!
Benefits of Wood Decks
There are several benefits of choosing a beautiful wood deck as an outdoor extension of your home crafted by Barefoot Decking. Here are the benefits of building a wood deck at your home:
Cost-Effective
Create Usable Outdoor Space
A wood deck costs less upfront than a composite deck, which is more expensive upfront. A composite deck can cost up to twice as much as a wood deck. If you are looking to spend less money upfront on your new deck, a wooden deck is your answer.
Cost-Effective
Create Usable Outdoor Space
A wood deck costs less upfront than a composite deck, which is more expensive upfront. A composite deck can cost up to twice as much as a wood deck. If you are looking to spend less money upfront on your new deck, a wooden deck is your answer.
Friendly to the Environment
Create Usable Outdoor Space
Unlike a composite deck, a wood deck is environmentally friendly because it can be recycled. Plus, the sawdust and wood chips that result naturally from construction are biodegradable and don’t require collection.
It Stays Cool
Create Usable Outdoor Space
Even on those hot, 80-degree July weekends in the Chicagoland area, your wood deck will stay cool! There will be no need to worry at your next barbecue, because wood decks tend to remain relatively comfortable under your feet. That’s because wood naturally absorbs and retains less heat than most composites. If the area where your new deck will be gets a lot of sunlight, a wood deck might be the best choice for you.
Downsides of Wood Decks
There are a few downsides of wood decking that you should know about before you embark on your deck project, however. Let’s discuss the negatives of wooden decks:
Regular Maintenance
Wood decks require much more maintenance than composite decks. A wooden deck requires plenty of care in order to maintain its appearance and to prevent rot, fading, and discoloration.
You could end up spending up to $850 per year maintaining your wood deck. Wood decks require a great deal of attention and care from you, the homeowner.
Life Span
A wood deck generally lasts between 10 and 15 years with regular maintenance, whereas a composite deck typically lasts 25 years, or even longer.
Requires Cleaning
A wood deck requires regular cleaning, too. You will most likely spend between 16 and 32 hours each year cleaning your wood deck. A wooden deck requires some elbow grease on your part, but it will be worth it!
Susceptible to Nature
Wooden decks are more susceptible to Mother Nature and factors like decay, insects, mold, and the weather, which can all contribute to its shorter lifespan.
Wood Deck Options
Now that you’ve decided on a new wood deck for your home, it’s time to consider your wood options. We offer free choices of wood for your deck: cedar-tone, cedar, and bamboo.
Cedar-Tone
The cedar-tone option is a color infusion process available for pressure-treated wood. It makes the planks look like cedar, and does not fade the same way a stain does. Many homeowners choose cedar-tone because treated wood products do not easily stain. It is ideal for decks that will be exposed to the elements.
Cedar
Cedar is a durable wood that is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect attacks, which makes it a perfect durable wood for a deck. It also resists moisture absorption. This means it lasts for a long time, needs less maintenance, and doesn’t warp or split very easily. Cedar is also very versatile - it is able to hold a variety of stains, bleaches, colors, and even translucent finishes. Another benefit of cedar for a deck is that it is actually environmentally superior to synthetic products. It is renewable, biodegradable, and has a net negative greenhouse gas effect. However, cedar is slightly more sensitive and can be prone to showing scratches and dents. If you have a pet with sharp claws, cedar might not be the best option for you! It will require some maintenance and re-sealing over time.
Bamboo
Bamboo decking is extremely durable and highly stable. Your deck is going to see lots of tread and wear and tear over the years. A bamboo deck can withstand all the years of being walked on! It is also very similar maintenance-wise to a traditional wood deck.The main disadvantage to choosing bamboo for your deck is that it is not the best at holding up in the wind and rain, which can be problematic in the Chicago area. However, bamboo is still a viable option.
Build Your Dream Wood Deck with Barefoot Decking
To further discuss your options and your plans for your dream wood deck, contact us at Barefoot Decking today! We are the decking experts in northern Illinois and are ready to make the deck you’ve been dreaming about come to life in your yard!