Outdoor Decks Explained

It's no secret that we're big fans of the outdoors, here in Richmond we get at least six to nine months of weather that can be spent outdoors. Some months might be hotter than others, and some are chillier. Either way, we think Virginia homes that have outdoor spaces are very enjoyable. Our customers will sometimes come to us asking questions about what is the best way to go when building an outdoor deck. We are partial to natural materials but we'd like to explain the different kinds that you can get your deck made out of.

Timber
This is by far the most popular option. We really like it because it tends to blend with the outdoors well and it is naturally water resistant. If you decide to use timber as your primary material make sure that it is treated against termites, ants and other unwanted pests. Timber also tends to last for a long time and because it does need to be put together in sections, it can be easily replaced if part of your deck becomes damaged. You can get this material in different colors and finishes so you can configure it to match the rest of your home and furniture. This is the option that we would recommend most.

Polyethylene
This is a bit of a toss up, literally. It's a mixture of both natural materials and synthetic ones, so it is a blend. The blend consists of recycled plastic and wood components. This is a cost effective option as an alternative from timber, it is slip resistant and will endure against the elements. The only downside is that it tends to fade overtime, so what you see in the store is not what you will get as a final product. It is also fairly environmentally friendly since it does used recycled plastics as a source material.

Aluminum
This is by far the most cost effective option but it's longevity is questionable. The look of aluminum is not the most attractive and you have limited color options. Aluminum is easy to install since it typically comes in interlocking pieces that can be easily assembled. It does not expand and contract like it's other counterparts so it might get damaged easier. New Earth recommends to use this type of material as your last option.

So there you have it, when building an outside deck or patio keep in mind that you have different options for materials. Your first option should be timber, which is long lasting and looks the best. Polyethylene should be your second because it is still friendly to the environment and preserves a natural look. We'd tell you hold off on building a deck if you're thinking of using aluminum until you can afford one of the latter options.

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Pros and Cons: Wooden Floors

As a Class-A contractor, New Earth gets often asked to install wooden floors in all types of homes. We have realized that people usually have quite a few questions about the process, the cost and some of the benefits and disadvantages of wooden floors. We've put together a list of things to consider when purchasing a new home or updating an old one to wooden floors. Let's start with the positive first:

Pro's

• Easy Clean Up - What makes this particularly important is that you can easily recognize dirt or dust and clean it up. There are plenty of ways to clean a wooden floor, from: items you can pick up at your local grocery store to steam mops that disinfect.
• Cost Effective Repairs - If a section of your wooden floor happens to be damaged, it is very easy to target the replacement of the floor. You don't need to replace the entire thing. 
• Environmentally Friendly - Wooden floors come from natural materials which means they are biodegradable and it is a resource that can be replanted. 
• Hypoallergenic - Suffering from allergies is no joke, wooden floors allow to measure the amount of dust and allergens that live on the surface. Other flooring options like carpet don't give you that level of control since carpeting is often considered a breeding ground for allergens. 

Con's

• Cost - It usually costs more money upfront to install wooden floors, although in the long run you might see the value because it is a low maintenance option. 
• Durability - Even though wooden floor tend to last for a long time, it can scratch easily especially if you have pets or kids in the house.

Although the our Con's list is not very extensive, price is something to consider that can be a major factor in your decision. Keep in mind that this is a long term investment and that you'll probably end up saving money in the long run. 

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