Looking for deck services near you? There are many options when building a deck, the more knowledgeable the home improvement contractor the better off you are. Learn more about what our team at Work Bangers Construction Inc. has to offer!
Decks – Composite
Composite decks. Deciding on decking materials used to be simple. You simply bought wood. Nowadays, there are many other materials you can select from, and composite decking is one of the top choices among many homeowners. At Work Bangers Inc, we get numerous requests for composite decks from customers who already did their research and understand the value of this investment. In case you need a bit more information before you decide, feel free to explore this page or text us with any questions!
Benefits of Composite Decking
- No need to re-stain and reseal your deck ever
- Low maintenance
- Moisture-resistant and long-lasting
- Doesn’t splinter
- Slip-resistant
- Resistant to rot and fading
- Doesn’t warp when properly installed
- Comes in a variety of color choices
What is Composite Decking Made of? At its core, composite decking is made of wood fibers mixed with plastic, as well as other additives and preservatives. This mixture is then shaped into boards, colored, and textured to look like real wood. The exact plastics used to produce composite decking vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and include polyethylene-based plastics, polypropylene-based plastics, and non-wood plastics.
Earlier composite decking products were uncapped, which means they didn’t have any protective layer. Modern composites are capped, and the protective polymer cap is fused to the core during the manufacturing process. This cap not only protects composite boards from UV rays but also creates a beautifully textured and colored surface on both sides of the board, making boards reversible.
Types of Composite Decking
- Solid Composite Decking is the most common type of composite decking and the most popular choice among homeowners. These boards are typically heavier than regular wood and costs around $7 and $13 per square foot not including the labor.
- Hollow Composite Decking is only made by a few manufacturers. It is much lighter than solid decking, which is why it’s often used for deck retrofitting projects. It is also less expensive and can provide as much as 20% savings compared to the solid decking.
How to Maintain Your Composite Deck Composite decks are extremely easy to maintain. Just sweep it every once in a while when you notice accumulating leaves, twigs or other debris. At the end and beginning of the outdoor season, it’s also a good idea to give your deck a thorough rinse with a hose. Finally, just like with any type of flooring, if you spill something on your deck, try to wipe it clean as soon as possible to avoid staining and attracting insects.
If some of the areas of your deck are in constant shade, they may eventually develop mold because composite decking doesn’t absorb moisture. Keep an eye on these areas and apply a diluted bleach solution at the first sign of trouble.
Decks – Vinyl
Vinyl decks are made primarily of polyvinyl chloride or PVC. In a market where pressure-treated wood and composite decking are dominating, many people don’t know about vinyl or haven’t seriously considered it as an option. However, all of our customers who have had a PVC deck installed love their deck and don’t have enough good things to say about it. The right material for your home all depends on your needs, which is why your goals are an essential part of the design process.
PVC Decks Don’t Look Like Plastic When people hear PVC or vinyl, they often picture shiny white plastic. But when it comes to vinyl decks, decking manufacturers went to great lengths to design products that closely mimic wood and other natural materials. Some manufacturers even produce their vinyl boards with slight color variations to simulate hardwoods.
The Difference Between Vinyl and Composite Decks Composite decking contains a certain percentage of wood fiber, while PVC is 100% plastic. Taking wood out of the composition means that PVC decking is more predictable and more stable as it contends with the elements season after season. It is also much better at dissipating heat over its surface, which makes it more comfortable to walk barefoot during hot summer days. PVC/vinyl decking also beats capped composite decking when it comes to mold, mildew, and scratch resistance.
Decks – Pressure Treated
While composite decking is on the rise, a vast majority of decks are still covered with pressure-treated wood. And when it comes to structural elements, such as posts, joists and beams, the use of pressure-treated lumber is almost 100%. At Work Bangers Inc, almost every deck we build uses some pressure-treated wood elements. Is a wooden deck the right choice for you? Use this info to weigh in all the pros and cons, and don’t hesitate to call us with any questions!
Benefits of Pressure-Treated Wood
- Lower upfront cost
- Beautiful natural color and grain
- Doesn’t get too hot under the sun
- Can be stained or painted to achieve any desired color
Downsides of Pressure-Treated Wood Pressure-treated wood is real wood, which means it will react to moisture, sunlight, and temperature. It will contract, expand, warp, and can even split and crack if it wasn’t properly installed. No matter how well you maintain your deck, wood will eventually fall apart and your deck may become unsafe. Also, compared to composite and other plastic-based decking materials, PT wood is not the most eco-friendly choice.
How Pressure-Treated Wood is Made It starts with wood harvested from such tree species as Southern Yellow Pine and Douglas Fir. This wood is then placed in a pressurized cylinder where it is infused with a variety of chemicals and preservatives. The idea is to enhance the natural qualities of wood to make it more resistant to the elements, especially moisture and rot. This pressure treatment process makes natural wood more suitable for outdoor use, as well as provides protection from termites and other insects. Pressure-treated wood is expected to decay much slower than its non-treated counterparts.
How to Maintain Your Wooden Deck While pressure-treated lumber may be tougher than non-treated wood, it needs the same type of care. This care involves washing and sealing your deck annually to help it last longer. Here is how you do it:
- Sweep your deck to remove any visible debris
- Hose the deck down to get rid of dust
- Apply a deck cleaner as instructed and let it sit a bit to break down ground-in dirt
- Rinse the deck and allow it to dry for 2 days
- Apply a clear sealer or toner
If your deck was painted or stained and the color is slowly chipping off, it may be time to repaint or re-stain your wooden deck. There are semi-transparent and solid stains you can use to give your deck a facelift. But be sure to remove every last piece of the flaking finish first to make sure the new finish lasts.
Are you OK with maintenance requirements and want to start building your own pressure-treated wood deck? Give us a call or contact online for a consultation.
Pergolas
Pergolas can make a beautiful addition to any yard, patio, or deck. The look of a pergola adds an element of class that immediately draws attention. Preferred by the royals of the past, these outdoor features are flexible and can be used to enhance your yard in a variety of ways.
Work Bangers Inc is a pergola contractor that provides pergola design and construction services. Our team of professionals is capable of building the best pergola to match your existing yard, deck, or patio.
A pergola is a structure supported by three or more posts with decorative beams going across the top. The beams are excellent for creating shade and dispersing the brightness of the sun. Pergolas are often used for growing vines and other plants that can climb and wrap around them, creating a decorative yet natural look. The beams themselves can be ornamental as well and are often sculpted with intricate patterns and designs. Pergolas can be built at any height – in fact, you can build multiple pergolas at different heights to create a tiered effect.
Benefits of Pergolas Having a pergola offers numerous benefits, some that other outdoor structures may not provide.
- Classic Appearance. Pergolas date back to centuries ago and have always been associated with luxury. Adding a pergola to your yard gives it a unique, aristocratic feel that your neighbors will be envious of.
- Cool. Pergolas provide an element of shade that can keep you cool in the summer months. Misters can also be attached to provide extra cooling functionality.
- Decoration Opportunity. In addition to their natural beauty, pergolas can be used for decorating during the holidays. Hanging Christmas lights and decorations is easy.
- Better Air Quality. If you choose to grow plants around your pergola, it will improve the air quality of the surrounding area.
If you want to add a sense of luxury and astounding beauty to your property, try the pergola. Whether you just want a plain white pergola, with understated beams and subtle detail, or an elaborate, intricately decorated structure, we at Work Bangers Inc can suit your needs. Contact us today for more information.
Railings, Gates, Steps
Most decks are not complete without railings, gates, or steps. We are experienced in building decks with railings, steps and gates and will gladly build for you.
Fences
A fence can provide a variety of functions. It can give you privacy from your neighbors. It can give you security from criminals. And it can give your yard an upgraded look for you and your guests’ enjoyment. Regardless of what reason or reasons you want a fence, we can help.
Work Bangers Inc is a fence contractor that takes special care to ensure your fencing needs are met. No matter the style or length of the fence, we can get the job done right so you can enjoy your yard the way you want to.
Picking the right type of fence depends on its intended purpose, your style, and your yard. Certain fences are better for adding privacy, while others are more decorative and more appealing to the eye. Below are some of the different types and styles of fencing.
Not only do fences protect your property and maintain your privacy, but they also make your yard better looking. Ornamental fences have interesting conceptual designs that separate them from typical wood post fences. They can add the perfect accent to top off any landscaping project.