Home Remodeling & Construction Blog

Contractors and DIY enthusiasts often use treated wood to build decks, but you have several other options for your Virginia deck. Composite wood products and exotic woods tend to be expensive, but cedar wood presents several benefits to Virginia residents, making it a great choice for your backyard living space. Compare deck materials and choose the best option for your property.

# 1 – Cedar Weathers Well

Cedar heartwood is used for decking materials and provides natural resistance to rot. Although decking contractors recommend using treated wood for the in-ground applications (framing and posts), cedar deck boards, stairs and railing materials should last 15 to 20 years without major structural decay. And that’s without applying any stain or treatment products–a good quality cedar stain could extend that life by a decade or more.

Left to weather naturally, cedar turns a silver color. This attractive appearance matches well with modern and traditional homes and provides a casual atmosphere for your outdoor living space. Many Virginia homeowners want this look and cedar delivers with minimal effort. For those consumers who want to maintain the rich red color of new cedar, annual cleaning and staining are required.

# 2 – Cedar Presents Fewer Splinters

Many deck installers prefer to handle cedar, as it tends to present fewer splinters. This may appeal to young families and pet owners in particular. Cedar decking surfaces remain smooth and comfortable for years.

Cedar sawdust may trigger an allergic reaction in some people, but it does not contain any chemicals and can be safely composted. Scrap cedar can be burned (where allowed by local bylaws) and this wood can be safely used for indoor and outdoor applications.

# 3 – Cedar Costs Less Than Other Premium Products

Cedar decks are more expensive than those designed using standard treated lumber. Expect to pay about 40 to 50 percent more to finish your Virginia deck in cedar wood. But this added cost is much less than composite wood, which runs closer to double or even triple the cost of standard treated lumber.

# 4 – Cedar Allows for Flexible Deck Designs

Are you dreaming of a round deck design or something with a little personal flare? Cedar is fairly flexible and can be used to construct decks of varying sizes, shapes and designs. A soft wood that allows for bending and cutting, cedar provides a skilled craftsman with hundreds of design possibilities. When compared to hardwoods, treated wood and composite products, cedar allows for more variation in your design.

# 5 – Cedar Presents Less Cupping and Warping

Cedar does not absorb moisture as much as spruce, pine or fir (woods used in treated lumber). This natural property means that cedar does not split or crack as readily and quickly as treated wood. You’ll find less cupping and warping on a cedar deck, allowing for a more professional appearance now and over time. Cedar may grow mold or mildew, when left in the shade, but it will perform very well in all other areas.

Talk to your contractor about using cedar wood for your Virginia deck. This building material provides several benefits and is well worth the additional investment.

Deck lighting extends the enjoyment of this outdoor living space and adds value to your Virginia deck. But smart design and expert installation are required to make the most of this feature. Learn how to detect inferior products and consider the ideal type of deck lighting for your home before you hang up modern day patio lanterns.

Where to Install Deck Lighting

You can find several types of deck lighting on the market, and each style works well in different areas of the structure. Recessed low voltage lights can be mounted flush with the deck surface to create a well lit border or illuminate the stairs. Other styles fit into railing posts and overhead features. Check out this quick primer on possible locations for deck lights and the styles that suit:

• Deck surface – recessed styles provide a low profile look that also prevents tripping, but higher fixtures can be installed around the perimeter of the deck surface without becoming an obstruction.
• Stair tread and Stair face – Smaller recessed fixtures work best in both the stair face and tread, and should always maintain a smooth surface. Be sure to look for brands with high quality lenses to prevent breakage on this high traffic area.
• Railings - Mount globe fixtures or rods onto the handrail or along the railing post to light up this section of your Virginia deck. Railing post caps also provide an excellent spot for deck lighting and many manufacturers offer solar cap lights and lanterns that add beauty with little to no additional maintenance.
• Pergola or Roof – Overhead features provide plenty of space for deck lights, including recessed fixtures within the beams or ceiling, globe fixtures on the rim of your roof or hanging lanterns.
• Walls or Privacy Screens – Mount light fixtures to your house wall or privacy screen for more substantial illumination. These fixtures can be sconces or extend from the vertical surface to provide overhead lighting. Consider units that combine deck lighting and heaters for year-round enjoyment of your outdoor living space.

Where to Find Quality Deck Lighting

Deck lights are available at most building supply stores and many specialty stores. Remember that you will get what you pay for, and products with a solid warranty offer the best value.
Pay attention to the specifications. Low voltage lighting requires a transformer, unless the system is hard-wired into your home. Look for transformers with photocells that power up as evening falls and turn off when natural light exists.

Solar lighting is a growing industry, and many big name manufacturers offer solar deck lighting in a variety of styles. Surface-mount, pillars, post cap lights and even lighting strands provide an array of selection for consumers looking to add low cost, environmentally friendly lights to their yard. You may have to bring solar lights in for the winter, although some of the more durable varieties can withstand the freeze and thaw cycle of a Virginia winter.

Add deck lights to your Virginia deck for more opportunities to enjoy this cozy space. Think about where to mount the lighting and find a good quality brand to enhance the value and comfort of your backyard.

Building a deck or patio is like adding an outdoor room to your home, and that living space should have the same conveniences and features as your interior rooms. Adding modern deck features to set your Virginia deck apart helps to capture your unique style and makes this space feel more like home.

Check out these top five features that hit the mark for contemporary styling and modern conveniences:

# 1 – Tempered Glass Railing

Modern ground level decks are often designed without a railing, preserving a feeling of openness. But decks more than 24 inches off the ground require a railing for safety purposes. Tempered glass railings provide the ideal solution, maintaining the view while keeping your family and guests safe.

Pair tempered glass panels with wood railings for a rugged look, or opt for aluminum posts, top and bottom rail. This material is maintenance-free and available in a wide range of colors. Some glass railing manufacturers also offer a frameless system, which optimizes your view. Consider tinted or etched glass for a dramatic appearance.

# 2 – Built In Bar or Kitchen

A fabulous addition for those who love to entertain on the deck, outdoor bars and kitchens can be designed to suit your lifestyle. Think about an upscale grill and prep station if backyard barbecues are a common event on your summer schedule. Or opt for an inlaid rock bar with built in sink and bar fridge for cocktails under the stars. The options for this Virginia deck feature are almost endless.

Be sure to plan out the ideal location for your built in bar or kitchen, paying close attention to traffic patterns and access to the main kitchen. Also consider building codes and heat protection for deck board and any vinyl siding nearby.

# 3 – Sleek Shade Structure

Adding shade to the deck extends your enjoyment of the space and provides a comfortable place to rest from the sun’s heat. Modern decks boast sleek shade structures in striking shapes, such as a triangular sun sail for that casual look or a high, heavy-beamed pergola for more traditional appeal.

Incorporate the framing, posts and structure into the deck, carrying on similar themes and shapes throughout the railing and trim.

# 4 – Deck Board Border

Choose your favorite color of composite deck board for the deck surface. Popular tones include browns, grays, tans and reddish hues, available in a range of shades from the biggest brands in the decking industry. But don’t limit your design options there—dress up the space with a contrasting border color. Use stain to achieve the same look in wood.

This deck design works especially well with larger layouts and multilevel decks, where each area is created to standalone as a room in your home would. Using a contrasting color deck board gives that room visual definition, without detracting from the overall design or creating any physical obstructions.

# 5 – Inlaid Patterns

Inlaid patterns provide another option for deck board details. Put a little dramatic splash into any area of your deck by installing the floorboards in a unique manner. Either with different colors or by shifting the direction of the decking, you can easily add spice and character to this space.

Your contractor may need to include extra framing for this option, or charge you more for the labor-intensive installation. But the final effect is well worth the investment, making this outdoor living space truly one of a kind.

Set your Virginia deck apart with any of these five modern deck features. From glass railing to built in bars, shade structures and deck board patterns, these details dress up your deck and help to display your tastes and character.

You have big plans for your backyard, including a stunning new Virginia deck and beautiful landscaping to accent the natural features. But you also may be wondering what to do with that space underneath your deck. Several options are available, depending on the deck design and what you hope to do with that space.

Option # 1 – Close It Off Completely

Decks built close to the ground (less than 18-inches off of the ground) can be closed off with deck skirting. This barrier is designed to keep larger critters out and block the deck framing from view. You can add a gate to the skirting, in case you need to retrieve anything valuable that dropped through the gap in your deck board.

Skirting adds to the overall cost of your deck, but does create a more streamlined look and can be used as a retainer for garden soil if you plan to put in a flower bed around the perimeter of your deck.

Option # 2 – Spread Gravel and Landscape Cloth

Since grass will not grow well under your deck due to a lack of sunlight, it makes sense to landscape the area without turf. A popular and cost efficient option includes landscape fabric to block the growth of weeds and grass, covered in gravel for a clean, finished look. The type and size of gravel depends on your preference, but most homeowners go with something a little larger.

Your deck builder may choose to excavate the deck area before installing the fabric and gravel, just to reduce the chance of grass growth. Powerful and invasive, most turf grasses will grow wherever soil, water and some sunlight combine and a patchy gravel/grass area will not look attractive under your Virginia deck.

Be sure the gravel is thick enough and plan to have it refreshed every few years, especially if your yard is on a grade or you have pets. Consider using an edger around the perimeter of the gravel to keep stones in and grass out.

Option # 3 – Create a Living Space

Perfect for walkout decks (more than 5 feet above the ground), this type of deck design adds the greatest value to your backyard. For an inexpensive option, lay down patio slabs under the deck and use the deck framing to hang drapes for privacy or outdoor art for a more attractive space. Concrete pads and flagstone also work well.

Some homeowners invest in a waterproofing product to transform this area into a covered porch. Installed beneath the deck board and undetectable from the upper deck surface, this vinyl sheet is attached to the framing and directs water to an eaves system along the outer rim of your upper deck.

Option # 3 – Leave It Natural

This works for both ground level and walkout decks, and keeps your costs low. Consider whether or not you can live with grass and weeds growing in this space and take into account the balance of your landscape. The condition of your deck surface, stairs and railing will not be affected by anything under the deck. Letting nature have its way in this area is perfectly fine, as long as you’re happy with the outcome.

Talk to your deck builder about the various options available for the space under your Virginia deck. Although this decision may change the price and look of your yard, it’s an important element in the overall design and worth your consideration.