Gardens are one of the most enjoyable spaces in a house. They let kids play freely and let you enjoy the outdoors on your own property. However, they can sometimes feel empty.
The ideal solution for an empty garden is always a deck. Decks bring a sense of charm, allowing you to hang out or sit down to have a meal.
Of course, building a porch isn’t an easy task. The fact that it’s outside forces you to find materials that can survive being outdoors. Let’s check out the different options!
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Concrete
Concrete is one of the most popular materials when building a porch. It’s cheap and durable enough while also requiring low maintenance.
Nonetheless, it’s neither versatile nor stylish at all. It has a cookie-cutter look due to the texture and the limited colors you can paint it with.
Thankfully, you can renovate concrete decks with a layer of engineered wood on top. The process consists in applying a coat of sealer on it and then gluing down the engineered wood floor, giving it a new, freshened up feel. Of course, in order to do this you will need an expert, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Solid Wood
Hardwood is a prime material for decks. Although it’s a little more expensive than concrete, it grants you a more natural look that also matches any style of home.
Additionally, if you already have a plywood subfloor, you can get a solid hardwood deck installed on top of it to ensure solidness. However, you won’t be able to do this if your house is located near the shore or in any area with high humidity. In this case, it’s best to use engineered hardwood, since it’s more resistant to humidity.
The main drawback of using hardwood outside is the constant maintenance needed. It’s not as durable against water as other materials, but the refined feel may be worth it.
Engineered Wood
Commonly compared to solid wood, engineered wood offers the same pros as solid wood, while also having a higher durability. It doesn’t need regular upkeep, and it can also be sanded to look brand new when time has passed. It’s worth mentioning sanding should we always be done by a professional, since it’s a complex process that not everyone can do.
Keep in mind that engineered flooring is more expensive than solid wood, but you might be saving on maintenance costs. This makes engineered wood cheaper in the end.
Despite the objective information, the choice boils down to personal preference and the available budget. You can check out our page to see the different options in wood flooring!