With an outdoor project like deck renovation, you don't have any of the difficulties with projects or renovations
inside the house--installing wiring, plumbing, and cabinetry in bath and kitchen renovations. With a deck, you expand your living
space and increase your home's value for a tiny fraction of what would cost to build an addition. We know what it takes to
build a strong deck that would last for a very long time.
There are several design decisions common to every deck renovation project. Although most decks are simply platforms raised above
the yard, they are an extension to the house--more like living space than yard space. Because wooden decks are exposed to the elements year-round,
the wood must have weather-resisting characteristics built in or brushed on. Common framing material such
as construction-grade fir is more than strong enough and can be treated with penetrating wood stain, clear wood preservative, or both to resist
deterioration.
Another option, pressure-treated lumber, has chemical preservatives
injected throughout. It may take several seasons for the characteristic
greenish tint to weather to a more natural tone. This type of decking has a long life and requires only periodic sealing and staining.
Most woods used for
For more money, you can use redwood or cedar, both of which are more naturally resistant to the elements. Although these woods have an extraordinary appearance
when first installed--some select redwood has unique cinnamon hue--they will weather.
decking eventually turn a driftwood gray color.
Redwood may turn much darker unless protected with a clear sealer. Even then it gradually changes to an elegant silvery tan.
Fence design choice is driven by function at times. Other times, fence design is purely a matter of attractive form.
And still other times, there is a happy marriage between form and function.
As with any hardscaping, visually appealing fence design will consider compatibility both with house style and with landscape style.
First some examples of fence design compatibility with house style. Modernistic house styles are complemented nicely by the sleek lines
of iron and
aluminum fences. By contrast, split-rail fences and other fence design marked by rugged wooden posts and rails have long been a
favorite with ranch-style houses. Likewise, the wooden picket fence seems a natural fit for cottage gardens.
Wooden picket fences evoke images of English cottage gardens, which leads us into the component of the question that deals with landscaping
compatibility. Not only wooden picket fences, but also split-rail fences and other fence design comprising just posts and rails are commonly
used as backdrops for landscaping plants.
Playing on their Western ties, split-rail fences are especially attractive for landscapes
with a Southwest theme, such as gardens with cacti and succulents.
Incidentally, even wooden picket fences, to say nothing of solid barrier fences, can create “microclimates” in a garden.
Only a "loose and airy" fence design such as that of split rail fences fails to create microclimates.
Contact us for more details on decks and fence renovations and our contractor specialists
will be further able to assist you with your deck or fence renovation project.
We service wide range of areas within the Ontario Region that include:
