Did you know that about 40 million decks in the U.S. are 20 years old, or even older? Yet most experts say that the average lifespan for a wooden deck is about 10 to 15 years. If you need to replace your deck or gazebo, now is a good time — the spring months are a popular period for home improvement and consequently, businesses tend to have even more options available than usual.
It’s worth doing the research when it comes to getting new decks or gazebos. Whatever you get will likely be a core part of your backyard for many years to come. For that reason, here are a few facts worth keeping in mind.
What You Should Know About Materials Used for Gazebos and Outdoor Wooden Decks
Pressure treated wood, mahogany, cedar, and composites are popular options for deck materials. Each material has various pros and cons.
- If the natural look matters, cedar wood might be the way to go. Cedar doesn’t absorb moisture easily, and will warp less. On the other hand, cedar is not very hard, and scratches easily.
- Pressure treated wood is great for longevity. Go for premium or select treated boards, though. Low-grade treated boards will shrink unevenly and look twisted.
- If you want zero-maintenance, composite decking — made from plastic and wood chips — is easy to relax with. It won’t rot or twist, and it’s defect free.
What You Should Know About Outdoor Gazebos
- A wooden gazebo can last for 20 years or more. A canvas gazebo is likely to last much less — a five to 10 year lifespan is typical.
- All outdoor gazebos will require some maintenance. A wooden gazebo should be periodically cleaned out, and checked and treated for any insects or mold. A canvas gazebo should be cleaned with a mild bleach solution every few months, and kept in storage during long periods of disuse — long term exposure to sun, rain, heat and cold can cause the gazebo materials to deteriorate.
- A gazebo will become one of the focal points of your backyard, so it makes sense to incorporate it into your overall landscaping. Strategic placing of the gazebo can also help to block out things you don’t want visitors to see.
Are you interested in wooden gazebos or outdoor patio decks? Let us know in the comments. Great references here.