Whether it’s a desire to get back to nature or escape the workday grind, more and more folks are creating refuges outside the confines of their homes. Luckily, they only have to take a few steps out the door.
"We like to have that feeling of being outdoors, but we also want it with a little luxury," said Mark Swanson, who with his wife Linda owns Leisure Living in Fairfield (leisurelivingnj.com, 973-808-0305). "A deck or a patio keeps us outdoors, but with some comfort."
Wood Versus Composite
Traditional decks are constructed of pressurized wood that has been chemically treated to help increase the life of the lumber — in fact, that’s now the law, Swanson said. Years ago, the chemical used for this purpose contained arsenic, he noted, but it’s since been changed to a non-toxic substance.
"Over time, wood cracks, needs to be refinished, or splinters, so treating it may slow the aging process, but it doesn’t necessarily look any younger," he explained.
Composite material has a little longer lifespan and requires far less maintenance, said James Centrella, manager of On the Spot Home Improvements, Saddle Brook (onthespothome.com, 1-877-445-7768). The same goes for plastic decking, which is becoming more popular.
The downside: Composite material such as Trex is considerably more expensive. Wood costs between 70 and 80 cents a running foot, whereas composite can cost from $2.80 to $3.20 a running foot, Swanson said. Plastic products like Timbertex or Azek are a bit steeper. Wood also requires routine maintenance, such as yearly power washing, water sealing and restaining.
The upside: For a composite or plastic, you pay more up front, but over time you shell out far less in finishes, repairs and overall maintenance.
"You install it and, except for washing it down, it’s done," Swanson said. He added that there also are several "exotic wood" color selections available in composites.
Another option, Swanson said, is to refinish an existing deck, especially if the understructure is sound.
"We would first check the integrity of the structure for safety, replace the decking boards and install matching railings," he said. "One of the chief complaints we get is splintering, so we do a make-over."
Now’s the Time!
Just because the summer is waning doesn’t mean you have to put off getting a deck or patio until next spring. In fact, the fall is actually a great time to install a deck, said Ellen Tesauro, owner of All Decks and Improvements, Wayne (alldecksandimprovement.com, 973-696-6619).
"The weather is still nice enough to enjoy it and it’ll be there for you come spring," said Tesauro. She said her company has installed decks as late as November and even early December.
"Sometimes March comes along, and the weather is cold or rainy, and people aren’t thinking about being outdoors," she said. "Then all of a sudden we get a couple of nice weekends, and it’s ‘I really want that deck.’"
Planning in advance is advisable, she said. The permit process from the town or municipality for a deck typically takes longer than other building permits — up to 40 days in some cases. Then there are the inspections required for footings and pre-construction digging.
But once you get the go-ahead, Tesauro said, most deck installations take no longer than a week to complete. Specialty work, such as inlaid lighting or custom railings, may take longer. Work can be done as long as the ground isn’t frozen, said Centrella.
Homeowners may or may not be able to negotiate a lower price at this time of year, depending on whether the contractor is experiencing less demand for deck and patio work. The one thing they probably can count on, though, is getting on the contractor’s schedule more promptly than in spring, so that the job is completed sooner.
Speaking of Patios
Like decks, patios can be simple or elaborate, depending on your space and budget. In either case, a patio also serves as an extension of your home where you can relax, dine, entertain or "get away from it all."
"People talk about ‘stay-cations’ — taking time off from work and staying home instead of getting on a plane or doing extensive travel — so people want a nice place to do that," Swanson said.
Patio blocks are probably double the price of concrete, Centrella said, depending on size and style.
He has observed that his customers use their outdoor spaces almost year-round, whether soaking up the sun or huddling with friends and family around a cozy fire.
"People normally use their decks and patios nine months of the year," Centrella added. "Spring and summer are barbecues; fall and early winter are fire pits at night."
He cautioned, again, that construction shouldn’t be done during the winter months, because cold temperatures may prevent the materials from settling correctly. But work done now will ensure that your outdoor haven is ready as soon as you are next spring.
