Adding a deck onto a home is a great decision to enhance the appeal of a backyard or create a welcoming feature for the front of a home. Building a deck that will withstand the test of time requires some careful planning, good craftsmanship and an attention to detail when picking materials.

When starting a deck project, the planning phase should be taken very seriously. This is almost as important as exercising good craftsmanship while building - perhaps even more. Deciding what you want in a deck, how it should look and where it should go all make a difference later on. But once the plan is set, the next most important step is choosing the wood.

The wood that’s used in a deck and how it’s cared for as years pass will make a huge difference in how well the finished deck holds up over time. A number of different kinds of wood are popular for decks, but the most common types of wood used are redwood, cedar, treated lumber and even southern pine. There are other options available thanks to treatment methods and even composite types of materials that involve recycled plastics and wood by-products combined.

No matter the kind of deck lumber you choose, you’ll want to ensure that it’s rated for outdoor deck use. Indoor lumber won’t do you much good when a few rainstorms end up ruining your beautiful wooden deck. By going with wood that’s meant for outdoor use and even that which is pressure treated to ward off pests, you’ll help ensure your wood deck lasts many seasons.

Once wood is chosen and the deck is built, the most important thing you can do for your new addition is to treat it well. This means sealing the deck appropriately with a good deck stain, checking for weak spots, sanding out any rough spots and so on. If you’ve gone with a building material that’s a hybrid like a recycled plastic decking material, be sure and follow the care instructions the manufacturer recommends.

Even after the deck’s been in place for a while, regular maintenance is needed to help ensure the wood stays in good shape. Clean your deck on a regular basis to remove debris and be certain to seal all cracks. Leaving items that can create a mold situation on a wood deck can be a death sentence for the wood, so clean it off from time to time. Periodically it might also be necessary to reseal the deck with a quality deck sealer to ensure optimum appearance regardless of weather conditions.

A wooden deck is a wonderful addition to a yard’s landscape, but for it to remain beautiful a little care must go into the mix and with just a little TLC your deck will last for years to come. There are many different wooden deck designs to choose from…