Things to Consider When Planning Your Decking in Boulder

March 29, 2021

Your porch is a staple for your home exterior. Whether you have a wrap-around, front, back, or all of the above, your patio allows you to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your property. They are ideal spaces for hosting or for including extra amenities like grills, barbecues, hot tub spas, or pools if you go big enough.

Your porch may require some maintenance or renovations. Now is the ideal time to look for the best lumber in Boulder so you can find the right wood that suits your porch needs and exterior aesthetic. You want to make the right choices in your materials and design strategies, so your home’s curb appeal increases and your porch is functional for you, your family, and your guests to enjoy using it.

When planning your porch for your old or new home, you will need to consider important guidelines so you do everything right. If you fail to consider all factors around your porch building, you could end up in trouble or put your own or other people’s safety at risk due to structural integrity issues.

Avoid the potential harms of improper porch design by implementing these strategies:

Research Local Legislations

Depending on your area, your municipality may have some established regulations which limit the sizing or construction of porches. This could because your residential area includes homes being within tight proximity to one another, so your patio could become an obstacle or a nuisance to your nearby neighbors. If your property was constructed several decades ago, your homeowner’s association might conclude your house is too old and fragile to have a porch added to it.

Contact your local association or consult with experts in Boulder hardware stores who may have the necessary insights on building and installation permits in your area. You can determine what is passable and what is forbidden when it comes to building your porch. Perhaps you’re allowed to make a wrap-around but can not expand its sizing in the future. By calling a helpline, emailing legislators or organizations committed to homeowners, or talking in-person to experts, you can determine how to proceed with your building.

You will likely undergo an inspection or home assessment before you can start building. This is a security measure that will protect you and others from any potential harm resulting from improper porch building. With an inspection completed and the thumbs up from legislators, you can abstain from the necessary rights and documents that confirm your ability to build your beautiful exterior porch.

How Do You Plan to Use Your Porch?

Ask yourself this question as you outline your porch building specifications. How big do you need it to be? Do you plan to host on your porch? In that case, you may want it to include several levels or one large open space where your guests can socialize and enjoy themselves. Or, is your porch just for you and your family to enjoy bonding times? You may choose to install a pool without needing much sitting space so you can enjoy your time with your loved ones doing fun water activities. The options for how you can use your porch are endless, but you need to have them defined so you can determine your required sizing and materials.

You’ll generally want enough space on your porch for furnishings and easy, safe movement around. You may also require railings depending on the height of your installation. Will the entire construction be an open concept? Or will you want a screened section with door fixtures and windows so you can escape the bugs or enjoy some shade? These are all questions you should consider before making your final design choices.

What Materials Will You Need?

When it comes to your building materials, you have more options. You can choose between:

Pressure-treated wood

Easy to use
Can be easily stained with your choice of coloring and waterproofed
Tends to corrode easily over time and potentially warp or crack
High-maintenance

Composite decking in Boulder

Pre-treated, texturized, and colored for your convenience
Long-lasting and will not warp or crack from time or weather conditions
May not appear as authentic wood
Easily stained or scratched

PVC

Trimming material that is resistant to moisture
Will not warp or rot
Easily cleaned and maintained
May be more plastic-looking and less realistic

Cedar/Redwood

Repels insects
Fades into a greyish shade
Higher maintenance for waterproofing

By visiting a retailer that offers Trex decking in Boulder and other material options, you can gather the necessary resources, including railing, doors, screening, wind fixtures, that you’ll need for constructing your porch.

Optimize Views From Your Porch

When designing your porch, remember to consider where you will find the best outdoor views around your home. Choose between the East side of your house for enjoying your cup of coffee while watching the sunrise or the west side for colorful sunset views. The front of your home may look over a beautiful lake, or your backyard could hold an entire oasis of greenery and plants that make you feel one with nature. You’ll be much more saturated with your porch design while observing the beauty of your surroundings.

Decorate Your Porch

While the wood materials are enough to make your porch visually-appealing, you should add decorative finishing touches that demonstrate your pride in your craftsmanship and make your porch an enjoyable space. Surround your patio with lighting that sets the right mood. You could include sensory lighting or plug lovely twinkle lights for a more whimsical effect. If you’ve built a gazebo, consider adding a central lighting fixture, like an elegant chandelier, for a high-quality look.

Include comfortable furniture for your hosting needs or outdoor eating. Choose chairs and stools with comfortable cushioning, or add lounge chairs for sun-bathing. Why not go big and add that tv to create an entire outdoor living area so you can get the best of both worlds?

When it comes to your porch design, you will ultimately need it to be safe, functional, and well-built. This will be where you bond with your family, friends, and neighbors, so don’t hold back. You'll end creating a high-end outdoor space that could boost your property’s value if you ever sell. Create the porch of your dreams with no regrets.

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Why Wood Decking is Better Than Composite Decking for Your Home

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Why Wood Decking is Better Than Composite Decking for Your Home Thinking about sprucing up your backyard with a stunning deck? When it comes to choosing the right material for your deck , the decision often boils down to wood vs composite decking. Each option has its advantages, but many homeowners still prefer the classic appeal of wood decking for homes. If you're considering building a deck, we can explain why wood decking might be the perfect fit for your home. It offers a budget-friendly and beautiful outdoor oasis. Timeless Beauty of Wood Decking One of the most compelling reasons to choose wood decking is its natural beauty. Wood has a rich, warm appearance blends naturally with most outdoor environments. While composite decking has come a long way, it often can't replicate the organic feel and timeless charm of wood. Each wood plank is unique, offering varied grains, knots, and colors that make your deck one-of-a-kind. Additionally, wood decking can be easily stained or painted in various shades to match your home's aesthetic. If you ever want to change the look, refinishing wood is relatively simple, allowing you to switch up the vibe of your outdoor space without replacing the entire deck. Affordability When you compare wood vs composite decking, wood generally wins on price. Although composite decking materials have become more affordable, they can still be significantly more expensive than wood. Wood decking is a smart option if you're working with a tight budget but still want a high-quality deck. Budget Home Supply offers various wood types at competitive prices, making it easier to choose a cost-effective material without compromising quality. If you're handy, wood decking allows for a more budget-friendly DIY project. Eco-Friendly Option For environmentally conscious homeowners, wood decking is often the more sustainable option. Most wood used for decking is harvested from responsibly managed forests, making it a renewable resource. With proper care and maintenance, a wood deck can last for decades, reducing the need for frequent replacements that could add to waste. Composite decking, on the other hand, is made from a combination of plastic and wood fibers. While some composite products use recycled materials, many still rely on plastics, which can have a higher carbon footprint. If sustainability is a priority for you, choosing wood could help reduce your environmental impact. Comfort and Temperature If you plan on spending a lot of time on your deck, comfort is key. In the battle of wood vs composite decking, wood is often cooler underfoot, making it a more comfortable choice during hot summer months. Composite decking materials, especially darker colors, tend to absorb heat, making them uncomfortable to walk barefoot. This is vital to consider if you live in a warmer climate or if your deck gets direct sunlight. Wood's natural texture also makes it feel more inviting, giving it an organic softness that enhances the outdoor experience. Plus, wood won’t retain heat as much as synthetic materials, ensuring a more enjoyable space for entertaining and relaxing. Repairability Over time, wear and tear are inevitable, but wood decking is easier to repair than composite. If a section of your wood deck becomes damaged, you can typically replace individual boards or sand them down to restore the surface. With composite decking, repairs can be more complicated. Matching colors and textures in composite materials can be difficult, and some types of composite decking don’t allow for spot repairs, meaning you might need to replace larger deck sections. Wood's natural composition allows for refinishing, giving your deck a second life and saving you money in the long run. Regular sanding and staining can breathe new life into your deck, making it look almost brand new again. Classic Appeal There's something undeniably classic about wood decking for homes. It's a choice that has stood the test of time. From rustic to modern homes, wood can complement any architectural style. It's versatile, allowing various design options like custom railings, built-in seating, or intricate woodwork. The flexibility of wood as a material gives you endless possibilities when designing your outdoor space. While durable and low-maintenance, composite decking may not offer the same level of flexibility when it comes to customization. Wood is often the better option if you want a deck that feels like a true extension of your home. Customization Options When it comes to wood decking, you have several options, whether it’s pressure-treated wood, cedar, or exotic hardwoods like ipe or mahogany. Each type of wood offers unique qualities in terms of durability, appearance, and price. For instance, cedar is very resistant to rot and insects, which makes it a long-lasting option for outdoor decks. Additionally, Budget Home Supply offers a range of wood materials , allowing you to pick the right fit for your climate, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Maintenance It’s no secret that wood decks require more maintenance than composite decking, but it’s often overstated how much work wood needs. Basic care, such as annual cleaning, occasional sealing, and periodic staining, can keep your wood deck looking fantastic for years. Maintaining wood is straightforward with the right products and a little elbow grease. If you enjoy outdoor projects or take pride in keeping your home in top shape, maintaining a wood deck can be a satisfying experience. Plus, wood's ability to be sanded and refinished gives it an advantage over composite, which can show irreversible wear after years of use. Value and ROI When considering the long-term value of wood vs composite decking, wood often provides a better return on investment. Many homebuyers are drawn to the natural beauty of wood decks, which can enhance curb appeal and increase the overall value of your home. While composite decks may last longer and require less maintenance, they may not offer the same aesthetic appeal to prospective buyers. Wood decking provides a sense of craftsmanship and tradition, which can be especially appealing in homes with natural landscapes or older architectural styles. Refreshing your wood deck with stains or paints allows you to keep it looking fresh and appealing, further adding to its value. Bottom Line: Wood Decking Wins for Many Homeowners In the debate of wood vs composite decking, the natural beauty, affordability, and repairability of wood decking make it a standout choice for many homeowners. Whether you want to create a cozy backyard retreat or an elegant outdoor entertaining space, wood offers flexibility, timeless style, and a solid return on investment. At Budget Home Supply, we offer various wood decking materials to suit every need and budget. Consider wood if you want to build a deck that combines beauty with durability. Visit us at Budget Home Supply to explore your options and make your outdoor space the best it can be. So, why wait? Start planning your dream wood deck today!