How Long Does a Pressure-Treated Deck Last?

A wood deck can transform an ordinary home into an extraordinary destination for families and special events. The right pressure-treated deck will provide years of enjoyment.

Moreover, a well-designed deck made from pressure-treated wood can add significant resale value to your home. So how long does a pressure-treated deck last?

Here are things to consider selecting a deck contractor in Maryland’s Calvert and Anne Arundel counties.

Choose a Reputable Deck Builder

You are adding a significant investment to the enjoyment and value of your Maryland home. Make sure you find a contractor who specializes in high-quality workmanship and customer service. And look for a partner with extensive deck-building experience.

G.H. Clark Contractors is licensed and bonded with references from more than 3,000 homeowners. They use high-quality pressure-treated lumber and back their work with a leading warranty for added peace of mind. They also offer free estimates and fast three-week turnaround time on most projects.

Selecting the Right Type of Materials for Your Deck

There are many types of materials for your new deck, including composites, “plastic lumber,” and steel or aluminum. Each of these materials have their own benefits, but nothing complements the style of your home like natural wood.

Two of the most popular woods for decking are cedar and pressure-treated pine. Cedar is an affordable wood species. It does not absorb moisture, and is rot resistant. But cedar is a softwood that is susceptible to significant scratches with regular use.

Pressure-treated pine uses a chemical preservative to prevent termite attacks and other elements of decay. Pressure-treated pine is budget-friendly and has a long life. It’s also stainable, paintable and provides better resistant to typical wear and tear.

Create the Deck that’s Right for Your Home and Family

When planning a new deck, many people replace an aging deck or opt for a simple design without considering the wide range of options available. A pressure-treated wood deck can create a whole new level of enjoyment for your family. Let’s look at some considerations:

Look at the View

Are you adding a deck for a simple outdoor seating space, or do you want to maximize a view of beautiful vista outside your home? Maybe you are adding a deck to connect to a pool area or to take advantage of natural shade trees. These are all questions to ask when you plan your new deck with G.H. Clark Contractors.

Think Outside the Square

It might be fast and easy to construct a simple square wooden platform attached to your house. But take a look at the surroundings and see how your deck can complement them.

Use the natural landscape to inform the design of your deck. Build around large trees or next to flower gardens for a peaceful oasis. Use your imagination and the creative skills of G.H. Clark contractors to design the right style of wood deck for you.

Be a Great Host

If you frequently invite friends and family over for cookouts, plan a space on your deck for a grill or outdoor kitchen. Make sure you have spaces for people to gather and snack while you prepare the meal. Consider where people will gather to socialize versus where people will gather to eat.

Connect the Lawn and Garden

If your home has a sizeable lawn or garden area, incorporate the deck design to showcase these areas. The stairs from your deck may lead into a garden seating area or a ground-level patio. Some homeowners like to include a fire pit or secondary seating area. This give you the option to expand your entertainment areas.

Don’t Limit Yourself to One Level

Think about ways to make your deck visually interesting with multiple levels. Different levels also provide more capacity for your friends and family. Think about underdeck gathering areas and awnings to protect against sun and wet weather. These additions can increase the enjoyment of your pressure-treated wood deck.

Increase the Resale Value of Your Home

The average nationwide cost of a new deck for your home is around $10,000. A recent study from the National Association of Realtors finds a new wood deck recovers 106% of the value when the house is sold. Adding a deck to your home is a great investment for now and the future.

How Long Does a Pressure-Treated Deck Last with Regular Maintenance?

Committing to maintenance of your deck is essential to prolonging the life of your outdoor wood deck. Direct sunlight, rain, and insect infestation all affect the life of your wood deck. 15 to 20 years is the average life of a pressure-treated pine deck.

But without regular maintenance, the life of your deck can be reduced significantly. Plan to apply water-resistant stains, sealants, and preservatives each year. This will prolong the safety and usefulness of your deck.

Increase the Value and Family Enjoyment of Your Home

A pressure-treated wood deck can be the centerpiece of your home. It can also be your family’s favorite gathering spot year-round. Since it is an essential part of your home, it’s important to ask how long a pressure-treated deck will last.

So, how long does a pressure-treated deck last? If you work with a reputable contractor, and perform regular maintenance, you can expect your pressure-treated deck to last 15 to 20 years. If you’re ready to design the perfect deck for your home, contact G.H. Clark Contractors for a consultation and quote. Together, we can create an outdoor space you will be proud of for years to come.