A custom deck is the perfect way to enjoy your backyard space and entertain your guests. A local deck contractor can design and construct your dream deck and guide you through the process of choosing materials and getting all the right permits.
When hiring a local deck builder, choose one that also offers maintenance, so you can keep your deck beautiful and in good shape for years to come.
Boston Deck Building Services
Choosing deck materials
Wood decking materials are popular options, and there are different types to choose from.
Pressure-treated lumber is a soft wood, typically pine, treated with preservatives that provide resistance to rot and insect infestations. Pressure-treated wood needs to be sealed, stained, or painted regularly in order to maintain its water-resistant qualities.
Cedar, commonly used for fencing and overhead structures, is a beautiful material. However, it is soft and easily scratched, so it works best for vertical elements or low-traffic areas. It is naturally resistant to insects and decay.
Redwood is a very durable material. Different grades are available, and cost increases as the amount of heartwood in each board increases. Heartwood comes from the center of the tree, and its hardness marks it stronger and more resistant to damage.
Tropical hardwoods such as ipe, red tauari, and Philippine mahogany are high-end options. These materials have a natural resistance to decay and insects. Tropical hardwoods are usually darker than more common wood species used for decking, and if they are not regularly stained or sealed, they will weather to a gray color.
Synthetic decking materials are growing in popularity due to their durability and lower maintenance requirements.
Composite decking is made of plastic and wood fibers. Some composite decking is made of recycled plastic. While composite decking comes with a higher up-front cost, it requires less maintenance than wood and usually comes with a manufacturer’s guarantee against cracking, warping, insect infestations, and rot. Ultimately, this may be the most cost-effective material option.
PVC decking is completely plastic, very low-maintenance, and resistant to rot, insects, and scratches. This material is available in a range of prices to fit any budget. Since it has no organic components, it resists mold growth even better than composite decking.
If you’re not sure what decking material is right for you, a Best Pick deck building contractor will help guide you through the options and select the best one for your budget and your home’s look.
Maintaining, repairing, and cleaning your deck
Regardless of the material you choose for your deck, it will require care and maintenance. Wood decks need to be cleaned and sealed regularly to protect from moisture, mold growth, UV damage, and other elements that can cause damage. Synthetic decking materials need to be cleaned regularly.
The Best Picks for Boston Deck Building and Maintenance Companies
It’s not easy to find a reputable and experienced local deck building and maintenance contractor. But you’re in luck, because the Best Pick Reports survey team reaches out to Boston homeowners every year to find the best deck companies in your area.
Each and every Best Pick company is fully vetted on an annual basis to ensure that they provide excellent customer service and high-quality work.
Our company qualification process means that the companies we recommend are the best of the best, and we’re proud to present the results of our surveys in a format that is clear and easy to navigate.
When you work with a Best Pick deck building and maintenance contractor in Boston, we guarantee you’ll have a great experience.
