Hardscape areas—those portions of your backyard composed of artificial elements—are where most homeowners spend their time relaxing. Most folks want such spaces to be comfortable for walking, holding furniture, and sitting around. But does concrete or wood suit such surfaces better? While cement is the traditional choice, many homeowners prefer wooden decks that elevate them off the ground. Before deciding one way or another, speak to professional porch builders about your options.
Homeowners in and around Manassas, VA, can turn to Cornerstone Deck Company with all such questions and concerns. We seek to deliver high-quality outdoor spaces that respond to the needs of our clients and last for years. To this end, our project process includes an initial meeting, a deck plan and estimate calculations, and refinement of the eventual outcome. For more information and a free deck project estimate, call us at (540) 917-5705 or visit our website today!
Below, we compare the advantages and disadvantages of wood and concrete hardscapes:
Wood Decks: The Good and Bad, According to Porch Builders
For many years, decks involved no more than simple rectangles of wood flooring, elevated at four points and flat. Anyone who wanted to get fancy might have a railing added on the perimeter. Additionally, deck flooring in those days consisted of long planks or small boards laid horizontally in simple patterns. The wood variety was whatever hardware stores had available, and it was either stained and treated for water resistance or painted.
However, modern wooden decks come in all sizes and shapes. They can also incorporate multiple elevations, stairways, paths, and more. Additionally, materials besides wood are now available—including composite decking, faux wood, and even recycled plastics—as well as diverse species of natural wood. Finally, professionals can customize and modify wood and Trex decking, even years after its initial installation.
Nevertheless, natural and artificial wood are less sturdy than cement. Without protection, these materials will suffer moisture damage, including mold, mildew, and rot. They may also begin to warp and misshape over time due to sun exposure and gravity. While wooden decking requires replacement at some point, indicators will signal the need for deck repair.
Cement Decks: Durable but Limited
Many people think of cement as just a patio material. Nevertheless, it can work for decks when applied on elevated platforms in different shapes. Whereas wood and composite decks involve cutting and shaping, cement is formed and cured.
Cement tends to be more affordable and durable than other materials. Moreover, builders can use framing to shape it as they wish, opening up many design possibilities. Cement can be stamped and colored to suit specific color wants and designs.
Yet cement’s durability also creates its downsides. It is difficult to change or repair if homeowners wish for something different. Also, extreme weather conditions and excessive moisture can damage exposed cement, fading the color pigmentation. Finally, it requires a specific skill set to install—not to mention the manual work and tooling to remove it after the fact.
Porch Builder Services are Available Now in Manassas, VA!
Investing in a cement or wooden deck depends upon your wants and location’s conditions. Either way, turn to Cornerstone Deck Company’s professional porch builders, who can handle such questions and needs on a case-by-case basis. We have served residents of Manassas, VA, since 2019 and delivered personalized decks that make the most of their outdoor space. Call today at (540) 917-5705 or get a free project quote through our website!