Denver Install Deck

With the possible exception of putting your feet up and looking out over the ocean, it's hard to think of a better place sit back and relax than on a new deck overlooking the Continental Divide. Great views aside, new decks in Denver provide you with an outdoor escape, extra living space, and add beauty and distinction to your home, all at the same time. They're not a small investment, however, and no decision plays a bigger role in determining the appearance, longevity, maintenance level, and final cost to install deck in Denver, than your choice of decking material.

Denver Install Deck: Materials
Unfortunately, choosing decking materials isn't as easy as looking at your Denver deck builder and stating your preference for wood or composites. There is a wide range of wood species to choose from, ranging from economical to expensive, and from short lived to products that will last a lifetime. Beyond that, composite decking materials have taken the Denver deck building industry by storm, opening up a much wider range of options to homeowners willing to stray from the norm.

Denver Install Deck: Wood Decks
When you picture a new deck in Denver, chances are the deck you have in mind is made of wood, and a redwood deck at that. While redwood is a favorite among homeowners and deck builders in Denver alike, it's not the only option. From cost-effective pressure treated pine, spruce, and fir, to top of the line ipe, there are more choices to choose from than most Denverites can shake a tree at.

• Pressure Treated Lumber—If you're looking for an economy level deck, then pressure treated lumber is your answer. Pressure treated lumber utilizes a process that forces chemical preservatives deep into the wood (usually pine, since it's the cheapest around) to increase the wood's resistance to rot, insects, and fungus. Pressure treated lumber won't last as long as other wood decking material, and there are some concerns about the chemical preservative (arsenic isn't used as a preservative in most pressure treated wood today, though there are still concerns with the metal compounds that have taken its place, primarily copper), but it is still a cost-effective option for those that have a limited budget to work with.

• Cedar and Redwood—Cedar and redwood are by far the most popular woods used in decking applications. Redwood, in particular, is almost synonymous with decks. Both cedar and redwood are beautiful woods, naturally resistant to rot and insects, and they're both soft woods, meaning they splinter less (a good trait for decking). Make sure you get heartwood, however, as opposed to other parts of the tree. In both species it's the heartwood that demonstrates a higher than average resistance to insects and rot, making it perfect for outdoor applications.

• Ipe—Ipe, a South American hardwood (also known as Brazilian walnut, green heartwood, and Cambara, among others) is relatively new on the scene. It's as tough as wood comes, excellent for decking, and priced to match. While pressure treated lumber can be expected to last 10 to15 years if properly maintained, an ipe deck will last 40 years even when completely neglected, and a lifetime if you take proper care of it.

Denver Install Deck and Composite Lumber
The other option that Denverites are sure to hear about is composite decking, the many lines of which are generically referred to by the brand name "Trex" (the pioneer in the composite decking industry). Cost-wise, composite decking falls in the mid- to high-end category, though it's usually cheaper than high-end woods like redwood and ipe. Generally made from recycled materials, composite decking is touted as a green building material in most circles. Even more importantly, you'll never have to re-paint, re-stain, or re-treat it, a huge plus in the eyes of many homeowners. Finally, it only takes a quick glance at a gallery of composite decking designs to realize that composites open up design possibilities that aren't an option with traditional lumber. Composite decking has experienced some problems with developing mold and mildew in humid climates, but since Denver's climate is a semi-arid one, that's not really a concern for homeowners in the Mile High City.

Costs of Hiring a Denver Deck Builder
It is possible to substantially cut the costs of a Denver deck installation by building your deck yourself (50 percent of the final costs of most deck builds can be attributed to labor). To be frank, however, building a deck is more than most homeowners are willing to take on themselves. If you count yourself in the latter category, data collected by ServiceMagic through post-project surveys in the Mile High City indicate that a Denver deck installation averages $10,200 per job, though they can run as little as $5,000, and as much as $15,000. What's the key to getting the best deal for building a deck in Denver? According to the natives, cast a wide net and plan ahead. "Get at least three estimates and be as detailed as possible in your requests," recommended one Arvada homeowner who used our contractor referral services to find a Denver deck builder. While a second Front Range resident, this one from up in Morrison, counseled that you're smart to "spend the time upfront to plan so you are sure you know what you want." Advance preparation and getting competing bids from deck builders in Denver falls right in line with what we at ServiceMagic recommend on any home improvement venture. It's the best way to get the best price, the best service, and to ensure you end up happy with the results, especially on a project as large as adding a new deck onto your home.