Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, April 7, 1991 TAG: 9104060031
SECTION: A GUIDE TO BETTER HOMES PAGE: 24 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KIM SUNDERLAND
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
"Today there is a trend of people staying where they are and putting money where they are," said David VandenEeden, a general contractor in the New River Valley. "And real estate values increase when you invest in your home."
One of the ways to increase a home's value is to construct additions, which are quite popular both inside and outside the home. And one of the best ways to increase a home's space area, as well as increase its value, is to add a deck.
"One of the advantages to building a deck is that it enlarges your living space," said Tim Lawrence, owner of Blueridge Home Improvements in Blacksburg. "And if you enjoy the outdoors, having a deck is a good way to enjoy it" because you can still be outside, off the ground and on a clean surface.
Lawrence's general contracting business has been in operation since 1979, and one of his specialties is decks. He's constructed some high-dollar decks - that cost up to $5,000 - and also the more simple decks, which are usually smaller in size and cost about $7.50 to $10-per-square-foot.
"The cost of a deck is relative to size," Lawrence said.
VandenEeden, owner of the 15-year-old Alta Builders in Blacksburg, agrees that the size of a deck dictates the cost. Also specializing in decks, VandenEeden said the costs range from $3,000 to $4,000, but he has constructed some for $800, which included the labor.
"All decks are custom made to what a customer likes," said VandenEeden, who has also built log homes. "There are many popular styles that vary house to house."
Alta Builders offers about 50 different styles that range from elegant to useful. And those styles usually fit the design of the house. Depending on what style a customer wants will also increase the cost.
For example, the more elaborate decks are multilevel constructions. They offer more movement and are popular with owners of finer homes. They are spacious and architecturally beautiful with many different angles.
Decks can either be built flush to the house or they can be built a step or two lower, which is good when people don't want to step right out into weather elements like rain or snow.
Other interesting characteristics are railings, benches and borders. Even tables can be built as part of the deck. And don't cut down that old Maple or Weeping Willow tree in the backyard - there are deck styles that allow construction around the tree, with the possibility of adding a circular bench around it.
Also, don't forget one of the most important aspects of a deck - the wood.
"Look for durability," said Fred Lamb, an associate professor of wood products and processing at Virginia Tech. "And make sure you buy wood with a quality assurance stamp," which means that the wood has met certain outdoor specifications.
Lamb, who works in the Wood Science and Forest Products Department, said a naturally durable species is redwood and western red cedar. Lawrence said, however, that redwood is expensive because it has to be imported from California. Chemically treated lumber is just as good, Lawrence said. Pressure-treated yellow pine is popular in the New River Valley.
"Chemically treated lumber is much the mainstay in decks these days," said Lamb. "It's reasonably priced, has a long life expectancy and is readily available."
But remember: pressure treated lumber and chemically treated lumber mean two different things. Pressure treated means that water-based chemicals have been injected into the wood, which means they are deeper into the wood. Chemically treated means that chemicals have been brushed on or that the lumber has been dipped into the chemicals. In other words, it's only a surface treatment. However, both are good to use.
Also, there are two levels of treatment: ground contact and above ground, which means there are varying degrees of chemicals in the wood, which is better for outdoor use. Quality assurance stamps designate this information.
And remember that even pressure-treated lumber can still be deteriorated by the elements, which cause it to shrink and swell due to wetting and drying. Lamb suggests that, to minimize the splitting and cracking, use a water repellant on your decks. The repellant should be reapplied every 18 to 24 months.
"It also helps retard mildew," Lamb added.
So go ahead and get out into the world by having a deck added onto your home. It's probably one of the best ways to enjoy the environment without leaving your own property.
by CNB