Deck Options - pictures and discussion

[SeanB.]

Nice. Any chance you could resize those pictures?

For wood decks, assuming treated lumber, I would consider the Pros to be low cost (compared to other materials), can be done by average diy'er, easy to repair and I would think is the clear choice for above ground pools.

Cons would be - doesn't last as long as other materials, needs to be stained to maintain color, can rot and attract termites (treated lumber will help prevent this though).

One other option would be wood composite materials that incorportate real wood with plastic. The initial cost is more, but they are very termite and rot resistant (if not proof), and do not need to be treated or stained.

[traceyb]

[IMG][IMG]
This is using a high percentage treated lumber. The forum here states several times (during research) that composite decking, granted the pros, can be very hot to the feet during heated days. The staining isn't so bad if you use a clear quality protectant like Behr or CWF. Wish I had done that on the original part of the deck that you see. The stain has to be kept up more often than the clear and hides the natural beauty of the wood. Also composite is more costly however never has to be replaced. Being careful not to put treated lumber end to end prevents end bowing. As you can see, there are NO boards end to end. Depends really on what kind of a look and how much money you want to spend. On an above ground pool, there are a listless amount of options for a pool owner.Size is another consideration. If you plan on simply "just swimming" a smaller deck might be a better choice. Granted this one is fairly triangular, we chose "large" being approx. 31' by 27' and chose the sturdier 6x6 posts for most of the support even though they were pricey. The under side supports that you cannot see are 4 x 4's. Also, some people like or choose the cement blocks for support, however we wanted something secured in the ground w/ quick crete.

[SeanB.]

Nice. At our last house we had a deck with Ultrawood, treated lumber. We had to stain it about once a year.

I don't remember all the particulars but I know it was a non-arsenic containing type. I understand a lot of treated lumber has arsenic which can leach into the soil. I don't know if it's a legitimate concern, but I don't think they use it on public playgrounds anymore.

[traceyb]

My best friend owns a lumber yard. Treated wood for the last couple of years has been changed as far as the "treated part" goes. It was a law and the toxic treatment formula had to be reconstructed. It is said not to be as good as the past, but what do ya do ya know?
Looking forward to seeing everyones pix..
I will post more when spring comes around and I can get my landscaping done. I know what I want to do, I just have to have the weather to cooperate.

[eljefe281]

Pea gravel

Pros

• Durable
• Can be power washed
• Can be acid washed
• Attractive (to some people)
• Inexpensive ($5.75 per square foot from my builder in the Houston area)
• Extremely slip-resistant
• Supposedly remains fairly cool in the hot sun
• Stain resistant

Cons

• Slightly rough on the feet (may get rougher over time)
• Unattractive (to some people)
• Cannot be applied over existing concrete (at least not easily)

[SeanB.]

Anyone else?

Flagstone
Stamped concrete
others?

[LoveinGA]

I went with a brick paver patio, mostly because I thought I could do it by myself, which I did (well, with just a little help from my Dad!).

Pros - 1) it didn't cost a whole lot (I got most of the gray stones for free from a friend of my Dad who scavenged them from a county dumpsite) and I was able to buy a truckload of the other colors each weekend for about 2 months for about $40 a load, plus around $700 for a dump truck load of sand & gravel. 2) It doesn't hurt your bare feet. 3) It should (hopefully) last a long time. 4) I like the way it looks.

Cons - 1) I have to brush sand into the little gaps between the pavers once or twice a year (but we just put the patio in last year, so it may just be an issue of giving it time to "settle"). 2) I do occassionally have to pull up a weed from in between the pavers. 3) Laying the pavers is absolute hell on your knees!

Overall, it was a fairly simple do-it-yourself project (even for a girl!).