Utah Carpentry Advice

Stain and fade resistant deck

composite and metal railing

The last few years have brought big changes to outdoor decks.  With the slowing economy and people in Utah are staying in their homes longer it has changed the deck market.   The size of the average deck is getting smaller and homeowners are focusing on value and a good design that meets their needs . Decks are still split among wood and composite in the same ratios as the last several years but the type of composite decking they use is changing.  In Utah, homeowners are discovering that many of the older generation composite decks are not as durable and they were advertised. Our enviroment puts a lot of stress of anything outdoors. With less new houses being built, the houses are getting older and many homeowner have put of repairing their old decks.  This means that there are more old and unsafe decks on houses than ever before.  People are staying home more and looking for ways to make their homes more inviting and useful to them.

Analysts who follow the construction industry and have analyzed  the housing data predict that the market will stay slower than the heated market of the past but it will grow from the low levels of the last

Horizon composite deck with metal railing

couple of years.  There will be more deck renovations and repair of older decks . Homeowners are also looking more to low maintenance decks and focusing on the long term use of their decks.   As homeowners are staying in their homes longer they are looking for the little things that will make their deck unique and more useful to them.

Deck lighting

The decking industry has responded to the needs of home owners and designed deck and railing products that meet their needs.  The composite deck market has changed significantly in the last few years and 2011 continues that trend.   The appearance of composite decking is changing and looking more like wood with a deeper richer look.  Most good decking is now made with a hidden fastener system so that you do not see the fasteners.  They have also greatly improved the durability and stain and fade resistance of decking.   The top brands are now producing deck boards that the wood core is covered with plastic to improve the looks and durability of the boards.  The boards have the look of domestic wood and even exotic tropical woods.  The warranties are also improved as they now offer stain and fade guarantees.  If you have not seen what a modern composite deck can look like you are in for a surprise. The new generation of composite deck products are very popular in Utah because they fix all the problems that older composite decks had, with their staining, fading and scratching.

Deck and stair railing are also changing . There are more options and styles than ever before.  Deck owners are discovering that the design of the railing can add real personality to their deck and give it character.  No longer does the railing have to look the same as the deck.  Different materials and colors can be used to fit your own style and budget.  Metal railings are still popular and offer more varieties and options than ever.  Composite railings come in many colors and cane be mixed with metal giving you a custom look.  Wood railings can also be mixed with metal for a unique look.  Post caps come in many different styles and give your deck the finished look. One leading company make a gate that can be used with your railing or stairway to increase the safety of your deck.

Another change is in the use of lighting on your deck.  People find that deck lighting allows them to use their deck longer and it creates a relaxed and comfortable mood.  Deck lighting will also increase the

Solar post cap

safety of your deck, especially by using lights on the stairs . LED lights are coming out in many unique looks and offer a tremendous energy savings.  They are small and can be put almost anywhere on your deck or railing.  Solar lights are also more popular than ever and are very easy to install.

With all the new products and design trends in decking, it is important that you consult with an experienced deck builder, before you build your deck.  You will enjoy your deck for many years to come if it is built properly and designed to fit your lifestyle.  The weather conditions in the Utah area are extreme and your deck needs to be able to handle what the weather throws at it.  Safety is also important as deck failures are one of the leading cause of injury around homes.  An experienced licensed contractor is more important than ever before to help you design and build your deck and railing.

LED deck lighting

Deck gate