Decks are one of those renovating ideas that increase the value of the home while increasing the fun. A recent survey indicated that 85% of single-family homes in the U.S. had a deck or a deck-like structure. Unlike bathrooms and kitchens - both of which have to adhere to many rigid design rules - building or rebuilding a deck can include some wildly creative ideas and materials. As long as you adhere to the property lines you can cover you whole yard with decking if the thought appeals to you. Considerations such as type of swimming pool and hot tubs also enter into your decking designs.

Popular Types of Decking

1) Cedar: At one time if you built a deck in the Everett area cedar was the hands-down favorite. Cedar has a unique, naturally-occurring wood preservative oil that means no further treatment of the deck is needed. If treated with a stain it will retain its beautiful red color or if left to the elements it will turn a silvery color which blends in with the natural surroundings. Cedar wood decking also has less than half the swelling and shrinking tendencies of other domestic softwoods. Some homeowners frame the deck with treated softwood and use cedar for the decking.

2) Preserved Softwood: Most decks in the U.S. are framed with treated lumber. No matter which deck material you choose for the flooring, fascia, rails, benches, etc., treated lumber will probably be your best choice for the undercarriage and posts. Treated lumber holds up better (for the joists, beams, and posts) than anything else readily available. Treated decking should be treated with stain or waterproofing on an annual basis to keep it looking good. Many people replace their wood decks within 10 years.

3) Composite: Non-wood decking � for example, Trex and TimberTech, is a mixture of wood fibers and plastic which have these features;

- Long-lasting, usually the life expectancy of the home.
- No warping or twisting
- Will not shrink or expand, and will last the lifetime of the residence.
- Come pre-colored.

Composite will weather but ages to a rich tone without deteriorating or splintering. However it does not have the strength of wood so the supports have to be closer together.

Peripherals

1) Railings : Deck railings, like decking, can come in many types of materials. However, there are other considerations like balusters (pickets) and posts which can be vinyl or painted aluminum. If you live in a windy area you can choose glass instead of balusters.

2) Furniture: What good is a deck if you can’t have somewhere to sit? There are as many types of outside furniture as there is design for inside the home. Or you can build it into the deck itself.

3) Patio Heaters : These accessories can extend the deck season well into the late fall. There are also mosquito and insect zappers.

4) Built-in Barbecues: These cooking outfits come in standard barbecues, pot boilers and ceramic ovens.

5) Gazebos: These can be stand-alone or built right into your deck.

6) Deck Covers : These can range from tarps to a full roof over the area.

Decking can be a do-it-yourself job. As well, in Everettpermits are not required if the deck is less than 30” above grade.

For a large, balcony-style or multi-level deck a decking contractor can show you designs specific to your space and requirements.

For more information contact:

Permit Services
3200 Cedar Street
Everett WA 98201
T: 425-257-8810
F: 425-257-8857
Email: everetteps@ci.everett.wa.us