Popular Decking Choices in Hawaii
http://beccajcampbell.com/tag/campbell/page/11/ Popular Decking Choices in Hawaii
Hawaiians love spending time on their decks. So much so, that decks have become one of the most popular choices for home renovations. In fact, deck improvements, (along with kitchens), generate one of the highest returns for a homeowner’s renovation dollar.
Trendy outdoor living spaces are all the rage and homeowners are looking for more ways to expand their living space. In addition, our troubled economy has forced more people to forfeit expensive vacations and spend more time close to home. As a result, more attention is being focused on deck construction and generating new technology for decking material and components.
Gone are the wooden porches slapped together with scrap lumber, and requiring annual paintings to prevent rotting. Today’s decks are made with materials designed to last, that require little maintenance.
Most homeowners opt for real wood construction, with only 20 percent choosing synthetic materials. Although the latter is more expensive at the onset, over time, the long term saving on maintenance is substantial.
Many are now choosing composite decking and railing materials that provides an eco friendly and low maintenance product. Companies such as Latitudes create a product that looks just like wood, but is actually made of a combination of recycled wood fiber and post-industrial high-density polyethylene. Available in a myriad of colors ad finishes, it won’t splinter, and is protected against UV rays and water absorption.
Other similar versions are formed entirely from plastic, and have a non-porous, slip-resistant surface. With a 25 year product warranty, you know this material is designed to last.
When choosing an entrance to your patio or lanai, a popular door is offered by Climatrol Hawaii. Their doors have waterproof screens that are virtually locked in and rarely come loose.
Stone is also a popular building product for decks and lanais. It has timeless elegance that never goes out of style, requires little maintenance and lasts forever. Travertine and quartzite are popular choices for outdoor construction, especially around pools or hot tubs. They are lower in cost than most and come in a variety of colors.
The most popular forms of real wood construction are redwood, cedar, and most recently, South American Ironwood or Ipe. Known for it’s durability and resistance to insects and harsh weather, Ipe is quickly becoming the most popular decking material in Hawaii.
The most important part of any deck (next to its structure), are the accessories. Popular choices include teak for chairs, loungers, tables and end tables. Although this product is extremely forgiving and is built to withstand more abuse than most types of wood furniture, regular oiling is required to keep your teak looking its best. Oversized stone or metal planters make perfect homes for flowering tropical plants.
When looking at design, split levels add interest and creativity and can be used to divide a deck into zones. Build your deck around large palms or other trees to add natural shade.
Hawaiian decks are also functional. Many include outdoor kitchens, eating areas, built in barbecues and special areas for meditation or exercising that lead into small Zen gardens with Koi ponds.
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