According to The Canberra Times, which looked into the outdoor living habits of Australians, 74% of the survey respondents use outdoor spaces to relax, 59% spend time with family, and 52% to barbecue. To improve the comfort and functionality of their backyards and gardens, 53% plan to purchase new furniture, 40% plan to add lights, and 36% plan to install a new deck.
A new deck can create a usable space that you and your loved ones can enjoy for many years to come. It extends your home’s living space during the warmer months and provides you with a place to enjoy nature. It can also boost the value and aesthetic appeal of your home.
A beautiful and durable deck can be a high-cost investment, but with the right design and resources it can deliver a great return on investment. Before you begin your build, keep in mind these three factors that can significantly influence the cost of the project:
The materials you select
You can use a wide range of materials for your new decking. The prices are based on the type and quality of the material. If you need your deck to be steady and robust, you’ll require a strong material and in general this means higher cost.Â
The most common material for decks in Australia is wood. Approximately 6% of Australian houses have a timber deck or balcony. While natural wood is durable and long-lasting, it can eventually rot, fade, warp, splinter, or attract termites. There are currently better options out there that can withstand the harsh Australian elements for longer.
Some great materials you may use for your decking include:
- Millboard Enhanced Grain: This is moulded from smooth timber, combining the beauty of natural wood with minimal maintenance and long-lasting performance. Millboard Enhanced Grain is wood-free, sustainable, highly durable, and slip-resistant. Some of the most popular styles include Smoked Oak, Jarrah, and Brushed Basalt.
- Millboard Weathered Oak: This is moulded from century-old reclaimed oak timber. As its name implies, Weathered Oak recreates the look of natural, aged wood for a versatile and timeless aesthetic. The material is wood-free, low-maintenance, light and tough, and slip-resistant. You can choose from Vintage Oak, Embered Oak, and Driftwood.
Visit our website to learn more about your decking options. We offer some of the world’s finest composite flooring solutions to help you build the deck of your dreams.
The size of your deck
Size is among the essential things contributing to your new deck’s overall cost. Generally, it’s directly proportional to price. The bigger the size, the higher the cost. Various factors can determine the size of your deck and, eventually, its cost. They include:
- The available space of your yard: If your yard has limited space, you’ll probably build a small deck. On the other hand, with ample room, you can scale to whatever size you desire, provided your budget allows.
- The size of your home: Your deck’s size shouldn’t overpower or compete with the size of your house. Otherwise, it may bring an unbalanced look. Therefore, depending on your house’s size, you can have your deck slightly smaller than the overall square footage of your home.
- The purpose of your deck: Another significant factor that can determine the size of your deck is how you plan on using it. For instance, a small one suffices if you want it to be a lounge place for your family. Alternatively, if you plan to host parties, you can have a bigger size to accommodate all your guests
The type of deck
The type of deck you need plays a big part in new decking’s overall costs. It affects both the design and materials required. Ideally, complicated procedures incur extra engineering costs and unique decking materials. Some popular outdoor decks include:
- Wraparound deck: This slightly elevated structure covers about two or more sides of your house and connects it to various areas.
- Detached island deck: This is also known as a floating deck or platform deck. Unlike attached decks, it isn’t attached to any permanent building, but it’s built independently anywhere in the yard and connected to your house by a pathway.
- Attached deck: This is directly connected to your home, like this Antique Oak Patio. Mainly, you construct it as an expansion of an existing room like a kitchen, and you can access it by doors that enable free passage between the indoor and outdoor spaces.Â
- Multi-level deck: A multi-level deck is a series of separate decks linked via stairways on specific levels.
Takeaways
Undoubtedly, decks can make your home look great and enable you to enjoy a comfortable outdoor space when the weather warms up. However, before installing your deck, you’d want to consider your budget. The above factors can enable you to determine the approximate cost of your deck. For guaranteed results, choose the best decking supplier in Australia for your home. Visit us at Concept Materials to know more.
