
Why You Should Cover Your Decks
- Shade in Summers California is known for its hot and dry summers. ...
- Shelter in Rain and Snow Rain and snow are two key concerns when you have an outdoor deck. ...
- Improved Utility With shade in summer and shelter in winters, your deck offers a lot more utility. ...
How do I protect my deck from snow and ice?
One simple strategy for protecting your deck during the winter is to cover it with a non-porous, heavy tarp — preferably the type of tarp that is used to cover and protect a pool in the winter. A tarp will prevent moisture and snow from seeping into the wood and reduce the possibility of warping over time.
Can I use 5/8″ plywood to cover my Deck?
If you are covering an existing wood deck surface, you can use 5/8″ T &G plywood to skim the deck in that scenario. We do not recommend using Grade ‘A’ or select plywood panels as they use synthetic fillers that can damage the vinyl. We also do not recommend the following surfaces for our Econodek vinyl deck covering over wood:
Do I need to coat my deck in the winter?
Two coats may be necessary depending on the age and condition of your deck. One simple strategy for protecting your deck during the winter is to cover it with a non-porous, heavy tarp — preferably the type of tarp that is used to cover and protect a pool in the winter.
Can You cover a wood deck with vinyl decking?
Vinyl Deck Covering Over Wood – Econodek Econodek waterproof vinyl decking is an excellent choice when you are looking to update, upgrade, or cover your wood deck. Econodek vinyl deck covering over wood completely waterproofs your outdoor surface, creating a cozy, comfortable space that is barefoot friendly and great for kids and pets.
What is a blackbutt deck?
What is the difference between a gazebo and a pergola?
How many posts are in an arbor?
What is overhead pergola?
What is a patina deck?
How many nuts and bolts did Cape Reed use?
What is a well designed deck?
See 2 more

Is it worth it to cover deck?
A cover will protect your deck from rain and potential debris, and it will keep the sun off of it on hot days. This will be a sure-fire way to keep your deck protected. Plus, if you have any outdoor furniture, a cover will keep it protected as well.
Should I put a roof over my deck?
There are many advantages to a roof over your deck, such as: It provides shade and keeps your family dry during wet weather. It adds to the aesthetic appeal of the space. Combined with screened sides, it keeps the bugs away while you relax outside.
Should deck be covered for winter?
Cover as much of your deck as possible with a tarp to keep snow from piling directly on your deck's surface. This will help prevent the boards from warping and will keep water from freezing in any cracks and making them worse.
Does a covered deck increase home value?
Experts estimate that a deck offers a resale value of at least 76%, which is higher than just about any other home renovation project. So you can do the math and estimate the increased value to your home.
What should I put over my deck?
17 Ways to Update Your Deck for Laidback Outdoor Living01 of 17. Install a Pergola. ... 02 of 17. Restain Your Deck. ... 03 of 17. Add an Outdoor Bar. ... 04 of 17. Lay Down a Rug. ... 05 of 17. Pile On Outdoor Pillows. ... 06 of 17. Add Colorful Accents. ... 07 of 17. Use Containers for Color and Height. ... 08 of 17. Incorporate Stylish Deck Furniture.More items...•
Does adding a roof over a deck add value?
Rooftop decks, especially those with a view, can add 5-8% resale value depending on your market, and can also increase rental income.
How long will an uncovered deck last?
Which material lasts longer? A deck made of untreated wood can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Decks made of treated wood and composite materials can last as long as 50 years.
How do you winterize an outdoor deck?
How To Winterize Your Deck In 6 StepsSTEP ONE: Remove dirt and debris. Don't let piles of leaves, pine needles or branches clutter up the corners of your deck. ... STEP TWO: Trim any overhanging branches. ... STEP THREE: Power wash. ... STEP FOUR: The water test. ... STEP FIVE: Seal your wood deck. ... STEP SIX: Store your deck furniture.
How do I protect my wood deck in the winter?
You need to restore a deck with a sealant to protect it from the moisture and freeze-thaw cycle of the long winter season. Once any necessary repairs are completed and your deck is clean, lightly sand the surface of your deck. This will remove any extra dirt and allow for the sealant to penetrate the wood.
What adds the most value to a home 2022?
Below are ten home improvement projects with the highest return on investment in 2022.Landscaping. Curb appeal says a lot about your home. ... Updated Kitchen Appliances. ... New Front Door. ... Windows. ... Flooring. ... Bathroom Remodel. ... A Fresh Coat of Paint. ... Garage Door Replacements.More items...•
Are covered decks considered living space?
Open-air, covered porches never add to your home's square footage, even if they are elevated to the same level as the rest of the house by the foundation. Screened-in porches do not qualify as living space either.
Do appraisers look at decks?
Appraisers look at a list of criteria, including decks/porches, to decide the overall value of a property.
Can you build a roof over an existing deck?
To build a roof over a deck, you need to connect the new roof framing to the existing home. The easiest way is to use posts and beam construction with rafters connecting the beam to the home. Other ways involve removing a portion of the existing roof, adding trusses, and other framing options.
How much would it cost to put a roof over my deck?
Building a deck or patio roof has a wide range—between $3,000 and $10,000. Factors like roofing type and material impact your final cost. The total price depends on labor, material, and permit costs. With good carpenter skills, you can DIY this project.
How do you tell if your deck can support a roof?
If your roof deck is in optimal condition and can safely support at least 55 pounds of weight per square foot, your roof may be able to support a deck! The final decision, however, is much more complex and requires the advice and oversight of a professional contractor.
What type of roof is best for a deck?
Oriented strand board (OSB) – OSB is the most common type of material used for roof decking. It's durable and readily available, and has relatively low costs. OSB is made of interwoven strands of wood bonded with adhesive.
What is a blackbutt deck?
A dark-stained Australian Blackbutt hardwood deck is raised above ground, to be level with the kitchen so that the homeowners can look down over the pool. Designed by Zugai Strudwick Architects of Sydney, the solar pergola allows for all-weather entertaining.
What is the difference between a gazebo and a pergola?
It attaches to a back wall of your house and has a roof supported by sturdy posts at the edge of the deck. Gazebo: More room-like than a pergola, a gazebo can be rectangu lar, hexagonal, or whatever shape you desire. Gazebos have posts and are more enclosed than other garden structures.
How many posts are in an arbor?
Arbor: Smaller than a pergola or gazebo, an arbor includes 2 to 4 posts with a simple slatted roof that is open. Vines can grow over an arbor or a lattice can be placed on top for more of an enclosed effect. Pergola : This type of overhead can be identified by having four or more posts or columns.
What is overhead pergola?
A pergola or overhead structure will prolong your enjoyment and use of the deck, all while adding an attractive design element. Assess what already exists: a deck's railings, posts, and overhead structure should echo a home's similar architectural elements in front or other parts of the property.
What is a patina deck?
A deck with a patina blurs the transition from indoors to outdoors of this home in coastal Melbourne, Australia. This outdoor space, designed by Planned Living Architects, features an outdoor kitchen with an indoor pass-through window covered by a framed roof extension that continues ceiling materials used inside.
How many nuts and bolts did Cape Reed use?
The challenge: to construct a deck in Los Montreros, Marbella, Spain in 23 days with just five people. Cape Reed used 200 pressure-treated poles and more than 1,000 nuts and bolts to build the structure. Thatching from the southern tip of Africa grown under strict, sustainable farming practices was used for the roof and outdoor building.
What is a well designed deck?
A well-designed deck includes built-ins and features that are added for practical purposes along with architectural elements that enhance the design and materials of the structure. The better the design, the less noticeable it is.
What causes wood to rot on a deck?
It may not seem like a big deal, but over time, dirt, leaves, pine needles and other debris can build up on your deck and in between floor boards. In winter, this debris gives snow and ice a better opportunity to build up and lock in moisture, and moisture is not a good thing for your deck; it causes wood rot and other structural ...
What causes a deck to rot?
It may not seem like a big deal, but over time, dirt, leaves, pine needles and other debris can build up on your deck and in between floor boards. In winter, this debris gives snow and ice a better opportunity to build up and lock in moisture, and moisture is not a good thing for your deck; it causes wood rot and other structural and integral damages. Make sure your deck is free of debris before winter sets in.
Why is it important to prepare a deck for cold weather?
Cold weather deck preparation is equally important, especially if it’s made of natural wood or you’re in an area where winters are particularly harsh. It will prolong your deck’s lifespan and save you time, effort and money in the long run.
Can you use a shovel on a deck?
Never run the shovel across the width of the boards; doing so may scratch the deck and ruin stain or paint. Additionally, don’t use a metal shovel.
Can you salt your deck in the winter?
Don’t Salt Your Deck. One of your first thoughts when preparing for winter may be to salt your driveway, sidewalk and deck. You can do the first two, just skip salting your deck. Salt and ice melt can harm some deck finishes, which means in the spring, you’ll be re-staining to fix any discoloration.
What is the best way to protect a deck from moisture?
Photo: istockphoto.com. Sealant, stain, and paint can all be applied to a deck for different degrees of protection. Sealants are primarily used to protect against moisture damage. They contain waterproof or water repellant properties and have a thicker viscosity than stains.
How long does it take for a deck to soak up sealant?
If you’ve just put in a new deck, you’re no doubt itching to finish the job by sealing it. But preservatives in the wood often require about 30 days’ dwell time before the deck can soak up the sealant. After a 30-day period, pour some water on your deck. If it beads up, the wood is still too wet to seal, but if the water is absorbed, ...
How long does it take to stain a deck?
In lieu of that, you can apply a simple stain to the deck and, after 48 hours, apply sealant for a similar level of protection. Advertisement. Photo: istockphoto.com.
What temperature should sealant be in the morning?
Aim for a pleasant, not-too-windy day between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Get to work in the morning, as the hot sun of a summer afternoon can cause sealant to evaporate quickly, preventing adequate absorption. Photo: istockphoto.com.
How long does it take for wood to dry before sealing?
Allow to dry for 24 hours, then sand the surface with between a 60 to 150 grit sandpaper or sanding disk. Use a powered sanding tool to remove the top layer of wood, which could act as a barrier to the sealant.
Can you seal a deck with a damp deck?
Applying sealant to a damp or frosty deck will lead, at best, to an uneven, splotchy seal that can’t effectively protect your deck. At worst, the sealant will bead up on the water and fail to be absorbed, creating a messy, dangerous slipping hazard. Always allow the surface to dry for at least 24 hours after a rainfall before sealing a deck.
Can you seal wood if it beads up?
If it beads up, the wood is still too wet to seal, but if the water is absorbed, it’s ready to seal. Be sure to apply sealant as soon as the wood is ready; leaving the deck exposed any longer increases the likelihood of both ultraviolet (UV) and moisture damage.
How to store plywood?
Avoid damaging plywood panels, especially edge surfaces, when handling. Store plywood panels in a sheltered place, stacked, separated with no direct contact with the ground.
How to contact Econodek?
Simply email info@econodek or phone us toll-free at 1-877-860-9333 and ask to speak with an Econodek sales rep about vinyl decking color samples for your next project.
How to keep Econodek looking good?
Simply use a hose and a bristle brush to keep your Econodek looking great for years to come! An important part of a great Econodek installation is the choice and preparation of the plywood surface. Below you will find some very useful information for your next install.
Can you use grade A plywood on Econodek?
We do not recommend using Grade ‘A’ or select plywood panels as they use synthetic fillers that can damage the vinyl. We also do not recommend the following surfaces for our Econodek vinyl deck covering over wood:
Is Econodek decking waterproof?
Econodek waterproof vinyl decking is an excellent choice when you are looking to update, upgrade, or cover your wood deck. Econodek vinyl deck covering over wood completely waterproofs your outdoor surface, creating a cozy, comfortable space that is barefoot friendly and great for kids and pets.
What is a blackbutt deck?
A dark-stained Australian Blackbutt hardwood deck is raised above ground, to be level with the kitchen so that the homeowners can look down over the pool. Designed by Zugai Strudwick Architects of Sydney, the solar pergola allows for all-weather entertaining.
What is the difference between a gazebo and a pergola?
It attaches to a back wall of your house and has a roof supported by sturdy posts at the edge of the deck. Gazebo: More room-like than a pergola, a gazebo can be rectangu lar, hexagonal, or whatever shape you desire. Gazebos have posts and are more enclosed than other garden structures.
How many posts are in an arbor?
Arbor: Smaller than a pergola or gazebo, an arbor includes 2 to 4 posts with a simple slatted roof that is open. Vines can grow over an arbor or a lattice can be placed on top for more of an enclosed effect. Pergola : This type of overhead can be identified by having four or more posts or columns.
What is overhead pergola?
A pergola or overhead structure will prolong your enjoyment and use of the deck, all while adding an attractive design element. Assess what already exists: a deck's railings, posts, and overhead structure should echo a home's similar architectural elements in front or other parts of the property.
What is a patina deck?
A deck with a patina blurs the transition from indoors to outdoors of this home in coastal Melbourne, Australia. This outdoor space, designed by Planned Living Architects, features an outdoor kitchen with an indoor pass-through window covered by a framed roof extension that continues ceiling materials used inside.
How many nuts and bolts did Cape Reed use?
The challenge: to construct a deck in Los Montreros, Marbella, Spain in 23 days with just five people. Cape Reed used 200 pressure-treated poles and more than 1,000 nuts and bolts to build the structure. Thatching from the southern tip of Africa grown under strict, sustainable farming practices was used for the roof and outdoor building.
What is a well designed deck?
A well-designed deck includes built-ins and features that are added for practical purposes along with architectural elements that enhance the design and materials of the structure. The better the design, the less noticeable it is.
