If
you have been living in Omaha for a while, you probably understand that our
weather conditions aren’t very friendly to the outdoor spaces. One moment it is
a humid 95-degree day in July, and a few months later you’re shoveling snow off
the same surface that was hosting backyard barbecues. Over time, we have been
having lots of discussions with neighbors, particularly around Trex Deck Builder in Millard, NE, about
decks that are not holding up as expected.
Apart
from that, one theme that even overshadowed the rest was the idea of composite
decking. More specifically, people considering a transition from wood to a
low-maintenance option. It is not just a trend, it is usually a result of
frustration.
The Main Issue
Homeowners Kept Telling Us About
Most
of the discussions usually begin similarly: “We loved our deck when we first
built it, but…” And that “but” is often followed by a detailed list of the
unexpected effects.
Nebraska Weather Is Quite Tough on Wood
The
weather in Omaha really challenges the durability of decks. Wood is subjected
to freezing and thawing in winter and is also heated by the summer sun. During
these conditions wood tends to expand, contract, crack and fade much faster
than an ordinary person would expect.
For
instance, we heard of some boards warping after a very rainy spring while there
were other cases where the stain was peeling off in less than two seasons. We
should add the snow that remains on the deck for weeks and the subsequent
melting and several freezing cycles. It is not even difficult to explain why
wood decks can fail in this environment.
Maintenance Time Nobody Talks About
Another
factor that homeowners frequently overlook is the total time that will be
devoted to maintenance. You will need to stain, seal and clean. By the way,
this is going to multiply fast. What was initially planned as some work over
the weekend every two or three years might transform into a regular household
chore.
We
have been told by quite a few neighbors that they have reduced their usage of
the deck simply because it had become a work area and not a relaxing place
anymore.
This Question Is
Raised More and More Often: “Is Composite Decking Worth the Investment?”
Eventually,
the discussion changes the topic. After suffering with the upkeep issue for a
few years, one starts wondering, "Is composite decking really worth the
investment?"
This
is a reasonable query and, frankly, it is a decision that depends on your
preferences and criteria.
How Do We Usually Respond to Inquiries About
Trex Decking?
People
who want to learn more about composite alternatives such as Trex usually get a
straightforward answer from us. No material is without flaws but, especially in
a place like Omaha, composite largely alleviates the problems that wood decks
present.
The
paramount distinction lies with maintenance. With composite decking you are not
staining it every few years. Getting splinters is not going to be a problem
anymore. Plus, you are not going to worry so incessantly about moisture damage.
Despite
all these benefits, we do not close our eyes to the price. Compared to wood,
the initial investment for composite is typically higher and is a genuine
setback for some. However, when considering the money and time that you are
going to spend on maintaining a wood deck in a few years, most homeowners who
have experienced this issue find the trade-off to be quite favorable to
composite.
What We See on
the Ground After Performing a Number of Installations of Composite Decks in
Millard Area
One
of the greatest benefits we have had is observing how these decks hold up over
time - not just factual performance right after the installation but after
several seasons and changes in weather.
Resilience During the Harshest Omaha Winters
The
most common worry among homeowners who are wanting to switch to composite
decking is if composite decking is going to survive the winter.
Our
own experience has demonstrated that composite can withstand winter quite
successfully. It is still capable of freezing and thawing, however since it
does not take in moisture the way that wood does, cracking or warping as a
result of cold temperatures is no longer a concern. In addition, when the snow
finally melts, it is not as if you are going to be left with the same kind of
damage.
Summer Sun Exposure and Fading
Fading
and drying out is a common weakness of wood decks exposed to the sun that most
Omaha residents are used to.
Composite
decking has significantly improved in this regard. The color of composite
decking hardly fades even after prolonged exposure and in direct sunlight
although the surface warms up, the damage is unlike that which is caused to
untreated wood.
Normal Family and Friend Use—Children, Pets,
Backyard Fun
We
see most families with children and pets really appreciating the fact that they
do not have to worry about splinters or rough boards.
When
everyday mess occurs (spilled drinks, muddy footprints, dropped burgers once in
a while), cleaning becomes much easier than with wood decks. A quick rinse or a
light scrub will do it.
A Recent Story
About a Backyard in Millard
Shortly
ago, we assisted a family from Millard who had decided that they had had enough
of their old wood deck. For several years it had been an extension of their
home but it was showing signs of deterioration.
What Wasn't Working Before
Stain
was peeling off in several areas and some of the boards were starting to warp.
Repairing one problem only to find another was their constant struggle—just
like their deck.
They
still enjoyed outdoor living, particularly evening times, but the deck had
become more of a source of frustration than a favorite hangout.
What Changed After the Upgrade
The
main transformation, according to the family, was that as a result of switching
to composite decks, the deck ceased to be just an object of beauty but rather
an integral part of the home.
What
they really appreciated the most was not having to consider maintenance all the
time.
The
deck is their place of relaxation. They get together in the evenings for
dinner, have weekend coffee and invite friends over.
What We Advise
Homeowners to Consider Before Doing Anything
If
you are thinking of embarking on a deck project, whether a repair or a complete
rebuild, there are a few things we always advise thinking through first.
Initial Cost vs. Long-Term Peace of Mind
It
is extremely tempting to concentrate on how much you will pay at the moment. Of
course, this is important.
You
should also ask yourself how much you will be spending on maintenance of your
deck for the entire period of the deck’s life.
Wood
might work out better for some. Reduction in upkeep through the use of
composite might just be the solution for others.
Deck Styles That Complement Omaha Neighborhoods
We
have seen a lot of diversity in terms of styles around Omaha ranging from
traditional wood to contemporary gray and multi-tone composite boards.
It
is a good idea to consider your decking in relation to your house and
neighborhood.
What
looked beautiful at the showroom might not look the same in your yard.
Use Your Space Design for Your Lifestyle
This
is probably the most significant factor. Will you be hosting large gatherings?
Do you want to have a nice and quiet corner to relax? Also, the deck should act
as a play area for your kids.
Designing
the deck according to your lifestyle is something that should definitely come
before anything else.
What Most People
Miss About Local Factors
There
are also a few Omaha-specific factors that can catch people off guard if
they’re not prepared.
HOA Rules and Community Standards
In
some parts of Millard, there may be restrictions on the size, materials, or
appearance of decks. It might not always be at the forefront of your mind, but
it could affect your plans.
Permits and Seasonality in Nebraska
It
is amazing how important timing actually is. Spring and early summer see a lot
of work being done, and weather can cause delays.Fall can also be a wonderful
time to build as long as you are prepared.
Reasons Why This
Trend Isn’t Going to Fade Away in Omaha Anytime Soon
In
our opinion, moving to composite decking is not simply one of those phases that
come and go. It is also about real-life experiences that have resulted in the
homeowner being fed up with the maintenance of wood decks in our climate and
deciding to go for something more manageable.
Interest
will keep growing as people have more opportunities to closely observe and talk
to their neighbors who already own such decks.
A Closing
Statement From a Fellow Neighbor Who Also Happens to be a Professional
The
final set of circumstances varies from one backyard to another. A thing that
would be useful for one house might be such a wrong one that it is not even
worth the consideration for another house.
Nonetheless,
we have learned from the experience of dealing with homeowners across Omaha
that the best deck is the one that you will actually enjoy residing in. Wood or
composite decks, whichever you go for, the intention will be to provide a room
that extends your home rather than a new task on your list of household
responsibilities.
Where
we are, making good use of the rare days of decent weather is always on our
minds and so having that little piece of comfort at home is indeed very
important to us.
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