• Types of Deck Boards

    Exploring Different Types of Decking Boards

    Building an outdoor deck can create a comfortable place for barbecuing, relaxing, and enjoying time with friends and family. If you choose your deck materials and style carefully, you can even increase your home’s resale value. It’s important to choose outdoor deck boards that can withstand the weather and climate in your region. Some materials hold up better to extreme heat or cold, rain, hail, wind, and snow. Here is a look at the most common types of decking boards to consider when designing your dream deck.
    Carpenter's Pencil, square and tape sitting on a wood deck

    Natural Wood Decking Boards

    Natural wood is a traditional and classic option for building an outdoor deck. It is attractive, versatile, and can be easily customized using wood stain or paint. However, you should do your research before choosing a wood species, as some are more vulnerable to insects, rot, and weather damage. The best deck wood types to use in Oregon are:

    • Pressure-treated Wood – Pressure-treated wood is affordable, durable, and long-lasting. It has been treated with specialized chemicals that increase its resistance to insects, decay, and rot. It requires more maintenance than other types of wood, however, and isn’t as durable as composite decking or PVC decking.
    • Tropical Hardwood – Tropical hardwoods include mahogany, ipe, teak, cumaru, and sapele. These varieties are known for their durability and beauty and can withstand moisture and extreme weather. They are also dense and resistant to insects and decay. They are more expensive than other types of wood, however.
    • Cedar – Cedar is a beautiful, durable wood that is naturally resistant to insects, rot, and decay. It is versatile and easy to work with but does require regular maintenance like cleaning, sealing, and staining.
    • Redwood – Redwood, like cedar, is more resistant to decay. It is also stronger than other types of wood. It may be more expensive and require more care and maintenance, however.

    Composite Deck Boards

    Composite decking is a manufactured decking material. It is made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic. It looks like real wood but is more durable, resistant to pests and rot, and requires less care and maintenance. Composite deck boards are available in a wide range of designs that look like natural wood species and grains. Some of the biggest benefits of choosing composite decking materials in Oregon are:

    • Longer lifespan and increased resistance to insects, rot, warping, splintering, and cracking
    • Can withstand extreme heat and cold, rain, snow, wind, and hail
    • Stays smooth and comfortable
    • Can last up to 25-50 years with proper care
    • Doesn’t require a lot of maintenance and will never need to be stained, sealed, sanded, or painted
    • Can be cleaned easily with soap and water
    • Highly versatile and aesthetically pleasing, with options for almost every aesthetic
    • Eco-friendly and sustainable
    • More slip-resistant than some species of wood
    • Won’t fade or discolor

    PVC or Vinyl Decking

    PVC decking is a manufactured deck material that is made from polyvinyl chloride. Vinyl decking is made from a blend of synthetic materials, including PVC and plastic fibers. Both PVC and vinyl deck boards are affordable, low-maintenance, and durable. Both materials can withstand extreme temperatures and are resistant to insects, mold, mildew, and rot. They won’t splinter, discolor, or fade. Both options require occasional cleaning like sweeping or vacuuming, spraying down with a hose, or pressure washing. Vinyl decking is usually more affordable than PVC and doesn’t get as hot underfoot in the summer.

    What to Consider When Choosing Your Deck Material

    When you work with an experienced contractor to design and build your outdoor deck, they can help you evaluate the pros and cons of different deck materials. Some of the most important factors to consider when you’re choosing your deck board material are:

    • Budget – If you’re working with a budget when designing your deck, choose a building material that is both affordable and durable. Choosing the least expensive deck material may end up costing you more over time in maintenance and repairs.
    • Climate – The material you choose should be appropriate for the weather and climate in your area. Consider how it will stand up to sun and UV exposure, heat and cold, snow, rain, ice, wind, and hail.
    • Maintenance – Think about how much time and money you want to commit to deck maintenance. Natural wood will require regular cleaning, sanding, staining or sealing, and painting.
    • Aesthetics – Consider the architecture of your home, the building materials used for your home and other outdoor structures, and your personal taste and preferences. You want your deck to complement the overall aesthetics of your home.
    • Durability – Choosing a more durable deck material means your deck will last longer. If you don’t want to have to worry about damage due to weather, insects, and water, choose a composite decking material or vinyl decking.
    • Sustainability – If you are committed to sustainability, seek out an eco-friendly deck material. Recycled materials are more eco-friendly, and composite and vinyl decking are more sustainable.
    • Future Plans for Your Home – Think about your future plans for your home. If you plan on selling your home in the next 10 years, choose materials that are durable and attractive so that your deck will be a selling point.

    Call Now for a Consultation for Deck Installation

    Dick’s Evergreen Fence and Deck has been the premier deck builder and contractor in the Portland, OR, area for more than 40 years. We specialize in high-quality deck materials like natural wood, cedar, composite decking, and vinyl decking. We can help you design the deck of your dreams, create the perfect outdoor living space, and add value to your home. We also offer deck railings, deck and patio cover installation, pergolas, fencing, and garden accents. Call now or contact us online to schedule a consultation for your dream deck.

  • Fencing Styles to Match Your Home Aesthetic

    Finding a Fencing Style to Match Your Home Aesthetic

    Installing a fence around your home can make it safer and more private, and more secure. If you choose a fencing material and style that complements your home’s architecture and aesthetic, it will blend in seamlessly. The wrong fencing style may stick out and look like an eyesore. When you hire a fence installation expert, they can offer guidance in choosing fence details. They can show you pictures of past projects and samples of fencing materials and styles so that it’s easier to envision how your fence will look when it is finished. Here is a helpful guide to finding a fencing style that matches your home aesthetic.White vinyl fencing with beautiful backyard landscape

    Understand Your Home’s Architectural Style

    There are so many different types of fences for homes that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The best place to start when trying to decide which one is right for you is to consider your home’s architectural style. You want your fence to integrate perfectly with your home’s architecture so that it doesn’t look out of place. Here is a look at the best types of fences for the most common architectural home styles in Oregon:

    • Craftsman and Bungalow – Craftsman homes are constructed from natural materials like wood, stone, brick, and metal. They feature overhanging eaves and wide front porches. Bungalows are similar to Craftsman but smaller. The best type of fencing for a Craftsman or Bungalow home is a simple, solid wood fence with rustic features and wide boards.
    • Ranch – A Ranch-style home is typically single-story with a simple design and efficient layout. They feature large windows, low-pitch roofs, and open floor plans. The best types of fencing for a Ranch-style home are a split-rail fence, stained wood fence, stone wall, metal fence, or cedar fence.
    • Mid-Century Modern – Mid-Century Modern homes are designed with clean lines and minimalist aesthetics. They feature open floor plans, large windows, and a simple, functional design. The best fence for a Mid-Century Modern home is a simple, minimalist design with clean lines made from materials like cedar, wood, vinyl slats, or metal.
    • Tudor Revival – A Tudor Revival home usually has a very steeply pitched roof, an arched doorway, and exposed beams. It is made from materials like brick, stone, and timber. The best type of fence for a Tudor Revival is a wood fence with a rustic or traditional style.
    • Colonial Revival – A Colonial Revival home features a very symmetrical facade and classical details. It may be constructed from brick, clapboard, stone, or wood. The best type of fencing for a Colonial Revival home is a white picket fence, wrought iron fence, or simple cedar wood fence.
    • Cape Cod – A Cape Cod home has a boxy or rectangular shape and a steeply pitched roof. It is symmetrical and centered and usually made from oak, pine, cedar, brick, clapboard, and shakes. The best type of fences for a Cape Cod home are a white picket fence or simple vinyl fencing.
    • Victorian – A Victorian home has highly decorative features and ornate details. It is made from brick, stone, or wood. The best type of fences for a Victorian home are wrought iron fencing, metal fencing with ornate details, and SimTek fence that imitates stone.

    Consider the Material, Color, and Style of Outdoor Structures

    The next thing to consider is the features of other outdoor structures on your property. If your home has a garage, shed, workshop, outdoor living space, deck, or covered porch, you can choose fencing materials that are similar. This will ensure your fence blends in with existing structures and looks like a natural extension of your home. For instance, if you already have a cedar wood deck and pergola, a cedar fence will complement them perfectly. If you have porch and deck railings that are rustic metal, a metal fence will blend right in.

    Look at Other Houses on Your Street

    You can also look at other houses on your street or in your neighborhood for inspiration. Look at how their fencing materials and styles complement their home. Pay attention to homes that have fences that stand out or don’t look right so that you won’t make the same mistakes.

    Choose the Right Material for Your Climate

    The material you choose for your fence will affect how long it lasts and how much care and maintenance it needs. If you select a material that can withstand the local weather and climate, your fence will last longer. The most common fencing materials used in Oregon are:

    These fencing materials can handle wind, rain, snow, ice, and humidity. They are naturally resistant to insects or can be treated to protect them from insect damage. They are durable and low-maintenance and can complement a variety of architectural styles and aesthetics.

    Call Now to Schedule a Consultation for Fence Installation

    Dick’s Evergreen Fence and Deck has more than 40 years of experience in fence installation. We can help you explore your options for fence types and styles so that you can choose the perfect one for your home. We offer a wide range of traditional, security, and privacy fence styles. We can show you our portfolio so that you can see examples of the colors, materials, and designs used on homes that are similar to your own. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a consultation for fence installation in the Portland, OR, area.

  • Step-by-Step Guide to Sand a Wood Deck

    Sanding Wooden Deck Safely

    Your wooden deck requires regular care and maintenance. Sanding, staining, and sealing your deck will protect it and preserve its beauty, as well as keep it safe and comfortable to use. If you have noticed splinters, rough boards, or other signs of wear and tear to your deck, it’s time to give it a good sanding. Before you get started, read this step-by-step guide to how to sand a deck to find out the best deck sander to use and the most effective methods for getting your wooden deck smooth again.
    Round sandpaper discs for sanding wooden deck

    Choose the Right Deck Sander

    The first thing you want to do is choose the right type of deck sander for your wood deck species and the size of your deck. If you don’t have a lot of experience using a sander, you may want to ask an expert for advice. You can rent a sander from a local home improvement store or hardware store or buy one. There are a few different deck sander options:

    • Belt Sander – A belt sander uses a continuous loop of sandpaper. It is powerful and fast, so it’s ideal for large decks and decks that need a lot of work. A belt sander can easily remove old deck finishes and make rough, uneven surfaces level again.
    • Orbital Sander – An orbital sander is designed to move in small circles that overlap. It is best for small projects and is easier to use and control, especially if you’re new to deck refinishing. It also produces less sawdust.
    • Random Orbital Sander – A random orbital sander functions like an orbital sander but moves in a random pattern to create a very smooth finish.
    • Detail Sander – A detail sander is small and designed for sanding tight or awkward areas, like around corners and posts. It can be used after you use a larger sander.

    Select the Right Grit for Sanding a Deck

    The sandpaper grit you choose will play a huge role in how smooth your deck gets and how long your project takes. You want to choose a high enough grit that you can tackle rough, old, and damaged areas of your deck but not so high that you end up removing healthy areas of wood. Most projects require a 60 or 80 grit sandpaper, but decks that are damaged or weathered, or have a stubborn coating may require a 40 grit sandpaper. The most commonly used sandpaper grits for deck sanding are:

    • 40 grit – A 40 grit sandpaper can be used to remove paint, stain, varnish, and other coatings for your deck. It will work well on decks that are slightly weathered or damaged and that have more than one layer of finish.
    • 60 grit – A 60 grit sandpaper can remove splinters and smooth out rough edges.
    • 80 grit – An 80 grit sandpaper should be used before you apply stain or sealant to your deck or paint it.
    • 100 grit – A 100 grit sandpaper is used for final touches on stubborn areas so that your deck is very smooth and ready to be stained.

    Prepare Your Deck for Sanding

    Before you begin sanding, you’ll want to clean and prepare your deck. Take all of the furniture and other items off of it. Then remove debris and sweep your deck, or use a leaf blower to get rid of dust and dirt. If your deck is very dirty, you can use a soft power washer or spray it with a garden hose. However, you’ll need to wait for it to dry completely before you begin sanding. If there are any majorly damaged areas on your deck, repair them before sanding. Make sure all screws and nails are fully flush with the deck surface, and replace boards that are too damaged for refinishing.

    Use a Careful, Thorough Sanding Process

    When sanding, you need to use a careful, thorough process to make sure the deck ends up smooth and even. You can watch online videos that show you how to sand between deck boards and get around corners or tight areas. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain and use consistent pressure. Regularly stop and assess the board for imperfections and to make sure it’s evenly sanded. Switch to a smaller detail sander to go around posts, edges, corners, and railings. When you’re finished doing the entire deck, attach the next finest sandpaper grit for a more thorough finish.

    Clean Your Deck Before Staining or Sealing

    When you’re done sanding, you’ll need to clean your deck again before you stain, seal, or paint it. Use a vacuum to remove sawdust and debris. Then, wipe your deck clean with a soft brush or microfiber cloth. If you use a hose or soft power washer, let your deck dry thoroughly before finishing it.

    Call Now for a Consultation for Deck Installation

    Dick’s Evergreen Fence and Deck offers custom deck design and installation. We have more than 40 years of experience in the industry and can help you design your dream deck and outdoor living space. Our deck options include real wood decking, vinyl decking, and composite decking. We also offer add-ons like benches, stairs, deck railings, planter boxes, deck covers, and garden accents. Our experts will build a deck that adds beauty to your home and makes your outdoor living space safe and comfortable to use. Call us now or contact us online to schedule a consultation for an outdoor deck in the Portland, OR, area.