Lindahl Construction Group

There is no doubt about it, those of us who live in Sarasota love to be outside enjoying the sunshine. And although we love the beach, the parks, and our awesome downtown, sometimes just relaxing at home is our favorite thing to do – entertaining friends, cooking on the grill, or just settling in with a good book.

Because of this, outside spaces become very important to many homeowners. Whether a screened-in lanai or a sun-drenched patio, outdoor living is a necessity when building or renovating our homes. Here in Sarasota County and surrounding areas, a wood deck is a popular choice.

South Florida Wood Deck Options

If you have considered putting a wooden deck on your residence, here are some factors to consider.

• • • Fact – People Love Wooden Decks: A wood deck is the most popular option, largely due to the fact that wood is a cost-effective material to utilize. Decks can be constructed of redwood and hardwoods (like jutoba, ipe or tigerwood) but most are made of pretreated lumber and cedar.
      Did You Know? Pressure treated (PT) lumber is estimated to be used in 75% of decks nationwide.
    • What is the Pre-Treated Wood Treated With? You may have heard that some wood has been pre-treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA), thought to be a carcinogen. But CCA hasn’t been used in residential lumber since December 2003, and today’s PT lumber is treated with much safer, less toxic materials.
    • Wood Deck Purists: For many people, the only acceptable choice for decking is redwood or red cedar. Both exhibit deep color and natural beauty – and they aren’t infused with chemicals. Both woods contain tannins and oils which results in material resistant to rot, decay and insects. For best results combatting our wet weather and insects, experts recommend looking for a wood boards which are primarily heartwood. Heartwood grows towards the center of the tree and is hard – as opposed to sapwood, which grows in the outer part of the tree, and is more susceptible to decay. For best results, ask us about B-grade redwood or construction heart redwood.
    • Making it Last: Not surprisingly, the conditions in this region can be hard on outdoor features of your home. Persistent and strong sunlight will beat down on your deck throughout most of the year.
      Very wet conditions exist nearly every afternoon during our spring and summer, and mold and mildew can be a problem.
      Natural wood has many qualities which make it weather resistant, but treatments, stains, and wood-preservatives will also help to keep your deck looking beautiful.
    • Substructure: When you daydream about your dream deck, chances are you haven’t given much thought to what lies beneath it. Even though your deck’s substructure may not make the family photos, it’s actually the most important part of your new outdoor space.
      Here’s a recent project we completed on Longboat Key using Trex triple-coated steel beams, joists and tracks. The Trex support structure creates the strongest, straightest and, yes, greenest structures down below, ensuring this deck will last decades longer than an ordinary deck.
    • Wood Deck Maintenance: A wooden deck is cheaper to install that a man-made composite deck, but does require some additional maintenance, which is often easily done by the homeowner. You’ll need to stain and apply wood preservative every two years or so in order for it to remain looking new; while stripping and sanding will be required approximately every six years. Pressure washing your deck once a year will also help you to reach its maximum life. Be sure to ask the contractor who installs your deck for detailed care and maintenance instructions for the materials used. If you live by the water, such as on Longboat Key, ask about how you can best protect against the salt air.

    Did You Know? The framing of virtually every deck, even one made of composite materials, is wood.

    Wood is naturally beautiful, and as such it fits right in with our tropical lifestyle. If you are hoping to add a wood deck to your home or backyard, call the construction company you can trust – Lindahl Construction about your options.

  • We know that you will love living your best life outdoors on your new wooden deck!