Deck construction options provide customized space

by Paul Schreiber

SBJ Contributing Writer

Adding a deck to an existing home is one way many southwest Missourians take advantage of the natural beauty of the Ozarks. Deck use varies with design styles, but they're most frequently enjoyed as a "chance to get outside and add livable space up away from the bugs," said Randy Zickefoose, manager of Modern Exteriors of Springfield.

Construction of a deck is often straightforward: a simple right-angle platform coming off the back or side of a home at either ground level or a higher floor.

Built on a suitable wooden substructure and then fitted with a floor, railings, and steps, if necessary, the area becomes a functional space for sunning or outdoor cooking.

Beyond this basic approach, however, a variety of options is available. Decks are often built with roofs, trellises to hold plants, and glass-enclosed interiors for year-round usage, said Steve Ash, superintendent of Bright Construction. For homeowners, these enclosed decks provide an "extension of their house, but it's not an expense like a room addition."

Other deck options may include curved edges that wrap around the house or conform to permanent property features like trees or boulders, two or more tiers connected with stairs, or a ramp for easier access for family members or friends with disabilities.

Sometimes decks are even built around an existing tree in order to save it, Ash said, citing a previous customized deck he worked on.

"It was a nice accent to the house too," he added.

It's necessary to address the potential pitfalls of Missouri's limestone geology and sinkhole topography when considering a deck addition.

Before construction begins, the ground is assessed for both stability and building suitability, Ash said. A determination is then made by setting a footer for the supporting post to see if there would be any heaving or sagging of the completed deck, he added.

The overall size and style, cost of labor, types of materials used and any special features will figure into the final cost calculation arrived at by a homeowner and deck designer.

The material most frequently used is a chromated copper arsenate-treated, or CCA-treated, wood, according to Mark Bennett, estimator for Hoffman's Specialities & Construction.

CCA treatment of wood "helps resist rot," said Scott Snelson, secretary for Patios & Decks By John Moody. The chemical works both as a preservative and an insecticide for the wood and increases its life outdoors.

Other popular, but more expensive, options for decking are cedar or redwood, he added.

Another material option gradually making its way into the Ozarks is a vinyl or plastic resin product. This material requires little or no maintenance, is durable and is about two to four times as expensive as CCA-treated wood, Bennett said.

There are several additional features that can be included on a deck to personalize it for the owner. The flooring structure can be modified to support a jacuzzi or spa.

Benches can be added around the perimeter to seat guests and may also include bins for storage. Planter boxes can be affixed to railings or set on the flooring to accommodate flowering plants, ferns or small trees.

Deck prices vary according to the material and labor factors inherent in any type of construction. Snelson has seen quotes from $1,500 to $15,000, but an estimate of around $3,000 is most common.

Protecting an investment in a wood deck is best accomplished by keeping it clean and applying a water-repellent sealant to its surface, Zickefoose said. He added that using a sealant with a color pigment in it is better than a clear product because otherwise "the ultraviolet rays can still damage it."

Bennett echoed this observation. The sun is "the main thing that damages decks," he said.

Without sealant, they'll dry out "like a person's skin, like the finish on a car," he added.

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