Outdoor Decking

With the opportunity to enjoy fine weather so often in San Diego, it’s nice to have all the outdoor amenities that are available. One item homeowners love to add to their yards is decking. Imagine your favorite dish cooking on the BBQ while lounging on your deck. This is Southern California living at it’s finest. If you are ready to add a deck to your backyard, you’ll want to know a few things about adding a deck on your property including permits and options for materials. 

Does my deck require a permit?

You should always check about permit requirements in your specific location for any construction you perform on your property.  This includes decking. The city of San Diego has 4 instances when a residential deck would require a permit:

  1. When the deck area exceeds 200 sq ft. 
  2. When the deck exceeds 30 in. above grade at any area
  3. When the deck is attached to a dwelling 
  4. When the deck serves as the main exit door

You can read more about the city of San Diego specifications for decks on their website.

Material Options for your Deck

Pressure Treated Wood

Pressure treated lumber is a very popular decking material. The wood is treated with pressure and a solution that makes it resistant to rot, fungus and insects. It is relatively inexpensive compared to other natural materials. Even though it is treated, it is still best practice to seal pressure treated wood to make it last. One downside to pressure treated wood is that it is prone to developing cracks as it dries.

Solid Wood

The classic decking material is some variety of real wood. Some people prefer the look and thought of having a solid wood deck. Redwood and cedar are both popular choices for decking. Both of these woods handle resist rot and bugs naturally. Redwood’s natural color is darker than cedar. Redwood is rated stronger than cedar but both are perfect for a solid deck.

Exotic Woods

Exotic woods like Ipe are another popular choice for decking. Ipe also has a strong resistance to rot and insects. It is recommended to apply sealant to many solid woods to prevent damage. It is dependent on the variety of natural wood used. Checking if the wood is harvested sustainably is good for our environment.

Composite Wood

Composite wood is a mix of wood fibers, plastic and resins. It is strong and holds its look well. It resists rotting and fading. Composite wood won’t warp,splinter or develop cracks. Bugs don’t want to eat it for lunch either.

Aluminum

Aluminum decking has the biggest combination of benefits compared to the other materials mentioned. Aluminum is a natural material that can be recycled. Aluminum is durable and doesn’t splinter or crack like real wood. It doesn’t rot or rust and does not attract insects. Aluminum decking also stays cool on hot days.

These are some of the more common decking materials. Choose your favorite and get ready to enjoy your enhanced outdoor space. Don’t forget to bring your favorite book and drink! Check out our article on concrete which is another popular material for creating your perfect landscape.

If you would like a complimentary quote and consultation for a deck on your property, call us at (858) 842-1962 or fill out the form below.