If your outdoor living space is looking a bit drab, it may be time for a facelift. A structurally sound deck may only require some regular maintenance or material upgrades for a new and updated look. Today’s modern materials and building techniques can remove years from your decks appearance without the cost of a complete overhaul. Here are 3 easy ways to modernize your deck without breaking the bank:
Exploring Finish Options and Construction Techniques for a Modern Deck Remodel
#1-Deck Refinishing- In many cases an older deck just needs a facelift. Wooden decks tend to lose their luster over time becoming weathered and thus looking older. The least expensive and probably quickest update is to clean and refinish your deck. In addition to a clean space looking better; it will actually extend the life of your investment. Leaving environmental contaminants on flat surfaces greatly expedites the amount of wear. UV rays bake on dirt, so try to keep your deck clean with periodic maintenance or hire a pro. A professional refinisher may charge a flat rate for a smaller deck or in the neighborhood of $2.00-$4.00 per square foot for a wooden deck refinish.
#2 Replacing the Decking- If the structural bones of the deck are good then replacing just the deck boards may be an option to achieve a more updated finish. Exotic hardwood species like Ipe‘ and Cumaru are very popular and durable alternatives to older wooden decks. Composite decking also offers a more modern twist on deck boards by offering a ton of color options, faux hardwoods and hidden fastening systems. Both hardwoods and composites can last upwards of 30 years so the cost of these materials is justified by the quality. Hardwood and Composite boards can run anywhere from $2.50 – $6.00 per lineal foot of 6″ material which we need to multiply by 2 in order to get an estimated square foot cost of $5-$12 per square. In addition we need to factor the cost of screws or a hidden fastener system which can add about $1.00-$2.00 dollars per square foot.
#3 Installing New Deck Railings- Adding a cable railing system or glass railing to an older deck will remove decades from its appearance. If the deck has street exposure it will likely take decades off of the appearance of the house as well. Cable railings are modern and sleek; in line with the most utilized style of many newer buildings and developments. Glass railings provide transparency and windbreak with the look of modern finishes like brushed stainless or aluminum. Both railing options provide the ability to add extras like LED lighting for a finishing touch. One smart pro tip for any deck railing replacement project is to try and perform any refinishing, or deck board replacement prior to installing the new railings. By following this order you can avoid any possible damage to the new railings and also make each individual facet more streamlined. A typical order of operations for a more extensive deck remodel would call for any removal and repairs first, followed by a new deck surface and new railings.
San Diego Cable Railings provides sales and installation services for cable railings and glass railings up and down the coast of California. We also offer our cable railing products to DIY customers across the country. If you have questions about ways to modernize your deck our pros can help. Give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page today.
