Should I Cover My Deck?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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No matter how well you’ve prepared your deck, your deck can still suffer underneath layers of snow and ice all winter. Keep your wood looking great by covering the deck with a tarp in harsh winter months. This covering provides an added barrier between the wood and moisture.

Does a covered deck increase home value?

The addition of a wood deck costs an average of $13,333 and the average resale value of it is $10,083. This means homeowners could recoup about 75.6% of the cost once it’s time to sell the home. ... Adding a deck to your home may seem like a big expense, but it could be worth it in the future.

Does decking need to be covered?

Rain and snow are two key concerns when you have an outdoor deck. If there is no cover , you have to rush indoors as soon as the rain starts to pour down. ... Being sheltered from rain and snow also keeps your deck in shape. And it prevents damage to the wood or composite materials of the deck.

Should I put a roof over my deck?

Installing a porch roof over an existing deck is usually not recommended unless the deck was originally designed to support a future porch . ... As a result, most decks have inadequate footings to support a new porch roof. The footings for porch decks must be larger than deck footings.

Should I cover my decking in winter?

Protect Your Deck

The product won’t apply properly if it is too hot or too cold, so if your deck is more than six months old and untreated, we recommend covering it in a tarp over the winter . Whilst it won’t look great, it will protect the deck from the worst of the weather.

Is a deck worth the investment?

A deck is an overall solid investment that increases the value of your home , even in a down housing market. You can expect to recoup at least 70-80% of your building expenses when you go to sell your home.

Should I replace my deck before selling?

Ultimately, whether or not to change out your deck needs to be as personal a consideration as a strategic one. The wisest plan is to make any improvements at least a few years before you sell , giving YOU a chance to enjoy them while still having them be fresh and new when you list your home.

What can I cover old decking with?

There are many ways to cover an old deck, such as using decking tiles, carpets, rugs, and vinyl membranes . However, if you had your deck for a long time or can’t be covered with any of these, it’s best to consider a replacement.

Can I put outdoor carpet on a wood deck?

Generally synthetic outdoor rug materials are safe for wood decks . They do not absorb water and dry quickly. You only need to make sure they dry both the top and bottom by flipping it over. In addition, make sure no water gets trapped between the rug backing and deck to prevent rotting and mildew.

What can I do with my old deck?

  1. Sell it. Imagine if you could get rid of all that unwanted wood, and get paid for it! ...
  2. Give it away. ...
  3. Trash Pick-up. ...
  4. Reuse It. ...
  5. Trash removal services. ...
  6. Local landfill.

What do you call a roof over a deck?

Traditionally, a pergola is a structure with a crossbeam or latticed covering that can be freestanding or attached to your home to provide visual interest to your landscaping or patio.

How much does a 14×20 deck cost?

New Deck Installation Cost

The average homeowner spends $2,200 to build a 10×10 foot deck, $6,160 to build a 14×20 deck, and $8,800 to build a 20×20 deck. The cost to build a deck with pressure-treated wood, hardwood, or composite is about $25 per square foot, for both materials and installation.

How much does labor cost to build a deck?

Labor Cost to Build a Deck. Labor makes up about half of the cost with most pros charging from $15 to $35 per square foot . For an average 300 to 400 square foot deck, you’ll pay roughly $4,500 to $14,000 for labor alone.

How do you winterize a deck?

  1. Step 1: Inspect. Inspect the entire deck. Check for loose screws, damaged boards, loose handrails, etc. ...
  2. Step 2: Clean. Sweep debris off your deck. Wash the deck with a bleach-free cleaner or mild soap and water. ...
  3. Step 3: Protect. Make sure your deck is completely dry.

What time of year should you treat decking?

When should decking be oiled? In general, Spring is the best time of the year to oil your decking. But it also depends on how long you’ve had your decking. Ideally, newly-laid or newly-treated decking should be left to weather naturally for about six months before you stain or oil it.

How do I seal my deck for winter?

Apply Water Repellant Seal

For the ultimate protection against the winter weather use a high-quality sealant that will fill cracks and coat your deck surface like a shield against moisture and ice. This might require the removal of prior finishes but the result is well worth the extra work.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.