If you’re like most home owners, you’re looking to invest in creating a small outdoor oasis for your friends and family this summer. With the multitude of options for your backyard, how do you know what’s right for you? Two options that many homeowners consider are decks and porches.
Porches are typically smaller in size and don’t extend too far off the home. They are often built with the same aesthetics and characteristics as the house. It becomes an extension of the home without having its own personality.
Porches are a good choice because they:
- Provide protection from rain and other weather
- Can be retrofitted with glass panels
- Continue the look of the home
- Can be made with tongue and groove decking for a gapless floor
Decks are the other category that many home owners consider building for the summer. Decks offer a wider variety of designs and are often much larger in size than porches. Decks can be built attached or completely separate from the house.
Benefits of decks include:
- Design flexibility
- Larger structure
- An open area to enjoy the sun
- Ability to upgrade with hot tubs or outdoor kitchens.
- Potential for a second story
- Lower cost than a porch due to lack of a roof.
Both options have benefits and it depends entirely on what you want to gain out of your outdoor living space. These factors will help you decide which option is best for you.
‘re-doing my deck and heard this Cumaru would be better. But I’m concerned with the weather. I live in New York and we get bad winters and I dint want to do much staining or wood protecting to this deck. Please help
Michele,
Cumaru is almost as hard and dense as Ipe. It comes only within a few Janka hardness. We’ve had Cumaru installe din NYC and Buffalo as well. The trick is always proper acclimation and installation. Here is a general guide to proper installation: http://www.advantagelumber.com/cumaru_deck_install.htm
If you have any more specific questions, feel free to give us a call