Why a Wood Patio?
A patio is an outdoor area usually found adjacent to the home on the ground level and can be found in many different styles. A wood patio incorporates wood flooring and, if desired, wood fencing instead of the typical concrete pavement or gravel. Wood patios are great for leisure activities, outdoor cooking and dining.
2. Wood is easy to customize
Wood is an easy building material to work with, as such, woodworking contractors will be able to build any dimension as long as it abides by the city codes. You are able to design a patio in a certain pattern or add shelves, steps, cover, overhead roof, or railings. Other materials do not have the same flexibility that wood does when it comes to customization. According to a deck construction guide published by the American Wood Council, the design of a patio is generally built to be attractive, yet functional and practical. Many wood patio designs feature an overhead roof, an awning, which helps provide shade from the sun and maintain a lower outdoor temperature. There are also enclosed wood patios that provide protection from insects. Fencing around wood patios are popular with homeowners that have pets. The Elite team recently built a patio for a client who wanted to customize her existing patio as depicted by the images below. She requested a complete rebuild, an addition of a ramp for her disabled dog, and a small storage bin for her gardening supplies.
The Three Main Reasons to Build a Wood Patio is as Follows:
- Wood is affordable
Wood has many favorable qualities, wood is one of the most affordable patio building materials available. Depending on customization, scale, and wood type, patios typically range from $15 to $75 per square foot. Wood is affordable, easy to install, and easy to repair. Wood patios are strong, but improper installation and sealing can damage your wood patio which calls for repairs. According to Mark Knaebe, a forest products technologist working for the US Department of Agriculture, explained that if not given proper maintenance, wood patios can develop problems such as checks and cracks, raised grain, and mildew, thus increasing the risk of decay and insect attack. To minimize these problems the lumber used in patios is usually pressure treated with a preservative in addition to applying the finish to wood patios. Usually, wood patio repairs are quick and easy because you only need to replace the damaged area as pictured below. After the replacement wood is installed, commonly, it is coated with protective sealant to guard against weather damage.
3. Wood is visually appealing
Wooden patios seamlessly tie into natural surroundings. Other artificial patios fail to blend into natural surroundings whereas even in certain lighting wood patios can make it feel like your property sweeps right into the outdoors. No cement or plastic patio material will jump into the surrounding environment like wood patios. For further inclusion, wood can be stained to match the natural tones of your surrounding property. According to Anderson, a research engineer, patio decks feature a raised surface that sets above the soil which makes the outdoor area of a home appear more spacious. Additionally, the elevation allows you to enjoy your time outside without dealing with all the bugs and insects. Most of these factors fit the lifestyle of many homeowners. If these three reasons appeal to you then consider calling Elite Construction & Remodel at (916) 469-4660 to get started on your dream patio.
References
Knaebe, Mark. 2013. Finishes for Wood Decks. USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, FinishLine, 2013; 2 p.
2015 International Building Code (IBC), International Code Council (ICC), Washington, DC, 2015.
ANSI/AWC NDS-2015 National Design Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction, American Wood Council, Leesburg, VA, 2015.
https://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download/CAT10309354/PDF
Anderson, L.O., Heebink, T.B., Oviatt A.E. 1972. Construction Guides for Exposed Wood Decks. Forest Service, USDA; Agriculture Handbook No. 432 edition