Good choices make good decks (ARA) - They're comfortable. They can be a private sanctuary or party central. They're as close to home as you can get. And they often return as much money as it costs to build them. They are decks: a practical and enjoyable investment for nearly any residence. It's no wonder they are so popular, now part of more than 25 percent of all homes in the United States, with a much higher percent- age in suburban neighborhoods. The enjoyment value of a deck, and certainly the financial value when a home is resold, depends largely on the attractiveness of the deck. In turn, the appearance de- pends on the materials chosen, the workmanship during construction and the deck’s maintenance. Deck materials There are more decking choices now than ever, including mahogany, composites and plastics. However, the overwhelmingly preferred choice, based on longevity, ease of installa- tion, availability, natural appear- ance and economy, remains pres- sure-treated wood. Even here there are choices, including a new wood that is receiving excellent reviews from early users. Traditional treated wood, such as Wolmanized wood and Outdoor wood, has been used extensively since the mid 1970s. It resists dam- age from termites and decay, and many manufacturers offer a warran- ty that extends for the lifetime of the purchaser in residential and agricul- tural applications. A new type of preserved wood, re- cently introduced in the United States, has similar longevity but uses a different preservative solu- tion. Natural Select wood is protect- ed by a copper-based preservative with an organic fungicide, and also carries a lifetime limited warranty. Though new to the United States, wood treated with this preservative has been used for nearly a decade in Europe. Natural Select wood is an ideal choice where regulations or en- vironmental concerns create the de- sire for an alternative to traditional treated wood. Regardless of the wood chosen, homeowners should be aware of dif- ferences in lumber grades. Preserva- tives make wood last longer, whether that wood is lower-grade material with knots and missing corners, or higher-grade material with few blemishes. Make sure you get the grade of lumber you want. The grade is marked on the wood, and usually noted on the store’s price signs. Consider the more expensive, higher grades for visible parts of the deck, and use lower cost, lower grade lumber where beauty is not critical. See DECKS, pg 10 Nothing beats a well-designed deck for casual summer gatherings. nF Spruce Up Your Sormal Soom For The Opring The Upholstery Co. Se VISA Master Card e—— 722 Pittston Avenue - South Scranton “Compare Our Prices & Save” Daily 9 to 5; Sat. 9 to 1 =
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers