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After a harsh winter, we can all be excused for rushing out the backdoor to our decks and patios as soon as we get a calm sunny day with double digit temps. Keeping pressure treated deck surfaces and framing from premature rot is key to getting the best usable lifespan from our favourite home haunt. John North of Northern Custom Carpentry says it’s not going overboard to retreat the lumber on a regular basis.
For those joining the growing number of home-owners looking towards resin and composite coated decking to minimize maintenance, North says you need to remember how hot those surfaces can get, especially when dark colours are chosen.
Pergolas can service a variety of uses in backyards, while looking stylish and complimentary. North notes that you can easily capitalize on their shade-giving abilites.
North reminds composite-deck owners that their under-framing, as wood, is still susceptible to nature’s aging process and regular treatments are needed as often on those crucial structures, as pressure-treated lumber decking.
Story by Brian Turner
