Bay Area Outdoor Living specializes in crafting natural wood decks that provide a classic, genuine aesthetic and usher homeowners into the serene, open-air lifestyle synonymous with the region.
For homeowners in the Bay Area seeking to extend their living space into the calming, scenic outdoors, few options compare to the timeless warmth and authenticity of natural wood decks. Unlike patios or other hardscaping, wood decks provide a smooth, splinter-free surface underfoot that seems to cradle you as you walk across it. The varied grains and rich hues of natural wood evoke feelings of harmony with nature, transporting you into a peaceful state of mind. With their gently sloped stairs, built-in benches, and wrap-around design, wood decks entice you to leave the indoors behind and unwind outside.
At Bay Area Outdoor Living, our expertise lies in crafting custom wood decks that become an extension of your home. More than just a functional addition, we see wood decks as an opportunity to create an intimate haven that facilitates meaningful connections and quality time with loved ones. A wood deck designed specifically for your home can transform an unused corner of your property into an entertainment space, private retreat, or family hangout zone.
The Natural Choice: Benefits of Wood Decking
For centuries, wood has been the quintessential material for outdoor decking across the world. Beyond just nostalgia, several inherent advantages make wood the first choice for decking:
Organic Beauty: The varied grains, natural imperfections, and rich patina of wood lend decks a timeless, organic beauty. The warmth and authenticity of real wood brings spaces to life.
Customizability: Wood can be readily shaped, cut, and finished to match diverse designs. Stains in various opacities and colors allow for personalization.
Durability: Dense hardwoods like Ipe and Cumaru stand up well to weather, foot traffic, and sun exposure when properly maintained.
Eco-Friendly: Wood is biodegradable and renewable. Responsible harvesting and sourcing make wood an environmentally sustainable choice.
Sure Footing: Wood’s slight texture provides footing that is neither slippery nor abrasive. It is comfortable to walk across barefoot, giving decks a cozy, welcoming feel.
Insulation: Wood acts as an insulator, absorbing heat from the sun during the day to keep decks warmer at night. This expands the seasons when the space can be enjoyed.
Wood Varieties for Decks
Choosing the ideal wood for your deck depends on budget, aesthetics, and performance needs. Our experts will guide you through the possibilities:
Pressure-Treated Pine: Affordable and widely available. Offers good longevity when properly sealed and maintained. Has a distinctive knotty appearance.
Redwood: A West Coast native wood with rich reddish-brown hues. Naturally decay-resistant but expensive. Gives a refined, upscale look.
Cedar: A fragrant wood with warm reddish tones. Its natural oils fend off rot and pests. Requires minimal maintenance beyond cleaning.
Ipe: An ultra-dense Brazilian hardwood with exceptional durability and insect/rot resistance. Provides a luxurious, exotic vibe but needs diligent upkeep.
Tigerwood: Tropical hardwood from South America with bold dark stripes when new. Strong and stable but loses vibrancy over time.
Teak: A prized golden-hued tropical wood ideal for coastal areas. Needs frequent maintenance but ages beautifully into a silvery gray.
Mahogany: A rich reddish-brown wood treasured for its workability and elegance. Rot-resistant but requires care to maintain its rich patina.
Meranti: A good-value Southeast Asian hardwood that blends durability with affordability. Tones range from light pink to deep red.
Wood Deck Installation Process
Transforming your home with a custom wood deck requires careful planning and flawless execution. Here is an overview of our structured process:
Design Consultation: We evaluate your space, needs and style. Then our team creates a 3D rendering of your customized wood deck vision.
Permitting: We handle the permitting process and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Site Preparation: We demarcate the area and prep the site by leveling and clearing away any existing structures or debris.
Foundation: Concrete footings are poured and allowed to cure fully to form a robust underlying base.
Framing: Pressure-treated lumber is used to construct the deck frame that will support the chosen wood boards.
Board Installation: Your preferred wood decking boards are precisely cut, placed, gapped, and fastened into an impeccable surface.
Safety Features: Railings, gates, lighting and other elements are incorporated according to code and your priorities.
Final Touches: We integrate any built-in benches, planter boxes, pergolas or other customized highlights.
Cleanup: A thorough site cleanup leaves you with a pristine and polished new entertainment space.
Wood Deck Maintenance
Like any other addition, a natural wood deck requires periodic care and upkeep. We provide valuable tips to keep your wood deck looking its best:
– Inspect boards annually for cracks or warping. Replace damaged planks promptly to prevent further deterioration.
– Wash the deck with mild soap and water using a soft brush. Allow it to dry completely before re-sealing or re-staining.
– Re-apply protective sealers and stains when they start wearing thin. This prevents moisture damage and sun fading.
– Keep debris cleared from gaps between boards. This allows air flow to prevent mildew and trapped moisture.
– Tighten any loose nails/screws and check for damage around posts and railings. Make repairs right away.
– Consider coating boards with penetrating oils like Penofin to nourish wood and enhance water repellency.
Live Your Best Outdoor Life
In the sublime, picturesque setting of the Bay Area, a thoughtfully designed wood deck expands your opportunities for relaxing, entertaining, and connecting with nature. At Bay Area Outdoor Living, our passion is crafting wood decks that interweave seamlessly with your home and lifestyle. Whether you seek an alfresco dining space, secluded corner for reading, or play area for kids and pets, we bring your unique vision to life. Contact us today to schedule a design consultation!