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Decks
 In
architecture, a deck is a flat surface capable of supporting weight, similar to
a floor, but typically constructed outdoors, often elevated from the ground, and
usually connected to a building. The term is a generalization of decks as found
on ships.
Wood or timber "decking" can be used in a number of ways - as part of garden
landscaping, to extend living areas of houses, and as an alternative to stone
based features such as patios. Decks are made from treated lumber, composite
material, Aluminum, Western red cedar, teak, mahogany, ipê and other hardwoods
and recycled planks made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS)
and PET plastic as well as mixed plastics and wood fiber (often called
 "composite"
lumber). Artificial decking products are often called "wood-plastic composites".
Distinctive Designs is a certified installer of leading composite manufacturers.
We have TimberTech’s highest certification “Premier Contractor”. We are also a
Trex Pro contractor. Composites require special construction techniques and
should be installed by a professional with experience with this type of
material.
 Historically,
the softwoods used for decking were logged from old growth forests. These
include Atlantic white cedar, redwood and Western red cedar (redcedar). Atlantic
City built the first coastal boardwalk in the United States, originally
constructed of Atlantic white cedar. However, it was not long before the
commercial logging of this tree and clearing of cedar swamps in New Jersey
caused a decline in the availability of decking. Atlantic City and New York City
both switched to Western red cedar. By the 1960s, Western red cedar from the US
was declining due to over-logging. More expensive Western red cedar was
available from western Canada (British Columbia) but by then, pressure treated
pine had become available.
 But
even with chemical treatments (such as chromated copper arsenate or CCA), pine
decking is not as durable as cedars in an outdoor environment. Thus, many
municipalities and homeowners are turning to hardwoods. Decks are often built
from pressure treated wood. Pressure treated wood is long lasting and holds up
to wet and icy weather conditions. Pressure treated wood however is treated with
chemicals which have been known to be toxic. Slivers received from pressure
treated wood most generally become infected. Pressure treated saw dust also
contains toxins such as strychnine, also often used as rat poison. These toxins,
when inhaled, can require hospitalization for both acute and chronic exposures.
 Generally,
hardwoods used for decking come from tropical forests. Much of the logging
taking place to produce these woods, especially teak, mahogany and ipê, is
occurring illegally, as outlined in numerous reports by environmental
organizations such as Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and Rainforest Relief. US
tropical wood imports are rising, partly due to the demand for decking. Because
of these reasons and concerns we use only hardwoods certified to be from
renewable forests.
 The
deck of a house is generally a wooden platform built above the ground and
connected to the main building. It is generally enclosed by a railing for
safety. Access may be from the house through doors and from the ground via a
stairway. Residential decks can be constructed over steep areas or rough ground
that is otherwise unusable. Decks can also be covered by a canopy or pergola to
control sunlight. We offer many projects and custom designs to enhance your
outdoor living.
Click here to see our Decks Portfolio
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