There are four predominant building materials used for deck building in Toronto. These materials are differing in terms of price, cost per square foot, durability, and maintenance. The cost of each material will also vary, as will the aesthetics and quality.
You should also take into account the weight of the materials.
The following are some important tips to consider when building a deck. In Toronto, you can choose from four major materials: Cedar wood, Ipe, Philippine Mahogany, and PVC.
Cantilever decks pose safety issues
One type of cantilever deck is a freestanding cantilever deck. These decks are a combination of posts that are anchored to piers in the ground and floor joists that protrude beyond the house. A cantilever deck may not be waterproof, and the risk of serious injury or fatality is greatly increased. Hence, an experienced construction company should be hired.
Although cantilever-style decks look simple and elegant, they pose some risks for the safety of the people who use them. Proper measurement, knowledge of quality materials and adherence to local building codes are required to create a safe deck.
Additionally, the length of the deck must not exceed the recommended length. If the deck is not attached to the house, other methods must be employed to strengthen the structure.
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Cedar wood
Western red cedar from We Are Tropical is a high-quality wood for a deck in Toronto. It is widely valued for its natural color, grain, and rosy hue. The wood is easy to work with, and has a pleasant aroma. It is also resistant to pests and is inexpensive compared to other wood deck materials. Here are some reasons why you should consider Cedar wood for deck building in Toronto:
Cedar wood is native to dozens of countries and comprises many species. It has been revered for thousands of years and is mentioned in the bible as the primary building material for jewish temples. During the modern age, cedar has proven to be a durable, aesthetically pleasing choice for building a deck. Cedar decking is also available from Toronto Decks and Fence Company, a leader in outdoor construction in the GTA for over 10 years.
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Ipe
If you are considering building a deck or soffit in your home, you may be considering Ipe decking in Toronto. The wood is extremely dense, water resistant, and has a life expectancy of more than 75 years, making it ideal for outdoor projects. Ipe decking is a durable option for any type of outdoor space, and is resistant to termites, fungus, and fire. Unlike other woods, Ipe requires very little maintenance, so it is an ideal choice for outdoor construction.
If you’re looking for Ipe decking in Toronto, it’s important to know that the most popular types are 2×4, 6×6, and 8×10. Ipe comes in nominal profiles, too, ranging from 5 / 4×6 decking boards to twox8 and twox10 decking boards. Regardless of the size of your project, you’ll find Ipe in Toronto in the sizes that are most suitable for your needs.
Philippine Mahogany
When you’re looking for a new deck for your Toronto home, Philippine Mahogany is one of the best options. This wood is famous for its beauty and strength and was once the preferred choice for building boats. However, it is no longer readily available and is more suitable for interior applications. Instead, you should look for sustainable-sourced Meranti wood, which is more durable and attractive. It is often referred to as Philippine Mahogany, but there are some differences between it and the other options.
First, it’s important to distinguish between genuine Philippine Mahogany and fake Philippine Mahogany. While these two names are commonly associated, they are entirely different species and are sold under different marketing and botanical names. The Philippine Mahogany species is a unique type of wood. This tropical hardwood is also known as Meranti, Nemesu, and Red Seraya. Although it’s called Philippine Mahogany, its color and grain is not uniform.
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PT lumber
If you’re planning to build a deck in Toronto, you should consider using pressure-treated (PT) lumber for your deck. PT lumber is chemically treated with Alkaline Copper Quaternary, a water-based wood preservative. The wood used in pressure-treated lumber is usually softwood. This treatment is not harmful to the environment, and it also reduces the cost of labor.
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PT lumber is the most affordable decking material on the market. However, not all pressure-treated lumber is created equal. Always look for a label indicating the type and quantity of preservative used. While pressure-treated lumber traditionally included toxic chemicals, companies have stopped using the suspected carcinogen, chromated copper arsenate. While it is the least expensive option, PT lumber requires annual maintenance.
