Helena Talbot's blog - Five Patio Decking Options You May Not Have Considered

If you have been thinking about installing a deck or patio, your first thought was probably one of the hard wood options.  Most people consider one of the following:  pressure treated wood, cedar, pine or redwood.  However, there are some new options on the market that you may not be aware of.

Here are a few decking options you may not have considered.

1.  Vinyl or PVC.  This material comes in many different colors and is pretty much maintenance free.  Since it doesn't contain any wood, no annual maintenance is required.   Most  PVC products carry a 25 year warranty.

2.   Composite.  This material is made with a combination of wood fiber and recycled polyethylene.  It comes with many different colors and textures that look like real wood and it is considered a very low maintenance product.   However, it will have to be properly cleaned every few years to prevent mold.

3.  Ipe.  This material is a South American hardwood that is naturally rot resistant and very durable.  It does come with a bit of labor as it must be sealed each year in order to help maintain its appearance.  This material is extremely hard so the labor to install this product is somewhat more extensive.

4.  Aluminum.  This is one that most people would not even consider; however, due to modern advances, this product comes with a polyurea coating to help with noise issues and a traction aid to help keep it much cooler than untreated aluminum.

5.  Glass Infused Wood.  This material is wood that has been infused with glass using a silica and microwaving infusion process making it very durable and very low maintenance.

A  well kept deck or patio can actually raise the value of your home, sometimes substantially.   So it's worth installing a deck that not only looks nice but is also low maintenance or better yet maintenance free.  

Talk to your realtor about what options he recommends for your home and your area.  He will also tell you what material option is best for your neighborhood and how much return on your investment  you can expect when you sell.

hI specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.