Big decisions on deck

Sun., May 30, 2010

Tom Skevin The Record (Hackensack N.J.)

For more living space without paying for the cost of an addition, or just to add some outdoor living, consider a deck.

Before contacting a contractor, do some homework.

“Make sure that you know what you want (as far as) color, material, style and size,” says John Tatarelli of JT Decks and Improvements in Elmwood Park, N.J.

“Once the job is complete it (may) be too late to make changes, and if changes can be made they will be costly.”

Along with cedar and pressure-treated lumber, there are a number of synthetic and composite materials that can look like wood but offer pluses that the natural stuff cannot.

These nonwood products do not splinter, warp or rot. There even are steel products in the mix to choose from.

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