by Courtney Pope
Summer is here! As many homeowners improve different aspects of their home, even post-pandemic, a new deck build might be on your list of projects. Are you weighing the options of wood versus composite? Wondering the pros and cons of each and the cost difference? As a Trex Certified Pro-Platinum Contractor, Artisan Outdoor Craftsman, is here to help with your deck build project!
SELECTING A CONTRACTOR
When considering any deck contractor, you should research the prospects website, look or ask for portfolio images, and dig deep into their deck build process and the products they carry or prefer to use. As you research, you’ll find not many companies put in the extra precautions Artisan OC implement for their clients.
With a high honor of Pro-Platinum Contractor with Trex, Artisan OC goes the extra mile on each deck build project and provides a 5-year labor warranty (10-year warranty if the entire deck project is built with Trex product) to the homeowner. Beyond a beautiful, finished product, Artisan OC ensures any post installed in the ground doesn’t rot with time by protecting their posts with seam tape.
“Artisan OC also provides a design team to help homeowners with product, style and color selections that best suits their budget, style and family functionality,” explains founder and president Ryan Coyle.
SELECTING A MATERIAL
If you’re considering wood or composite as your specified materials for your deck build, consider these facts from Trex, the leading composite deck material in the world. Beyond the quality material itself, Trex provides a competitive warranty, extensive accessory catalog, and a nearly-maintenance free product.
Trex provides three levels of product with an array of colors, styles and accessories that all come with a 25-year color fade and stain warranty. Wine spills, sun scorching, or even pet soils over the years pose no problem to the hardy material – its three-sided protected material will not fade, stain, scratch, or mold. The product is hassle free for homeowners with cleaning being as simple as pressure washing with soap and water! If you have the great outdoors on your mind, rest easy knowing Trex uses a 95% recycled composite board!
With the expansive Trex product line, it’s easy to specify Trex for your deck from top to bottom, literally! “We can create dry spaces underneath a second story deck with the Rain Escape System. This allows the homeowner to have additional outdoor living space that can be used in all-weather!” says Coyle.
THE PRICING DIFFERENCE
As you’ve likely noticed, lumber pricing has been fluctuating due to supply and demand. The Trex Transcend and Trex Select are comparable (within 5-10%) to the current prices of wood decking! Even if a customer selects the highest level, Trex Enhance, the cost equals out after about 2-3 years with a traditional wood deck re-stain or re-paint. Also consider wood decking material is not backed by a warranty and the easy maintenance of simply cleaning Trex is not matched by wood.
YOUR NEXT STEP
To begin your deck project in the Greater Indianapolis area, visit artisanoc.com, complete the contact form and questionnaire to submit to the Artisan OC design team. Their team will then review and be in touch to start your deck build project!
