our services
Category Navigation
Porches & Decking
Expanding your living space by adding a deck is a great American tradition. The key to a successful project is factoring in all the critical design issues, picking the right material for your budget, climate, and lifestyle, and building a structure that will stand the test of time.
Decks and porches with a roof or pergola make excellent outdoor living spaces. Consider including railings, designer deck floors, and eye-catching outdoor lighting or a ceiling fan to make your porch remodel stand out.
Understanding Deck Load
Most decks are designed to support 60 pounds per square foot, which includes the weight of the deck (called the “dead load”) as well as people and furniture (the “live load”). If you host huge bashes, or want to add a hot tub or heavy planters, you’ll need to beef up your deck’s supporting structure for safety’s sake.
Decking, Patios, and porches
What Is A Deck?
A deck is a structure composed of wood that does not have a roof attached to it. As a homeowner, you can get a deck installed on any specific area of your home. Some people like to have a deck in their backyard, while others prefer having a deck that is off to the side of the property. It all depends on the location of your home and the amount of space you have available to get this type of addition constructed.
What is a Patio?
Many people often confuse a patio with a deck or porch, but these are three entirely different things. While the patio is an outdoor area like a porch and deck, it is typically a paved area that is outside of the home and not attached to it. When constructing patios for clients, it is common for contractors to use concrete, bricks, and even assorted stones that were selected by the client.
The purpose of having a patio is to have an outdoor area where you can sit, eat, and relax. Many people with patios like to host parties and gatherings with their loved ones where they are preparing food and serving it outdoors. Once there is the patio, homeowners may invest in items for those patios, including outdoor furniture, that they can leave outside and use whenever they want to sit outdoors.
What is a porch?
The porch is an open structure that has breathable walls, but protection above it. Because there is a cover or roof above the porch, you can comfortably sit outside in any weather without worrying about dealing with the rain, sun, snow, and other elements. The porch is often added to the front of the home. There are several reasons that homeowners choose to get a front porch installed if they do not already have one. It gives them a safe and comfortable place to sit out while enjoying the weather and chatting with their neighbors.
There are different types of materials used to create sturdy and reliable porches for those who would like them. Some of the most commonly selected porch materials include plastic, PVC, wood, aluminum, and solid stone. The materials, colors, and overall style picked for the porch will vary from one home to the next and will typically depend on the personal preference of the homeowners.
Your most valuable asset
Cobalt Contracting gives each project the full attention and care it requires from handling selection details to checking the final item off the punch-list.
