Experience the timeless beauty and natural warmth of a professionally installed wood deck for your Hawthorne home.
With all the modern decking materials available today, wood remains incredibly popular. There is something authentic and inviting about real wood that synthetic materials just cannot quite replicate. The warmth underfoot on a cool morning, the natural grain patterns, the way it ages gracefully over time. These qualities make wood decking a classic choice that never goes out of style.
Wood decks also offer excellent value. Quality pressure-treated lumber provides decades of service at a reasonable initial cost. You can upgrade to premium woods like cedar or redwood for that extra beauty if your budget allows. Either way, you get a deck that looks and feels authentic because it is the real thing.
For homeowners who enjoy hands-on property care, wood decks provide the satisfaction of maintaining something beautiful. Regular staining or sealing becomes a weekend project that keeps your deck looking great and protects your investment. Many of our clients actually enjoy this ritual as part of caring for their home.
Here in Hawthorne, wood decks work beautifully with our California climate. The moderate temperatures prevent the extreme expansion and contraction that wood experiences in harsher climates. With proper care, your wood deck installation will serve your family well for 15 to 25 years or more.
Not all wood decking is the same. The species you choose affects appearance, durability, maintenance requirements, and cost. We help you understand these differences so you can select the perfect wood for your situation and budget.
Pressure-treated pine is what most people think of as standard deck wood. Modern pressure treatment dramatically improves rot resistance compared to untreated lumber. It comes in different grades, with higher grades having fewer knots and defects. For the best looking deck, we recommend select or premium grade boards even though they cost a bit more.
Cedar offers natural beauty that many homeowners love. The reddish-brown color is gorgeous when new, and cedar ages to an attractive silver-gray if left unfinished. It naturally resists rot and insects better than pine. Cedar feels smooth underfoot and has that wonderful distinctive scent. The main drawback is cost, typically 2 to 3 times more than pressure-treated pine.
Redwood takes luxury even further. Clear redwood has no knots at all, creating an incredibly smooth, uniform appearance. The color ranges from light tan to deep red. Like cedar, redwood has natural oils that resist decay and insects. It is the most expensive common decking wood but delivers unmatched beauty and longevity.
The quality of installation matters just as much as the quality of materials. A poorly built deck with premium wood will have problems. A well-built deck with standard materials will last decades. We focus intensely on proper installation because that is what protects your investment long-term.
Board selection and placement require skill and experience. We inspect every board before installation, setting aside any with excessive warping, large knots, or defects. The best boards go in the most visible locations. We orient boards so the bark side faces up, reducing cupping as the wood ages.
Proper spacing between boards is critical for drainage and allowing wood movement. Too tight and boards buckle when they expand. Too wide and gaps become trip hazards. We use consistent spacing that accounts for the specific wood species and local climate conditions.
Fastener selection affects both appearance and durability. We use coated or stainless steel screws that will not rust and stain your deck. Screws hold better than nails and allow us to pull boards tight to eliminate squeaks and movement. For premium installations, we can use hidden fasteners that attach underneath, creating a smooth surface without visible screws.
Finish details separate good decks from great ones. We carefully cut all board ends for clean, professional edges. Stair stringers get precisely calculated for even step heights. Railings install plumb and level with consistent spacing. These details take extra time but create the polished look you want. Many clients also choose our custom railing installation to complement their new wood deck.
Wood decks need regular maintenance to stay beautiful and last their full lifespan. The good news is that proper care is straightforward when you know what to do. We provide detailed maintenance instructions with every installation, plus we offer professional maintenance services if you prefer to leave it to us.
New wood decks should be cleaned and sealed after a few months once the wood has finished its initial drying. This first treatment protects the wood and locks in the color. After that, plan to clean and reseal every two to three years depending on sun exposure and wear.
Regular cleaning prevents mold, mildew, and staining. Sweep your deck regularly to remove leaves and debris. Once or twice a year, clean with a deck cleaner and soft brush. Avoid harsh pressure washers on high settings because they can damage wood fibers and create a fuzzy surface.
Many homeowners find our professional deck staining and sealing services well worth the cost. We handle all the cleaning, prep work, and application. Your deck gets the protection it needs without you spending your weekend doing the work. Regular professional maintenance extends your deck's life and keeps it looking like new.
Let's discuss your vision and create a beautiful wood deck that enhances your outdoor living space.
Call (424) 269-7604