The new trend in
DECKS ? Sophistication, comfort and low maintenance
By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer
In days gone by, summer Sunday afternoons often meant rocking chairs and swings on the front porch, screened or not, especially in small towns where everyone knew their neighbors. In the 1980s, decks became a very popular way to enjoy the backyard, creating an extension of living areas. The last two years of pandemic and quarantine made these one of the safer ways to be outside. From redwood and cable spool tables, styrofoam coolers and charcoal grills, the style has evolved into sophisticated areas that encompass everything from wine refrigerators to built-in cooktops. This year, the use of more railing, LED lighting and a demand for low maintenance are the buzzwords. Brian Voorde of Big C Lumber agrees, “That’s what we’re getting the most requests for.” Big C, a fourth-generation family-owned company with 16 stores, serves everyone from the DIY crowd to professional builders, remodelers and contractors. “We don’t sell DIY kits, per se, although that might
be a good idea! But we can help you plan what you want and then outline the materials you’ll need to make it happen. We’ve had some difficulties in supply shortages, but it mostly has meant there just aren’t as many choices–the manufacturers are going with their main/ best sellers.” The biggest trend currently is composite decking, in use for several years, Voorde said, and Lonnie Ramer of Hoover Lumber echoed that. It used to be when you thought of decks, you pretty much thought of pressure treated lumber, “and that still sells,” said Ramer, one of three brothers –
14 | Michiana House and Home | July 2022 |
Photos courtesy of Big C Lumber
