Decks Can Deliver Delightful Additions (NAPSA)—No matter what style of home you own, building a deck can add value, beauty, and comfort. It’s a natural extension of your living area that draws attention to the outdoors and its surroundings. Whether small or large, decks serve many purposes. Before getting out the saw, drill, and hammer, decide how you want your deck to complement your home. A simple connection between your home and the outdoors? A retreat that offers a quiet, peaceful area? A centerpiece for entertaining family and friends? A deck can be all of these things. Numerous design choices are available to satisfy any taste. Your deck can be a simple compact structure with built-in seating, or an elaborate multilevel design that includes benches, planters and railings. Building a deck can be an easy project, depending on the level of your woodworkingskills, the site you have to work with, and the complexity of your design. Choosing the right material for building your deck is very important. A popular choice is versatile and durable pressure-treated Southern Pine lumber. Treated Southern Pine resists insect attack and decay for many decades, according to tests sponsored by the USDA's Forest Service. Southern Pine is one of the A deck built of pressuretreated Southern Pine can provide decades of backyardleisure. nation’s oldest and most respected lumber species, renownedfor its strength, treatability, and beauty. Once your deck is complete, it will require simple maintenance just like any other part of a house. Apply a water-repellent sealer to all exposed wood surfaces. Be sure the wood surface is dry before applying the sealer. In most climates, a sealer should be reapplied every year or two to reduce the effects of weathering. Treated Southern Pine can also be stained or painted. The Southern Pine Council (SPC) offers a free Garden & Outdoor Idea Book, including deck project plans plus helpful tips about building with pressuretreated Southern Pine. Contact SPC, Box 641700, Kenner, LA 70064 and ask for publication #304 or visit the council’s website at www.southernpine.com.
