While wood and composite decks have been the norm for years, local experts say that Fido and family can relax on vinyl- and plastic-made decks that look just as good but don't require the same maintenance.

By Robin Ruehlen
C & G Staff Writer

Homeowners who want to spruce up the backyard with a new deck or patio have a wide variety of options to explore — from stamped concrete and tumbled pavers to plastic and vinyl decks.

Whichever option they choose, however, low maintenance is a common theme for metro Detroit consumers.

Rick Van Daal, co-owner of Haley Stone Supply in Rochester Hills, said large tumbled concrete pavers with a distressed-type finish are becoming a trend in his business.

“If you’re looking for something unique, they give you an Old World look, and that’s something our customers seem to want right now,” he said.

“We also carry wall systems with matching distressed styles to go with the patios.”

Another trend Van Daal says is growing involves stone sitting-walls and planter boxes, along with block pillars with cap planters.

“They’re all done with concrete pavers. We do have granite in stock, but it’s quite pricey,” he said.

Pavers offer an “endless” number of styles and colors, according to Van Daal, and don’t present the maintenance issues they once did, thanks to new advances in joint sand.

“You must maintain the sand in the joints, because that locks in the pavers. It used to come out, and if homeowners weren’t vigilant about it, weeds would get in and grow between the stones, so you’d have to apply weed killer and then re-sand,” he said.

“Now, you can use polymeric sand, which has a hardener built in. You sweep it in dry and moisten it, so it hardens and minimizes re-sanding issues down the road.”

Pino & Sons Cement Contractors Inc. in Warren specializes in concrete removal and replacement, including colored and stamped concrete patios, driveways and sidewalks. Stamped concrete, or patterned or imprinted concrete, is concrete that is designed to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile and even wood.

Al Pino said many of his customers are choosing to have decks and patios replaced with stamped concrete because of the wide variety of colors and patterns, and low maintenance and cost in relation to the materials.

“Concrete is concrete — it will last you 30 years,” he said.

Mat Vivona Jr., owner of Father & Son Construction in Troy, said his customers have become tired of the high maintenance of traditional lumber and composite decks, and have switched to plastic and vinyl options instead.

“The important thing for consumers to know is that plastic and vinyl decks are maintenance-free, but composites are not, because they do contain a certain amount of wood,” he said.

“One manufacturer is involved in a class-action lawsuit over molds on the composite decks, and mold doesn’t occur on plastics.”

Vivona said vinyl decking is constructed out of 100 percent recycled plastic milk jugs, and though it initially is more expensive than a traditional lumber deck, it is much less trouble in the long run.

“You have to factor in how long you’ll be in your home, and how many times you’ll have to refinish a regular wood deck,” he said.

“The vinyl comes in four or five different colors, and the plastic we carry comes in 17 different colors, and also has wood grain patterns embossed right in it. It looks just as good as a regular wood deck.” 

For more information about Haley Stone Supply in Rochester Hills, call (248) 852-5511. To learn more about Pino & Sons Cement Contractors, visit www.pinoandsons.com or call (586) 754-5224. For more information on Father & Son Construction in Troy, visit www.father-son-const.com or call (248) 398-1050.

You can reach Staff Writer Robin Ruehlen at rruehlen@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1105.