A-1 Patio Experts serves the San Diego's North County. We build all types of patio covers, decks, room additions along with a wide variety of concrete work.

Choosing Materials for your Project

Wood can be used in virtually all projects, it's versatile and has an aesthetic appeal that manmade products do not. Wood can be shaped and cut to desired mold and can be stained or painted easily. Being a natural product wood is also susceptible to deteriation from the elements. Wood can crack, chip, split, warp and twist. It can be affected by mold and mildew, fungus or rot and wood boring insects. Pressure treated wood although at a higher cost, is treated with chemicals that cause it to be resistant to insects and rotting.

Douglas Fir

Most commonly used in framing, decks, and patio covers. Least expensive overall. Good choice enviromentally.

Whitewood;Pine and Spruce

typically used for tongue-and-groove sheathing for exposed ceilings and roofs. Not good in applications exposed to elements. Softer and 20% higher in price than Douglas Fir.

Redwood

formerly a popular material,due to loss old growth forest, usage of young growth trees results in loss of color, strength and insect repellant properties. Cost is very high and maintainance vey high also. Redwood needs to be resealed up to twice a year to maintain beauty.

Exotic Hardwoods

Extremely dense, strong,weather and insect resistant. If you want your deck to really stand out and don't mind the high expense and cost of shipping these woods can create a highly aesthetic look. Also Job could be delayed unless you choose and order lumber right away. May not be a good choice from an environmental standpoint due to rain forest depletion. Good for small deck projects.

Composites

All are a manufactured from plastics and cellulose fibers, becoming more and more popular due to longetivity, insect and rot repellant properties. Virtually maintainence free. Most have simulated grain patterns to mimic wood grain and come in a variety of colors. Worth the high price, used in decking and railing.

Aluminum