Composite​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Decking Is Just a Better Choice in Smithtown, NY: Lessons From Local Backyards

 

For sure, you have figured out how our weather changes all the time Deck Builder in Smithtown, NY if you have been living here for quite a while already. I mean one week is at 60 degrees and you can even wear a t-shirt, and the next week you are forced to barricade your deck furniture so that it won't be blown into the neighbor's yard. There is no doubt that outdoor wood components are the ones to suffer the most from the salt air drifted from the Sound, the June humidity and the freezing-thawing cycles of December through March.

I have also been growing up in Smithtown and I must say that as a person who is very much involved with decks, it has been my observation that in the backyards of Smithtown the same sequence of events is being repeated, one after another: initially traditional wood looks visually appealing- however, it soon turns out to be not the case. In a very short period, the wood starts to fade, crack, warp or get mildew spots that are hard to remove no matter how much cleaning you do.

Indeed, the place where most home-owners around this area start talking about composite decking is exactly that point. It is not about being trendy, luxurious or having the 'perfect' backyard, but rather simply about Smithtown's weather which practically gives you a guarantee of the necessity of maintenance at least once in a while.

Allow me to reveal to you what the working experience with my neighbors, friends, and families has taught me.

When Wood and Smithtown Weather Were Not Made for Each Other

We had the chance to collaborate with a family whose home was along Jericho Turnpike a few years ago. They had a pressure treated deck that was about six or seven years old but visually appeared to be close to twenty. The north side had mildew, which caused it to turn almost black, the rails were curling, and a few of the boards had risen just enough to catch someone off guard and cause them to fall.

The homeowner said to me a thing he did so many times. 'I was supposed to stain it every two years and that is exactly what I did. I really don't see what else I could have done.'

Truth be told? He was not doing any mistake.

Smithtown is characterized by:

1. spring rainstorms that soak everything for days,

2. humid summers that keep surfaces damp, and

3. long winters that have freeze-thaw cycles

This combination is the perfect recipe for natural wood to be worn out. Even cedar, which is a wood many homeowners think will last forever, can have a hard time here without it being constantly taken care of.

It is most probably at this point when people start seriously considering composite decking and think of it not as 'maybe someday' but 'yeah... maybe now'.

Why Composite Decking Is a Good Idea Locally

There is not a single piece of material that is all good and composite decking is no different. However, in our case, the benefits almost perfectly correspond to the challenges we are facing.

1. Moisture Resistance

Poor springs and damp summers that Smithtown has are turning wood into a perfect place to reproduce mold and rot. I have seen decks, the bottom side of which is so wet that the joists are getting covered with mushrooms.

Composite is not a material that water can get into it easily like in wood. After a continuous rain for a whole week, the boards still look dry and hard. This is enough for the majority of homeowners to put their minds at rest.

2. Fade Resistance (Even With Coastal Sun)

We do have a rather strong sun here, especially in yards that are facing south or west. And many wood decks after two summers lose their color unevenly and are taken to be patchy.

Namely, composite boards are able to keep their original color for a very long time. The faded and washed-out look of wood decks that you can often see in Brooksite Drive or near the Nissequogue River is not what you get with composite.

3. Low Maintenance—Really

Admittedly, the term 'low maintenance' is highly overused, but composite in reality works on a different level. Usually, a simple wash would suffice and maybe a gentle scrub if interactions like heavy barbecuing took place during the summer.

Last fall, a neighbor at Maple Avenue told me, 'My deck used to be a weekend project now it takes me five minutes to hose it off.' and he was totally serious.

A Local Story: When Composite Was the Right Fit

One of my most beloved projects was a small backyard in the Village of the Branch area. The homeowners had two little kids, a dog, and their busy life which didn't allow them to spend the weekends sanding and staining.

In short, their old deck was the victim of dog scratches, sun damage, mold on the shady corner, as well as the curling of wood. When we talked through what they wanted the mom said something that stuck with me:

"I want to use my yard without constantly being interrupted by the thought that something needs fixing."

Such experience is very common among Smithtown families these days—life is rushing and the outdoor space should be a stress-free time, not another task list.

The close cooperation of a year, the result is the perfect fit for the-homeowners, a medium-tone composite board that serves multiple functions such as preventing the board from getting too hot during the summer and hiding the footprints. I met with them at a local event and they said that they still hadn't done anything other than rinsing off the spilled juice and occasional dirt from the dog.

Sometimes people think "low maintenance" means boring. But in this case, it meant freedom.

Understanding the Heat Factor: A Real Consideration Here

What I constantly tell to my neighbors is one and the same: when exposed to the full sun, composites can be warmer than wood. And the majority of S

mithtown backyards are not very shady—especially the ones in newly developed areas where the trees are still young.

What is usually doing the trick is:

1. Opting for pale colors (as they tend to retain less heat)

2. Depending on the shade—pergolas, umbrellas, or the positioning of plants

3. Employing textured boards which do not absorb as much heat

I was my own teacher when it came to that lesson. I chose a darker color on my deck because I thought it looked great… and towards the middle of July, it dawned on me that I have to wear sandals if I am to walk over it. The net result is that I always talk about that event so that they can make a better plan than I did.

A Few Tips for Smithtown Homeowners Considering Composite

You are about to make the change, right? Then take a look at what I have come to know from working locally which are a few of the things:

Look at Samples in Real Sunlight

Nothing is complete without the final trial. Even the best indoor showroom can't give away the whole secret. Natural lighting in Smithtown, and especially that golden late-afternoon sun, can have a very dramatic effect on color.

Plan for Winter Expansion and Contraction

Composite boards will slightly expand if heated and contract if cooled. Given that we are having freeze-thaw cycles, the appropriateness of the spaces between boards is very important. Builders in our area are quite proficient about this but it never hurts to be knowledgeable.

Think About How You Actually Use Your Backyard

Hosting? Kids? Pets? Quiet mornings with coffee? Each way of life suggests different textures and colors. The reason is not to be trendy but to choose the one that suits your life.

Consider Mixed Materials

It is not obligatory to go for 100% composite. There are some Smithtown residents who accompany the composite decking with aluminum or cable rails, and make wood accents for the warmth.

Final Thoughts From One Neighbor to Another

Living in Smithtown means going along with the weather that is changing its mind every three days, summers that are so humid as if someone turned the humidity to "maximum", and winters that look like they will last forever. Our houses—and especially the outdoor spaces—require materials that are up to the task.

Composite decking is not a way of flaunting your backyard. It is about the decision that lets you have more time to enjoy your outdoor space and less time to fix it.

I have also seen wood decks doing well here but they come with a substantial demand for commitment. And for many families, composite decking is just more in tune with their lives.

Whatever you decide, don't forget that: a deck is supposed to be life-augmenting, not life-complicating. And, in a town like Smithtown where backyards are such a big part of everyday life—from summer barbecues to fall fire pit nights—the right choice of materials really is the game changer.

Whenever you feel like exchanging ideas on what works best in your corner of Smithtown, I am here. Helping each other is the way we do it here in Smithtown—that's the one thing about this town that doesn't ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌change.

How​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ We Helped a Family Locally Solve Their Backyard Drainage Problem Without Tearing Up Their Whole Yard

 

In Deck Builder in Riverhead, NY, we sometimes come across a project where the homeowners believe that they have a "massive" problem that is going to result in the whole yard turning into a construction site, days of noise, and a bill that they are already nervous about. However, just as often, after a thorough inspection, it turns out that the problem is not as serious as it initially appeared.

The case of the family on the north side of Riverhead whom we assisted last spring is a perfect example of such a situation. Their backyard was repeatedly soaking in water every time it rained. And if you have stayed here for a long time, you are familiar with how spring comes at the East End - continuous rain is followed by a cold snap and then by a warm spell which makes the ground wet again. As a Deck Builder in Riverhead, NY, we have witnessed this cycle taking a toll on decks, patios, lawns, and almost everything that is in the yard.

The good news? Not every drainage problem is a result of tearing half the property up. Sometimes, just being very observant of the yard and making a few changes can bring the situation back to normal.

A Little Background on Riverhead Backyards

If you are new in Riverhead, you may not think that drainage would be such a common problem. The reason is that most of the area is covered by sandy soil which normally drains water very well. However, the difficult part is that Riverhead is not consistent. Some places have sandy loam, some have clay pockets and certain low-lying neighborhoods near the Peconic River or Reeves Bay that are a little bit lower than the land around them.

This alone can lead to very different drainage patterns. Our coastal humid atmosphere, heavy storms coming from the Sound, and the way winter frost affects the soil are some of the other reasons why a yard that looks flat can still hold water.

Therefore, this local family situation was exactly like that.

What the Homeowners Were Dealing With

When we first met with the homeowners, they told us that they had not used their backyard for months. Water was always pooling in the same two places whenever it rained - one was right under the deck and another by the fence line. The yard was not drying for days. The children could not play outside, the dog was leaving muddy paw prints everywhere and one of the deck posts was getting its condition like it was constantly in moisture.

They thought the entire yard needed regrading. They were even worried about pulling up parts of the deck.

The point is, after experiencing this kind of stuff so often, you become quite good at differentiating big drainage problems from small-but-annoying ones.

This case? Certainly, the latter.

Walking the Yard Together

Every time we cooperate with homeowners, we are willing to inspect the whole yard together with them. Not only look at the problem area - because yards are tricky. Water goes where it wants and sometimes the cause can be ten feet away from where the puddle is forming.

While we were walking through the property, we found several things that were very obvious:

1. The left side of the yard was sloping downward very slightly—if you were not looking for it you would hardly notice it.

2. On that same side, a large, gorgeous maple tree was blocking most of the afternoon sun, thus slowing the evaporation process.

3. The downspout located at the back corner of the house was releasing water right toward the yard instead of away from it.

By themselves, any of these are not large problems but together? They made the perfect combination for a soggy, slow-drying yard.

Realizing the Issue Was Smaller Than It Looked

One of the things that we often hear in Riverhead is the statement of homeowners presuming that drainage problems mean excavation, new pipes, or tearing up half of their yard. Sometimes it is true—but mostly it is not.

The main problem in this situation was that water from the downspout had no place to go. Adding to that, there was shade and a very subtle low spot, so the result was a backyard that was like a sponge.

After we explained this to the homeowners, it was almost like you could see the relief passing over them. There is something reassuring in knowing that the problem in your yard is not as overwhelming as you thought.

Simple Fixes That Made the Biggest Difference

Redirecting Runoff the Smart Way

The task of redirecting that downspout was the first one. To extend it by a few feet and slightly angled the water so that it went towards a part of the yard that dried more quickly was the way that the house owners were made to see their work. This one little adjustment is the reason half the issue is solved in many instances.

Improving Airflow and Sun Exposure

The following step was to trim a few branches from the maple tree—not enough to change the look of the yard, just enough to allow more sunlight into the area that remained wet for the longest period of time. A little extra sun does a surprisingly big amount of work.

Adding a Discreet Drainage Channel

At last, along the fence line, we installed a shallow gravel-filled swale. It was subtle, easy to blend in with the landscape, and did not require any massive digging. So, it gave the water an easy path to the place where it had to go instead of staying in the same spot.

None of these fixes were flashy. No heavy machinery was needed for any of them. But the yard's water handling was completely transformed by them, the yard, in fact, was water handling differently.

What We Learned (and What Homeowners Often Don’t Realize)

Enough time spent working in Riverhead will train you:

1. Weather along the coast is not a thing you can predict.

2. People usually underestimate how much water is brought by Spring storms.

3. Sandy soil may not be as "sandy" as it seems sometimes.

4. The biggest part of drainage problems stems from small habits, not huge structural issues.

The largest shock of them all for homeowners is the amount of influence their gutters and landscaping have on where water goes. Even a tiny change in slope—or an overgrown shrub or two—can make a normal rainstorm last for days turning the land into a swamp.

Tips We Now Share With Our Riverhead Neighbors

Pay Attention After a Heavy Rainfall

There can be no better time for the identification of drainage problems than the moment that comes right after a heavy rain or a storm. You will be able to find puddles, low points, and places where water is not moving like it should, at once.

Check Where Your Gutters Dump Water

This one is almost too simple, but it’s huge. Ground drying would take place if only gutters were not directing water onto the same ground all the time.

Understand That Small Changes Add Up

Small changes like tree trimming or putting some gravel can become very significant in the long run.

A Feel-Good Ending for the Family (and Their Yard)

After less than a month of implementing these changes, the homeowners shared with us that their yard was drying much faster than usual. Children were outside playing again. The dog stopped bringing mud into the house. And the deck was no longer over a puddle.

The most wonderful thing? Their yard felt like their yard again.

Final Thoughts From Your Local Deck Builder in Riverhead, NY

We have learned just one thing working in Riverhead which is every yard is different with its own unique traits. Sometimes, land only requires a little maneuvering—a gentle push in the right way. And in most cases, the solutions are much more neighborly and less frightening than what the owners of the houses think.

This is the charm of living and working in a community where neighbors care for each other: things can always be made better without the need for going overboard.

If you want another topic, blog, or outline for Riverhead (or close towns), just drop me a ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌line!

What​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ We Have Found About Decking After Fifteen Islip, NY Home Projects

We get reminded every time we start a new deck project here in Islip, that the putting up a deck in our town is… well, kind of a different thing. Not tougher, definitely—not, just a little bit unique. From the salty air coming in from the Great South Bay to the Nor’easter that rages the neighborhood from time to time, these are the local factors that affect how decks function, how long they live, and even how owners end up utilizing them, Deck Builder in Islip, NY.

So, I felt like sharing with you some of the real thoughts, insights, and lessons that we have learned by supporting our neighbors in the construction, reconstruction, and rethinking of their outdoor living spaces. If you are thinking of a deck project for your Islip home, consider this as the guidance of a person who has literally been around the block a few times.

Why Islip Decking Is Slightly Different

Maybe you have lived somewhere more inland—perhaps upstate or even a little further west—and you are not aware that the weather off the South Shore changes a lot of things. Homeowners in Islip do not just have to cope with "normal" weather. We have to cope with humidity, salt air, strong winds, and seasonal swings that can be quite harsh on our outdoor materials.

Those conditions mean a lot for decks.

We stumble upon this phenomenon very often: the expectations of people's regarding the materials are mostly derived from the experiences of a friend or relative in another place. But the deck which worked perfectly in their dry, inland neighborhood may not be able to do so a mile from the bay.

Deck Material Changes Due to “Islip Weather Effect”

Moisture is the major source of all problems in this case. A wood deck is very likely to soak up moisture very fast out of it in the presence of summer humidity, morning dew, and storm coming from the water. This is the point where you can spot warping, splitting, and discoloration, predominantly in the case of wood that is not maintained annually.

Subsequently, it is winter. Our freeze–thaw cycles may not be that severe as in the northern New York, but they are enough to widen the moisture in the decking boards and cause slow damage. And still, salt air is a silent accomplice—it is brought in through the wind and gradually affects both wood and metal fasteners.

The thing is: selecting a deck material in Islip is not only a design decision. It is a durability decision.

Consequently, We Talk to Real People, Who, in Turn, Choose Us for Their Material Decisions

One thing that is great about Islip residents is their inquisitiveness and thoughtfulness when it comes to questions of home improvement. Typically, people bring to us terrific questions—some of which are practical, budget-oriented, and some that are from what a cousin or neighbor told them after their project.

Some of the most inquisitive questions we come across are:

“Is composite worth what it costs?” “How much maintenance would wood really require in this place?” “What works best close to the water?” “What’s the difference between composite and PVC, anyway?”

Our sharing is usually a mix and based on real experiences of homes we have worked on around town. Let’s elaborate on that.

Pressure-Treated Wood: The “Classic Choice” That is Still Popular, but May Need More Care

Many of Islip homeowners still decide to opt for pressure-treated wood. Besides it being a material most people are already familiar with, the newly stained wood looks great, and the initial cost is lower.

But the truth that we always share, even if people don’t like it at first, is that a wood deck in Islip is a wood deck that requires continuous upkeep.

Due to the presence of moisture and salt air, the time between staining or sealing is not a matter of a few years but rather a year. Even then, most wood decks will start to weather quite rapidly in this area.

Is it an entirely wrong choice? No, certainly. One that just asks for a little more dedication.

Composite Decking: What is Attracting More and More Islip Families to This Choice

During the last several years, composite has come to be the most preferred material in the neighborhood. Much of it is due to the fact that people talk—they learn about the low-maintenance feature of a neighbor’s composite deck when they see that the deck looks more or less the same from year to year and, therefore, they get attracted.

Composite is quite resistant to our humidity problem. Unlike wood, composite is not going to deform, and you don’t have to stain it every season. We have also noticed that parents with busy lives or homeowners who simply want to “set it and forget it” are more likely to choose composite after realizing its long-term benefits.

PVC Decking: What Is It and Why People Don’t Talk About It

People rarely think of PVC decking; however, it is one of the most moisture-resistant and coasts-friendly materials. It is waterproof and is very good during the humid summers.

We see that people who select PVC are those who are extremely concerned about the product being strong and having a long life, but they don’t mind the fact that the material has a slightly different feel underfoot. Besides, it is perfect for houses that are very close to the water where the situation can be a little bit more severe.

Local Homeowners’ Top 5 Questions Before Building a Deck

If I could assemble a small list of surprises that people face when they do deck projects around here, it would be the following:

“I Didn’t Anticipate It Would Take So Long for Permits” — Getting a Grip on Town Rules

The permit system in Islip is quite detailed—sometimes, it is slower than the average homeowner assumes. Being safe (the main reason for thorough checks) it is not a bad thing, but it can affect the time.

We have had cases where the work on the design stage and material choosing were all ready, but the whole project had to be on hold until getting the permits.

In case you are planning a deck within the nearest months, chatting early about the permits will save you a lot of trouble.

How Soil Composition and Yard Layout Affect Deck Design

One thing that homeowners aren’t always aware of is our sandy soil and how it can influence the footing for decks. There are parts of Islip where when you dig, you won’t find anything but sand even if you dig for several feet. This, in turn, can determine how we stabilize a deck and support it.

Another problem that is quite common is sloped yards. We have constructed a lot of decks where the decrease of the yard was more than the people had figured out, and because of that, we had to go with taller posts or multi-level designs.

Why Planning for Shade and Sun is So Important

Here, the sun is strong only on some sides of homes while on the others, it is almost completely absent. I have come across stunning decks that were hardly used because the sun was too strong during the afternoon—or vice versa, the deck was too shaded and slippery during damp mornings.

A little bit of preparation can do wonders.

An Islip Local Story: Helping a Family Select the Right Deck for Their Busy Life

We worked with a family near the Bay Shore border a few months back. Initially, they decided on pressure-treated wood because it was compatible with their budget and they liked the natural look. During the conversation, however, they informed us that they travel frequently, have three children, and have very little time for home maintenance.

I recall the homeowner saying, “I barely remember to clean the gutters—how am I going to stain a deck every year?”

That single question was like a turning point for the whole project.

Ultimately, they installed a composite deck that had a color resembling their beach house style. Soon after the completion of the project, they emailed us a photo of their children eating breakfast on the deck before going to school—just making everyday use of it without thinking about maintenance.

It is this kind of stories that make us remember that the “best” deck is not about the material, but rather the lifestyle.

Tips We Provide to Our Islip Neighbors Before Their Deck Project

Be Aware Of Maintenance, You Are Willing To Take On

One day, you materialize the utmost gratitude for your wise material choice in accordance with your daily routine.

Figure Out The Ways You Will Use The Space

Do you cook outdoors? Have parties? Or only want a calm spot for morning coffee? Your life should be the boss of your layout.

It Is Not Wise To Neglect Fall and Winter Durability

Decks in Islip go through the cold months' test. Knowing how your chosen material copes with freeze–thaw cycles and storms will help you steer away from unexpected situations later.

Last Words from Your Local Islip Deck Builder

Deck building in Islip is more than just about the pieces of wood and screws—it is about creating a space that you can truly enjoy in a somewhat unpredictable climate. The more you know about the impact of our local weather and conditions on materials and design, the easier it will be to make the right choice for your home.

Whether you are just at the very beginning of the thought of doing a project or are already envisioning the colors and layouts, I hope that these insights help to make the process more transparent—like chatting with a neighbor who has been there and is glad to share what he has learned.

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