Our perfect summer weather in Rhode Island has seen many of us spending lots of time entertaining and dining outdoors, soaking in as much of the summer sun and air as possible. No matter where in our great state your home is located, a nice, well-appointed deck is a must for enjoying your yard, whether it backs up to a forest or to the sea.
Each home in Rhode Island is unique and each has specific needs for their deck and outdoor entertainment areas. While many people take advantage of the Spring weather to make exterior updates, it’s also very doable to update or even build an entirely new deck during the Summer and Fall months. These are a few examples of options for you to consider for your home’s decking needs.
Some may think that a worn deck is just a sign of a well-loved home or that there isn’t a real need to replace those splintering boards. However, decks left to wither can cause damage to your home and potentially cause you to have to make costly repairs.
Depending on how your deck is attached to your home, wood rot can set in the joists, ledger boards, and even your siding. If moisture seeps into your foundation, other larger issues such as mold, mildew, and decay will start to take hold. These major areas of repair can be avoided with a deck that is sealed and maintained regularly over the years.
It is no secret that we see quite a bit of moisture and humidity throughout the year. Most decks in Rhode Island have been built with pressure-treated lumber, as that was the go-to choice for deckbuilding for many decades. Pressure-treated lumber decking is affordable, readily available, durable, and easy to stain so it is no surprise that it is prevalent on the classic coast. Unfortunately, constant exposure to the elements causes pressure-treated wood to swell, crack, split, warp, makes it a relatively high maintenance home amenity in our climate. Annual pressure washing and restaining every one, two, or three years is recommended for this type of decking to keep it looking its best.
An alternative to wood for decking is composite and PVC. This mixture of recycled plastic and wood dust creates composite decking which is a synthetic, yet refined-looking, deck material that many Rhode Island homes are turning to for its many benefits.
These decks are virtually maintenance-free, weather-resistant, and come in a variety of colors and finish looks. If that isn’t enough of an advantage, they are also easy to clean and won’t splinter, warp, or rot. While this type of decking can cost about three times as pressure-treated wood, it can potentially save homeowners in the long run.
If you love the look and feel of real wood, consider the following options some Portsmouth and Newport homeowners have used to satisfy their desire for a ‘real wood’ deck. Note that some decks are constructed using cedar, exotic woods, and some really amazing, high-end real wood products. Be sure to ask your contractor and their team of carpenters to show you all of the many, many choices of real wood that are available to you if this material is your preference for your next deck.
This multi-level low platform deck makes great use of this backyard space. The real wood deck and benches next to the garden create the feeling of a privately enclosed, secret garden. An oasis, a backyard paradise.
This wooden deck in Newport had new boards installed which were sanded, stained, and reinforced to create this beautiful aesthetic. The railing and stairs were replaced to keep the deck structurally sound.
A raised pressure-treated deck in Portsmouth was completely transformed into a closed-in porch. The contractors built the overhang and installed windows to give this homeowner a completely new three-season space to spend their time.
A back door landing repaired and painted to match this beautiful home. Even small spaces deserve a good looking deck and staircase.
This unique stone home in Portsmouth went under some repairs including the porch area. The original wood was protected from the elements, sanded, and painted a beautiful grey.
An old wooden deck in Middletown was replaced with composite decking and a new PVC railing. The colors match perfectly to the shingles of this home.
An elevated deck boasting a beautiful view of the water off of a roof is featured here complete with a bench. The railing is constructed from PVC and composite wood for the deck boards as well as the lovely bench.
This larger composite deck boasts a privacy fence installed for these homeowners to entertain and enjoy the beautiful weather in a secluded area.
Regardless of the material, your deck and porch can, not only look its best but also be maintained regularly for the rest of your home’s protection. If you done your deck maintenance in the spring, take advantage of this time to update your existing deck or create a whole new backyard oasis.
Our mission at Bruno Painting is “to uphold and care for surfaces and relationships.” The carpentry and painting divisions that make up our team have some of the most skilled and caring professionals in all of Rhode Island. We look forward to the pleasure of restoring your deck this Summer or Fall for you to enjoy all year long. Call us or email us to discuss your deck, painting, or other home improvement project.
This past June, we had the opportunity to restore the exterior of a charming blue-shingled home in Middleton. What started as a request for a fresh coat of paint turned into a more involved project when our initial inspection revealed significant wood deterioration, specifically around the windows.
When wood is exposed to moisture and neglect over time, it begins to decay. This process, known as wood rot, can quickly compromise the structural integrity and appearance of a home. Before any painting could begin, replacing the rotted wood was essential to ensure a smooth, long-lasting finish.
In the case study below, we walk through how our team approached replacing wood rot, restoring the home’s exterior, and ultimately delivering a polished new look the homeowners loved.
At our initial meeting with the homeowners, we focused on assessing the extent of the damage and identifying the cause, often weather-related, which is common for homes in Portsmouth and Newport. Along the classic coast, homes are frequently exposed to high moisture levels, salty air, and frigid temperatures. Over time, these conditions can wear down paint and deteriorate the materials beneath it, especially wooden window frames and other vulnerable exterior features.
Early signs of wood rot include soft or spongy areas, paint that’s chipping or peeling, splintering wood, and noticeable discoloration. If left untreated, the damage can quickly worsen. That’s why it's important to bring in a professional painting contractor and carpenter as soon as these symptoms appear. They can help determine whether the issue can be repaired or if replacing wood is the better long-term solution.
So how do you know when it’s time for replacing wood rather than repairing it? A good rule of thumb is if more than ten percent of the wood is compromised, replacement is necessary. In some cases, minor rot can be halted and reinforced using epoxy and sealants, but only if caught early.
In this particular case, the damage was extensive enough in some places that replacing wood rot was necessary. Our carpentry team made all the necessary repairs before our painters came in to finish the job.
When we removed the rotted frames and sills, our carpentry division took care to pull these boards out without causing damage to the house or windows themselves. Once the old frame and sills were removed, all leftover debris or wood pulp was removed and the area was cleaned.
The pieces of the old frame and sill were measured as a reference for the new boards to be put in place. Measurements were also taken of the sheathing where the frame and sill used to sit to ensure that the new pieces would fit securely.
If your home does not have standard fittings and features (and depending on what type of window or home you have), you’ll need a contractor more skilled than the average handyman to help with standout features like mitered corners and fastening sites. Our master carpenter, Chris, and his team did a fantastic job making sure the windows fit perfectly in our client’s home.
Once the wood frames and sills were removed, our carpentry division inspected the sheathing underneath and made necessary repairs. Repairs that may need to be done on sheathing include using caulk to fill in any smaller cracks and an expanding foam insulation to not only fill larger gaps but to also hold the new boards tightly in place.
Once the new pieces were cut, our painters stepped in to apply a few coats of paint to protect these new pieces of wood from exposure to moisture and water. Once the new window frames were ready, our carpentry division installed them into the sheathing and secured those pieces in place with nails. The final step in installing these new frames and sills is caulking any seams to keep out unwanted moisture, bugs, and other enemies of wood.
After the frames and sills were installed and inspected for quality, our painters finished the project with a fresh coat of exterior paint. Our team stripped and sanded the old paint to prepare the surface and to prevent unaffected parts of the frames from being exposed to moisture. The entire window trim was repainted with two coats of the highest quality paint to guard against all types of weather conditions.
Throughout each step of the process, our team took the time and care necessary to ensure that every surface, from the newly painted siding to the areas where we focused on replacing wood, achieved a flawless, high-quality finish. The homeowners were thrilled with the results and appreciated the craftsmanship and attention to detail we brought to their home.
Since 2004, Bruno Painting has been committed to upholding and caring for surfaces and relationships. We take great pride in our work, and this project was no exception. From replacing wood damaged by coastal weather to restoring the home’s exterior beauty, it was an honor to help create a result that this family will enjoy for decades.
If you’ve noticed signs of damage on your home’s exterior, whether it’s peeling paint, soft window frames, or other signs of deterioration, don’t wait. Contact us today to learn how we can help with evaluating, repairing, or replacing wood to protect your home and restore its curb appeal with lasting results.
Call or email our office for a free estimate to see what we can do for your home!
When Rhode Island residents aren’t out exploring the beautiful attractions and taking in the sites of the coast, we are entertaining family, friends, and others at our home. It’s no wonder why so many have been taking time to focus on home improvement projects during this break from normalcy. If you’ve also thought about hiring someone to do home improvement projects, take a look at these six carpentry projects that are worth the time and monetary investment for your home.
It has been said that ‘wasting time on the deck is time well spent.’ If this is true, then deck updates will be put to good use. From just repairing or staining to a complete overhaul of your deck, you can create an outdoor space that will bring years of enjoyment.
If your deck is already in great shape and you are looking for a more sophisticated look, you may want to consider having a carpenter build a pergola. The shade and design of a professionally built pergola can take your backyard space to the next level.
Your kitchen is an integral part of your home, so it needs to function well and facilitate traffic flow. Kitchen remodels are not only one of the most satisfying home projects, they also are one of the most sought after by homebuyers when homes are on the market. The importance of a well-crafted kitchen project cannot be overstated. Master carpenters know how to make the most of any space and create storage that maximizes a kitchen’s potential.
Having all four seasons is just one of the many reasons why we love living in Rhode Island. With the weather, however, comes all the different gear you and your family need to be ready for whatever mother nature decides to bring us. Cue the mudroom. If your entryway or landing space has any room, consider having a contractor construct a mudroom. The added storage alone makes it an easy decision. Not only will you be able to store all those winter gloves and hats in a way that would make Marie Kondo happy, but you’ll also be able to keep the rest of your home clean and tidy.
If your family is growing, you may have been considering adding onto your home. Or maybe you have been waiting for the perfect time to turn your porch into a three- or four-season room. Whatever the addition may be, the added square footage to your home brings benefits to your comfort and will likely add value to your home. Having a contractor who can make your addition fit seamlessly with the rest of your home is vital for continuity. Look for the right contractor who can produce a quality build and make it aesthetically pleasing as well.
Siding is one of the most important layers of protection for your home. Reshingling or replacing siding that has signs of wear and tear can prevent larger issues, such as wood rot or mold. Additionally, if you already have wood rot or mold, we recommend calling a contractor as soon as possible to take care of the problem. Preventing these common issues is important and finding a contractor who can replace your siding, as well as make any further adjustments to your exterior, is an essential step to prevent any future damage.
A bathroom remodel is often at the top of many homeowners’ wish lists for home improvements. As with kitchen remodels, updated bathrooms also top the list for homebuyers. Making this space adapt to your needs and desires can make all the difference in your home. If your bathroom has an outdated feel, a skilled carpenter can lay tile, put up or take down a new tub and shower area, add new cabinetry, and replace old vanities and sinks.
Any home updates that require woodwork require a skilled carpenter. Skilled carpenters have experience and expertise with different types of wood and materials to create cabinets, tables, shelving, and other room furnishings. With the right knowledge, a master carpenter can custom make any of these furnishings to your specifications.
At Bruno Painting, we are proud of our carpentry and remodeling division of skilled and master carpenters who have refined their skills and produce incredible results. Our carpenters work ahead of our painting division to ensure that your home gets the quality work it deserves.
Email Bruno Painting the details of your next wish list project. Or call us for a free interior or exterior painting and carpentry estimate.
