Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Teresa Merelman, Broker, Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VTPhone: (802) 793-5171
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Among the basics of building a deck is deciding what material to use. There are multiple types of wood to choose from, as well as other artificial materials. While each has their pros and cons, some building materials might be better for your specific needs than others.
Here is a guide to the basic types of materials for deck building:
Cedar and redwood are both popular softwoods used for deck construction. Both are highly resistant to moisture damage like rot and warping. They also have high resistance to insect infestation. Both cedar and redwood require regular maintenance, including refreshing the stain every few years.
Popular hardwood decking materials include mahogany and ipe (Brazilian walnut). These tropical woods are extremely resistant to moisture and insect damage. The main disadvantage of hardwood decking is the cost. Of the available materials for building a deck, tropical hardwoods are the most expensive for deck boards.
Pressure treated wood is a highly affordable deck board material. There are several kinds of wood commonly used for pressure treated lumber, including Douglas fir and yellow pine. Pressure treated lumber is easily obtainable and more economical than soft or hardwoods.
Composite wood is a modern option that’s becoming more popular for decking. This type of decking is made from a combination of recycled materials and natural wood fibers. It comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes and requires practically zero maintenance.
Composite wood is another affordable and easily obtainable material, but comes with some downsides. While it’s resistant to heat and moisture, the surface can become both very slippery and very hot when exposed to the elements.
These are the most common decking materials you’ll encounter when planning your outdoor building project. Keep these options in mind to make the best decision for your deck.
Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include:
Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:
In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.
