Projects - Decks

Decks are one of the most popular home improvement projects.

Few home improvements can match a wood deck for usefulness, beauty and enhanced value to a home. For adults, decks offer outdoor living space for entertaining, sun bathing and dining. For children, they provide an excellent outdoor play area.

Most people will agree that natural wood is the most visually appealing deck surface. The grain patterns, hues, and shades of different species such as redwood, cedar, cypress, and treated pine products is unparalleled. Wood naturally absorbs and dissipates solar energy. In other words, you can walk across many wood surfaces that have been in direct sunlight for hours without burning your bare feet.

The beauty of wood comes with a price tag. Wood deck surfaces require periodic treatments with synthetic wood preservatives and sealants. These products minimize damage caused by the sun's ultraviolet light and water. Synthetic sealants are not a food source for mildew and algae. Many highly advertised wood sealants contain natural oils that feed these organisms. Even the best deck sealants last only 2 to 3 years before re-treatment is necessary.

The use of pressure-treated lumber helps assure that your project will be virtually maintenance-free and will provide enjoyment for decades to come. You won't even have to paint or stain the wood, unless you want to. Left unfinished, it weathers to a rustic gray.

There are several types of alternative decking materials. Some are virgin vinyl materials other are composite materials made from recycled plastics.

Before you make your final decision, keep in mind that all decks will have to be cleaned on a routine basis. If you choose to go with natural wood, you will just have to calculate the annual or periodic cost of sealing the deck on a square foot basis and add this to the original installed price.

If you happened to choose good quality material for your deck you should consider professional installation, which gives you professional finish, workmanship warranty and project which is finished in timely manner.

Existing Landscape Considerations
Don't rule out building a deck where you want it because a tree, rock, slope or any other obstacle stands in the way. Decks are often most attractive when they make use of difficult terrain features.
A multi-level deck can easily "step" its way up or down even the steepest hillside. Creative framing allows you to build into or around large rocks that would otherwise be impossible to move. Trees are easily incorporated into a framing plan, even in the middle of a deck—just be sure the tree is healthy, has sufficient growing room within the deck opening and your plan includes a railing or built-in bench seating around the opening to prevent accidents.

Marrying House and Deck
Adding a deck immediately alters any home's exterior design. The most successful plans take this into consideration and strive to complement a home's style, size, exterior materials and even era of construction.

We can help you with choosing the right material and offer a custom design.

Visit our deck photo gallery.