Home Remodeling & Construction Blog

Warm weather provides countless opportunities for outdoor entertaining. From backyard barbecues to a sunny Sunday afternoon brunch and any event in between, avid entertainers love to throw parties on their Virginia decks. But good design and a thoughtful layout are essential to creating the perfect outdoor party, and the advice of your Virginia contractor goes a long way toward achieving this.

Tip # 1 – Go Big

Who knows how many people will show up for your backyard bash, and it’s much better to have plenty of room for everyone. Design an oversized deck to maximize the opportunities. Standard deck sizes run from 12ft. x 12ft. (just enough to hold an average patio set) to expansive decks wrapping around the back of large homes. Entertainers need to aim for the larger size, and should consider building a multilevel deck for better traffic flow.

Find out how large you can build your deck, taking into account the local building code and any underground wires or pipes. You cannot build your deck over a septic bed, although an experienced contractor can figure out a way to install a larger deck over asphalt, gravel, turf or garden.
Whatever size you decide on, ensure your deck is well supported and built to recent codes regarding structural limitations.

Tip # 2 – Think Barefoot Comfort

Homeowners have several choices of finish for Virginia decks. You can opt for treated wood and stain or paint the product to achieve the look you want. Cedar wood can also be stained or painted, but presents fewer splinters, cracks and splits than treated wood. This type of wood provides a smoother, more comfortable surface for walking and ensures lower risks of injury for your younger guests.

Composite wood provides another option. This product combines plastics and wood byproducts, and creates a comfy surface. It can be manufactured in a wide range of colors that never require staining. Your best bet for barefoot travel on the deck, composite costs at least twice as much as treated wood.

Choose your deck board wisely and consider how the products ages. If your deck is exposed to full sun, drying and cracking present a threat. Decks that rest in the shade for more than a few hours tend to grow mold, mildew and other organics, which can create a slippery deck surface. Consider your comfort level, exposure and budget when choosing the deck board.

Tip # 3 – Include Kitchen Essentials

Outdoor kitchens transform your backyard into a functional space. Think about incorporating a grill, sink and refrigerator into the deck design, providing the perfect space for food prep and serving. Be sure the area is equipped with power and water, as well as natural gas, if applicable.

Build the kitchen in a strategic location, near both the entrance to your home and the outdoor seating. Keep the traffic path free of obstacles and avoid steps or ramps. Create multiple levels to make this design safer and more functional, or consider building the main deck area higher up.

Tip # 4 – Built In Seating Means Less Furniture

Adequate seating makes your deck party more comfortable for everyone. Think about incorporating built in seating by replacing railings with high-back benches or building low, wide-lipped planter boxes that double as seats. These insignificant features make a major difference when you have guests, and leave the balance of your deck open for patio furniture.

Get creative when designing Virginia decks for entertainers. Think about size, comfort, food prep and seating to ensure your outdoor space provides the ideal area for entertaining a crowd.

Contractors and DIY enthusiasts often use treated wood to build decks, but you have several other options for your Virginia deck. Composite wood products and exotic woods tend to be expensive, but cedar wood presents several benefits to Virginia residents, making it a great choice for your backyard living space. Compare deck materials and choose the best option for your property.

# 1 – Cedar Weathers Well

Cedar heartwood is used for decking materials and provides natural resistance to rot. Although decking contractors recommend using treated wood for the in-ground applications (framing and posts), cedar deck boards, stairs and railing materials should last 15 to 20 years without major structural decay. And that’s without applying any stain or treatment products–a good quality cedar stain could extend that life by a decade or more.

Left to weather naturally, cedar turns a silver color. This attractive appearance matches well with modern and traditional homes and provides a casual atmosphere for your outdoor living space. Many Virginia homeowners want this look and cedar delivers with minimal effort. For those consumers who want to maintain the rich red color of new cedar, annual cleaning and staining are required.

# 2 – Cedar Presents Fewer Splinters

Many deck installers prefer to handle cedar, as it tends to present fewer splinters. This may appeal to young families and pet owners in particular. Cedar decking surfaces remain smooth and comfortable for years.

Cedar sawdust may trigger an allergic reaction in some people, but it does not contain any chemicals and can be safely composted. Scrap cedar can be burned (where allowed by local bylaws) and this wood can be safely used for indoor and outdoor applications.

# 3 – Cedar Costs Less Than Other Premium Products

Cedar decks are more expensive than those designed using standard treated lumber. Expect to pay about 40 to 50 percent more to finish your Virginia deck in cedar wood. But this added cost is much less than composite wood, which runs closer to double or even triple the cost of standard treated lumber.

# 4 – Cedar Allows for Flexible Deck Designs

Are you dreaming of a round deck design or something with a little personal flare? Cedar is fairly flexible and can be used to construct decks of varying sizes, shapes and designs. A soft wood that allows for bending and cutting, cedar provides a skilled craftsman with hundreds of design possibilities. When compared to hardwoods, treated wood and composite products, cedar allows for more variation in your design.

# 5 – Cedar Presents Less Cupping and Warping

Cedar does not absorb moisture as much as spruce, pine or fir (woods used in treated lumber). This natural property means that cedar does not split or crack as readily and quickly as treated wood. You’ll find less cupping and warping on a cedar deck, allowing for a more professional appearance now and over time. Cedar may grow mold or mildew, when left in the shade, but it will perform very well in all other areas.

Talk to your contractor about using cedar wood for your Virginia deck. This building material provides several benefits and is well worth the additional investment.

Deck lighting extends the enjoyment of this outdoor living space and adds value to your Virginia deck. But smart design and expert installation are required to make the most of this feature. Learn how to detect inferior products and consider the ideal type of deck lighting for your home before you hang up modern day patio lanterns.

Where to Install Deck Lighting

You can find several types of deck lighting on the market, and each style works well in different areas of the structure. Recessed low voltage lights can be mounted flush with the deck surface to create a well lit border or illuminate the stairs. Other styles fit into railing posts and overhead features. Check out this quick primer on possible locations for deck lights and the styles that suit:

• Deck surface – recessed styles provide a low profile look that also prevents tripping, but higher fixtures can be installed around the perimeter of the deck surface without becoming an obstruction.
• Stair tread and Stair face – Smaller recessed fixtures work best in both the stair face and tread, and should always maintain a smooth surface. Be sure to look for brands with high quality lenses to prevent breakage on this high traffic area.
• Railings - Mount globe fixtures or rods onto the handrail or along the railing post to light up this section of your Virginia deck. Railing post caps also provide an excellent spot for deck lighting and many manufacturers offer solar cap lights and lanterns that add beauty with little to no additional maintenance.
• Pergola or Roof – Overhead features provide plenty of space for deck lights, including recessed fixtures within the beams or ceiling, globe fixtures on the rim of your roof or hanging lanterns.
• Walls or Privacy Screens – Mount light fixtures to your house wall or privacy screen for more substantial illumination. These fixtures can be sconces or extend from the vertical surface to provide overhead lighting. Consider units that combine deck lighting and heaters for year-round enjoyment of your outdoor living space.

Where to Find Quality Deck Lighting

Deck lights are available at most building supply stores and many specialty stores. Remember that you will get what you pay for, and products with a solid warranty offer the best value.
Pay attention to the specifications. Low voltage lighting requires a transformer, unless the system is hard-wired into your home. Look for transformers with photocells that power up as evening falls and turn off when natural light exists.

Solar lighting is a growing industry, and many big name manufacturers offer solar deck lighting in a variety of styles. Surface-mount, pillars, post cap lights and even lighting strands provide an array of selection for consumers looking to add low cost, environmentally friendly lights to their yard. You may have to bring solar lights in for the winter, although some of the more durable varieties can withstand the freeze and thaw cycle of a Virginia winter.

Add deck lights to your Virginia deck for more opportunities to enjoy this cozy space. Think about where to mount the lighting and find a good quality brand to enhance the value and comfort of your backyard.

Building a deck adds living space and provides your family with the perfect area to relax and play outdoors. Deck builders have an important role in this process and homeowners need to start with an accurate price when designing and budgeting for a new deck.

These tips will help you to prepare the information and make decisions that allow your contractor to price the job well.

Tip # 1 – Think About All of the Possibilities

Spend a decent amount of time dreaming about your deck and the space around it. Many homeowners look at the other decks in the neighborhood and ask for something “just like they have,” without really thinking about their own habits and lifestyle. Your family deserves a custom deck design that suits your property.

Browse the web and look through home and garden magazines to gather ideas. Bring those ideas to experienced Virginia deck builders and find out whether or not the designs will work in your yard and within your budget. Imagine, dream and consider all of the possible deck designs before settling on the ideal layout.

Tip # 2 – Measure Twice

Check the measurements of your house in two different ways.

Find out the actual “lay of the land” by measuring the existing space along your exterior walls. Account for vents, window wells and any other architectural elements that must be avoided or built around when installing a deck. Mark down these measurements and check them against those gathered by the estimator or contractor.

Then, measure and mark out your property lines. In some cases the local building authorities have a setback in place, meaning your deck cannot encroach or approach existing property lines. Use these measurements to consider privacy and access issues. Will your dream deck be in plain view from the neighbor’s yard? Will it provide a vulnerable point of access for thieves? Sometimes deck builders can provide an estimate for a privacy fence, which helps to create a more private atmosphere and enhances security.

Tip # 3 – Choose a Building Material

Homeowners have several options for deck materials, including:

• standard treated wood
• cedar wood
• specialty wood, like exotic hardwoods
• composite wood
• vinyl decking

Do some research beforehand to narrow down your preferences. Your deck contractor can give you comparison prices for treated wood versus composite, or any combination of the above materials. But your deck material selection may influence the design.

Consider the railing design as well. Picket railings work well on wood decks, while tempered glass and aluminum picket styles match low maintenance materials like composite and vinyl. Benches and flower pots can also be used for railings.

Although your deck installer can help the decision making process with advice and direction, it helps to be familiar with your choices ahead of time. An accurate deck estimate requires all of the details.

Deck builders offer their design and construction expertise and help homeowners to create the ideal outdoor living space. But in order to deliver an accurate estimate, they need some help from you. Dream big, measure twice and decide on your preferred building material. Your new deck is right around the corner.