Home Remodeling & Construction Blog

Large home improvement projects take time to plan. You need to move from the dreams in your head to sketches on paper and then on to designing and troubleshooting with your contractor. But all of that effort is worth it when you get to see the finished product - a Northern Virginia deck that suits your tastes and yard perfectly. Think about the many advantages to planning your deck project early.

Coming Up With the Best Deck Design

Not all decks are created equal. And not all come in a simple shape, with room for your BBQ and a patio table. The best deck designs are built to accommodate your family’s hobbies and lifestyle, as well as the lay of your property. Grading issues, the location of trees and gardens and various other factors need to be considered when designing your deck in order to ensure the area fits well into the space.

You may want to make a few sketches of various deck designs. Be sure to include the house walls in the sketch, along with any permanent fixtures including trees, sheds, driveways and walkways. Some things can be moved if necessary, but it’s best to start designing with those fixtures in mind. Experiment with different shapes and designs, put in multiple layers and think about the various types of railings available. When you begin this stage early, there’s plenty of time to play around before deciding on a final design.

Getting the Best Prices

Taking the time to plan your Northern Virginia deck project will help you secure the best prices as well. Not only will you be able to shop the project around and compare contractor rates, but you can also take advantage of pre-season rates. Many contractors offer early booking programs to help them get their season off to a strong start. You should always hire the best contractor for the job, despite the price, but you stand a better chance at nabbing these discounts by planning ahead.

Many product introductions also occur in the early spring, just in time for the backyard season. Check out what’s newly available; you may just find something that is perfect for your home or lifestyle. New composite decking products pop up almost every year, as well as fastening systems, railing designs and deck accessories. Ask your local contractors what’s appearing in their showrooms or browse the web to get a look at new and innovative products entering the deck industry this year. You may find a deal or be eligible for an introductory price.

Starting the Season Right

One of the biggest advantages to planning your deck early is the jump you’ll get on the season. Early planners are usually one of the first projects in the ground come springtime, providing more days of enjoyment on your new deck. If you’re coordinating the decking project with a new pool, fence or hot tub, scheduling can get a bit tricky. But planning ahead and keeping all of the various contractors up to date will ensure your backyard is ready to play around in as early as possible.

Make sure your Northern Virginia deck is built using the best design by planning early. Get a better price and start the season with a bang by starting the process long before installation. Time is on your side, and thoughtful planning will help you create that relaxing, cozy backyard space.

Whether you are in the thick of raising your kids or enjoying being a grandparent, backyard fun is a major part of your life. Designing that outdoor space for maximum enjoyment and safety takes careful consideration and these top Virginia deck ideas are the ideal place to start.

Deck Designs For Young Families

With babies and toddlers moving around out on the deck, texture and safety become the two most important issues in design. Think about composite materials that eliminate splinters and require very little maintenance. And be sure that railings are made from durable materials as well, such as aluminum or tempered glass. Building codes specify the spacing and height required for optimum safety, but don’t forget to include railing gates at the stairs to keep your little ones from falling.

Design your deck to have one level only and be sure it is installed just below the patio door sill. This flat, open space provides plenty of area for your kids to play safely. Avoiding a big step down also makes it easy for short legs to move in and out of the house.

Deck Designs For Multi-Generation Families

Family gatherings that include all of the generations create priceless memories. Design your Virginia deck to allow for maximum comfort when the whole family is over and these events will be better than ever. Include an open area for the dining table, at least 14 feet square and close to the patio doors. Then consider designing supplemental seating areas around that main deck, perhaps on upper or lower levels.

Plan your deck like your interior living space. Arrange various seating areas where smaller groups can gather and place the largest area close to the food. An outdoor kitchen provides the perfect spot for grilling and serving drinks, while a grouping of comfy lounge chairs will attract everyone at one time or another. Be sure to include a few private nooks as well, spots where couples can snuggle under a shady canopy or kids can grab a short nap in the breeze.

Deck Designs For Small Yards

Many suburban family homes have limited backyards. In most cases a bit of grass and a garden leaves very little space for a deck. But family homes need an area for outdoor eating, grilling and relaxing. Patios work for ground level homes and those houses with a walkout design need to install a deck. Maximize your space by designing a single-level deck with glass railings for a clear view and open atmosphere.

Leave off the stairs if possible, or design them with a landing to avoid taking up too much room in the yard. Ask a decking contractor to come over and take a look. At that time you can go over a few different ways to make the most of your limited backyard space.

Families need to have an outdoor area at home, the ideal place for play and making memories. These Virginia deck ideas will give you direction on how to design space that provides the area and function that your family needs. Creating a comfortable outdoor room is important and allows your family to spend valuable time together.

Outdoor living space will add to your quality of life and create countless opportunities for family fun and relaxation. But saving the money for your Northern Virginia deck project can be challenging. Follow these top five budgeting tips and you’ll have the deck of your dreams before you know it.

Tip 1 – Design the Most Functional Deck Possible

Many people rush through the design process and end up with a space that doesn’t meet their needs as well as it could have. Decks are permanent fixtures in your landscape and are difficult (and expensive) to change or adapt once they have been installed. Work through all of your needs and concerns before finalizing a deck design that is ideal for your family.

Keep the overall budget in mind throughout the process, but be sure you do not compromise on features and size. Building a small deck or leaving out important features will be cause for regret and diminish the value of this investment.

Tip 2 – Consider the Time of Year

You will get the most enjoyment out of your deck when it’s installed in the spring. But that only applies to the current season. You’ll have years to appreciate the deck space, and waiting until the off-season to install your Northern Virginia deck can mean big savings.

Many contractors slow down in the fall and early winter months. This could be the ideal time to get more for your money. It doesn’t hurt to ask, although the prices of material and working conditions have the most effect on the overall project price.

Tip 3 - Obtain a Home Equity Loan

Since a deck will add to the value of your home, many financial institutions will consider extending a home equity loan to cover the cost. These types of loans often come with a lower interest rate than your credit cards and allow for flexible payments. Talk to your financial institution about the most affordable plan for financing this particular project.

Tip 4 – Research Government Programs

Various tax rebates and government incentives have been in place for homeowners in the past. From upgrading your heating appliances to installing alternative energy solutions, these offers were designed to help you save money directly from the government. Do your research and find out if the design or type of materials chosen for your deck fits into any rebate programs.

Tip 5 – Consider the DIY Option

It may not be feasible for every homeowner, but those with the skill and inclination to build a deck can save money going the DIY route. This project can get complicated though, so don’t attempt the installation process without the know how to see it through. Instead it may be worthwhile to consider other expenses and costs that can be shaved by doing certain task yourself.

Spending lots of cash on car washes? Shining up the car or truck yourself is much cheaper and lots of fun. Have you hired a landscaper to plant the gardens or brought in a painter to redecorate the house? Think about whether you can tackle other projects with DIY, leaving that cash free to invest in a new deck. Use the skills you have to save money and invest that money into a professionally built outdoor living space.

The atmosphere and space that a new Northern Virginia deck offers is priceless. Follow these budget tips to move faster towards the completion of this project with wisdom and practicality.

Landscape design is a specialized field that involves various skills. Knowledge in horticulture is an asset, as is an understanding of how drainage, soil conditions and plantings come together to form a beautiful, functional landscape. Your Virginia deck will fit into a well planned yard. And using software and other high tech tools will help you develop a seamless design.

What Type of Deck Design Software Is Best?

Many of the deck designing programs on the market are limited in their function. Look for software that will provide the most flexibility, allowing you to sketch out and plan for a deck that includes unique shapes and custom features.

Have a look at reviews online to get a better idea of how the program functions. Getting feedback from those who have actually designed their deck or patio using the program is invaluable. Unbiased opinions will help you to see which software developers are delivering systems that work well and which programs are a waste of time.

The ideal deck design software will provide multiple views of the finished design – including a bird’s eye view (from the top) and side view (usually from ground level). You may also find it useful to have close ups of the railing systems, framing and stairs. These closer views will provide the detail needed to assemble the structure as required. Taking a look at the deck from a broader scope will help determine the best size and shape for your yard.

Information That Should Be Inputted

In order to design the ideal Virginia deck you will need to input various pieces of essential information. The dimensions of your yard are important, as are any local building code limitations. Perhaps you must keep the deck a certain distance away from the property line. Or there may be railing height requirements and limits placed on the width or number of rises in the stairs.

Look for a software program that will ask for this information before your design begins. Then you can be assured that the final design falls within the local building codes and will fit well on your property. A bird’s eye view helps to assess this scenario.

High end software and landscape design programs will also allow you to place furniture and accessories onto your deck drawing. This lets you virtually decorate your outdoor living space – it’s also handy when you are shopping for patio furniture.

Devices That Help

Tablets and smartphones are especially helpful when designing your yard. These portable devices can be carried out into the space, allowing you to get a physical view at the same time as you’re designing on the screen.

Look for deck design programs that work on your preferred device. You may even come across decent online applications that utilize the features of your device, such as touch screen capabilities and file sharing. Send your latest design to the decking contractor for a quotation. Or bring the device with you to the lumber yard to help field questions and create an accurate material list.

Consider how a computer program can help you to design the ideal Virginia deck. Planned out to meet the specifications of your property and the needs of your family, decks designed using the latest technology are on the cutting edge of this industry.

Every family and every yard deserves to have a comfortable and well designed outdoor living space. No matter how small or large your lawn is, designing a deck to maximize the area will provide better relaxation. Compact yards present unique issues, but certain Northern Virginia deck designs will work within those parameters to create a luxurious and restful space.

Use Your Home’s Features

The very best deck designs are built to connect seamlessly with the house. Most homes have a rear patio door - often a sliding glass door or a French door. Traffic will flow from this entrance onto the deck, so be sure that the immediate area is open and safe. If you must install stairs, such as on lookout elevations, design them to be wide and incorporate railings for safety.

Are there any walls or other architectural features that can be included in the design? Existing corners and alcoves can serve as natural storage locations. With a professional deck contractor on the job your deck can be built around any feature, including chimneys, trees and basement windows. Be creative and think outside of the box, working with exactly what you have.

Stick to One Level

Multilevel Northern Virginia deck designs are excellent for entertainers. But in a smaller yard it’s best to stick with one level. You can still create the multiple room look using accessories and furniture. Limiting the decking to one level provides more space and eliminates the need for stairs and extra railing, which reduce the liveable area.

Decks in small yards need to find their place right away. If you have a walkout elevation (more than 5 feet off of the ground), install your deck level with the patio door. Stairs can be constructed from the upper level deck, if space permits. Lookout elevations (between 2 and 5 feet off of the ground) can go either way. Decking may be installed at the patio door level with stairs to the grass. Or wide stairs extending from the patio door can lead to a ground level deck. This will depend on your preference and grade, but both work well.

Teach the Deck Features to Multitask

Designing for small spaces means including features that have multiple uses. Wide stairs with deep treads (10″ or more) can be used for impromptu seating. Benches with backs double as a railing and can include planters at one end (or both). You can also build storage boxes into benches or use skirting to incorporate a small shed into the space underneath your deck.

It helps to be creative and spend some time thinking about all of the ways you will use this space. Try to design for every eventuality while preserving neatness and a smooth finish. Hide storage behind deck features and create planter boxes and decorative elements that mesh with the frame of this structure. Built in features make the best use of space and provide more living area.

Building a usable and comfortable outdoor living area is possible, even in the smallest yard. Northern Virginia deck designs maximize the area using built in features on a single level and incorporating the shape of the house. Talk to an industry professional about designing a deck that suits your small yard perfectly.

The beauty and comfort of your backyard will depend on many factors. Size, shape, features and design all come together to create an outdoor living space that allows you to relax and shed the stresses of the day. Your Virginia deck design should be woven together with beautiful landscaping to create the framework and structure for this space. But there are tricks to weaving these backyard elements together properly.

Take Stock of Your Grade

The design of your backyard will greatly depend on the grade of your property. On a walkout lot a deck needs to be at least 8 feet off of the ground and include stairs to the grade. At the foot of those stairs welcoming and seamless landscaping including stone pathways, gardens and soft turf will encourage traffic on and off the deck. But the landscaping and deck surface on a walkout lot do not come together in the same way that they will with ground level homes.

If your rear entrance comes out at ground level you have a little more flexibility in terms of deck and landscaping design. A wooden deck can be easily combined with stone to create a multi-layered area including a variety of outdoor rooms. Those patios could be surrounded by lush gardens and bordered with wood or stone retaining walls to create stability and visual interest.

Ground level grading certainly provides more options, but walkout decks and landscaping can also be incredibly beautiful and comfortable.

Get a Bird’s Eye View

Think of your backyard from a different perspective. Although you will be living on the ground, it helps to make sketches of your space from above. Use these sketches to plan for the location of specific features like ponds, sheds, fountains and that all important Virginia deck. You can even make this drawing part of the overall plan for your yard, only tackling certain stages as they are possible but keeping the end goal in view.

It’s best to draw out this plan on graph paper, since that will allow you to maintain balance and the proper scale. Try not to build a massive desk or a sprawling patio without having decent sized flower beds and other landscaping features to balance the area. Draw in the trees, turf and flower gardens, as well as all of the structures in the yard and both the wood and stone patio areas. Label everything carefully, but don’t be afraid to play around with the design as well. That’s why you have a plan, to experiment.

Consider the Contractor

It helps to use the same contractor for the construction of your deck, patio and any fencing. Find a reputable and experienced pro who can do all of this for you - that will save you time and streamline the installation process. Many decking contractors will be able to handle the hardscaping projects, but they may need to recommend a landscaping firm for the sod, gardening and soft landscaping elements. Be sure that you are hiring the best contractor for every stage of this project .

Your Virginia deck can combine with strikingly beautiful landscaping to provide an outdoor space that is attractive, comfortable and built to last. You’ll want to spend much more time outside when this atmosphere is waiting for you in the backyard.

For a great part of the year your family will enjoy living outdoors. Cooking on the BBQ, sipping coffee on the porch swing, sunbathing, reading the latest summer blockbuster and playing in the sandbox are all common family activities. But none of this relaxation and luxury outdoor living would be possible without your Northern Virginia deck. Make the most of this excellent space with these top three tips.

Design and Decorate the Space

Just as you would add things you love to your indoor space, don’t be afraid to personalize your deck. Furniture and accessories should be well chosen to reflect your tastes and the needs of your family. Hang durable, outdoor art work on the walls, purchase outdoor rugs for a splash of color and include plenty of gardens and flower pots.

If your Northern Virginia deck is large enough consider designing different rooms. The layout could include a kitchen space with your grill and prep area, as well as a dining room with the patio set and some additional storage. Perhaps you could include a secluded niche in one corner for more private moments. Talk to a local contractor about an extension if your deck isn’t large enough to suit your needs.

Invest in Quality

The decking,  furniture and furnishings that make up your outdoor living space will need to be durable. Weather is constantly wearing and if you do not invest in quality brands you will soon need to think about replacements. Remember that although a well made and durable product may be more expensive initially, the longevity and reliability will likely pay off in the end. Invest in what you love and the price tag will mean very little.

Choose materials that are built for outdoor use and protect them as best you can with covers and protective coatings, as applicable. You can liven up the outdoor space with tropical plants and other items more suited to the indoors, but be sure to bring them in once the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Think About Maintenance

One of the major differences between indoor and outdoor living is maintenance. While you do need to regularly maintain the inside of your home, the outside may require a bit more elbow grease as a result of exposure.

It’s best to consider what level of maintenance you are comfortable with. If you don’t mind staining the decking or furniture on a regular basis, then by all means invest in those products that require it. But if you would rather not look at composite and vinyl decking, as well as powder coated aluminum deck accessories and furniture.

Low maintenance fabrics that resistant fading, mold and mildew are often best for umbrellas, furniture covers and other soft furnishings. Investigate the maintenance required for each part of your outdoor living space and decide whether that fits into your work level preferences.

Your Northern Virginia deck can become a hot spot for entertaining, relaxation and casual life. With the right decorating and design, quality materials and a maintenance level you can handle, outdoor living will be better than you ever dreamed.

Residential properties comes in a variety of layouts and designs. Some homes are bungalows or ranch style, while others are two or three-story designs. Your house may be built on a concrete slab or feature a walkout basement. Split foyer homes also allow for plenty of exterior design and landscaping options. Whatever the configuration of your home, it is essential to come up with a Virginia deck design that takes full advantage of it. On walkout lots there are a variety of options that can turn your deck into a truly luxurious outdoor living space.

Stairs or No Stairs?

It’s always a good idea to install stairs on your walkout decking, if only to provide a fire escape. However, this pathway will provide access to another entrance and some homeowners prefer not to allow that. Find out whether stairs are required by building code and consider all of the options if you are undecided.

Stairs are convenient and can be built in various configurations to make the most of your backyard space. Leaving the stairway off creates more an intimate, balcony feeling, but it may almost limit the use of your deck in the long run.
If you do decide to include a flight of stairs, be sure they are wide enough and that the rise and run (height and depth of each step) are comfortable and safe.

Keep the View

The height of a walkout deck often creates an attractive view. Make sure your deck design will not detract from that view by installing tempered glass railings or other styles that provide the safety required without blocking your line of sight.

Glass railings can get quite expensive when installed down the stairs, but thankfully thin, black aluminum pickets will create an almost invisible look down the stairs as well. This matches perfectly with the tempered glass railing on the main deck. Choose the same style of frame for the entire railing and you will achieve a seamless look.

What’s Underneath?

Make good use of the space underneath your Virginia deck. Some homeowners close off the sides and create a built in storage shed. Others install a vinyl matting underneath the deck boards to provide weather resistant roofing that creates a well protected space underneath. (Remember to slope the deck slightly away from the house and account for drainage, otherwise you can end up with water problems near the house and in the space underneath.)

Maybe you could build a play area for the kids or design a small, shaded dog run for your pets. In any case, it is wise to use this space as much as possible and design the upper deck to accommodate that use. Think about adding some lighting as well, to help make this area comfortable and safe.

If your home was built as a walkout or you are planning to build a deck off of your second story, take the time to design the space well. From the stairs to the railing and even underneath, this area will be much more comfortable and usable when you take the time to design it right. Browse through the latest home and garden magazines and contact your expert Virginia deck contractor for ideas, options and innovations. Make the most of your investment with a walkout deck that truly shines.

There are many different factors to take into consideration when choosing materials for an outdoor project. Your Northern Virginia deck will be exposed to the wind, rain and sleet. It will also get a certain amount of sun, depending on whether your home faces north, south, east or west. Your budget, tastes and lifestyle will also come into play when making this important decision. What are your options and how can you make the best possible choice in deck materials?

Pressure Treated Wood

One of the most popular options available for exterior wood projects, pressure treated wood has a variety of benefits. It is virtually maintenance free, thanks to a chemical treatment embedded deeply in the lumber that offers lifetime protection against rot and pests. But the green tinge of this wood will eventually turn grey. For a burst of color or to match your outdoor décor, pressure treated wood can be stained with specially formulated products available at leading building supply stores.

Pressure treated wood decks are the most affordable option and can be designed to suit nearly any landscape. In fact, whichever material is chosen for the deck board, railing and accessories, the frame of your Northern Virginia deck will be constructed out of pressure treat simply because of the durability and strength this product offers.

Cedar Wood

Cedar is another option for those who love the feel and charm of a wood deck. Tannins in this lumber make it naturally rot resistant for decades, although it will require annual maintenance to retain the warm beauty.

Cedar decks need to be washed and stained at least every other year (depending on the exposure and traffic). If you do not enjoy outdoor tasks or tedious jobs, this is not likely to be the deck material for you. Hiring a painting company to refinish your backyard deck will cost a few hundred dollars, but many find that the time and effort saved is well worth the money.

Composite Decking

There are a variety of composite decking products on the market today. Most of them are made from a mixture of vinyl or plastics and wood by-products (fibers, sawdust, etc.). This composition allows them to echo the texture of wood while providing the durability and maintenance free features of plastic. There are a few different colors available, mostly in the brown and grey tones.

Composite deck boards are available in both extruded (with a hollow interior) and solid forms. They may or may not have a groove down each side for use with hidden fastener systems. It’s worth noting that specialty screws are required when fastening composite products. These fasteners are designed to avoid the mushroom effect that mars the surface and appearance of this type of board. They are also color coded for a nicer finish.

Vinyl Decking

Another maintenance free choice that is likely the most expensive option, vinyl decking will provide a lifetime of dependability. Available in white, tan and grey, vinyl deck boards are hollow and most often attached with a clip system. A textured finish on the top prevents slipping and thicker vinyl has greatly reduced any squeaking. Vinyl is cool to the touch no matter the weather and looks especially attractive on front porches.

You also have the option of choosing aluminum or tempered glass for the railing on your Northern Virginia deck. All of these materials provide a comfortable, attractive structure that will compliment your home and lifestyle for years. Work with your deck contractor to choose the materials that best suit your family.

Homeowners love their outdoor living space to look just as stylish as their indoor living space. That requires comfortable furnishings, high quality materials and installation techniques that will provide the smoothest finish even when exposed to harsh weather conditions. Specialty fasteners are available to make the surface of your Virginia deck look sleek and feel comfortable no matter what the weather throws at it. There are also design ideas for the railing and stairs that will help create a more luxurious space that truly feels like an extension of your home.

Common Construction Techniques

Pressure treated wood deck boards are most often nailed or screwed through the top of the board - commonly two fasteners per joist, resulting in multiple nail or screw heads on the surface of your deck. You can opt for colored screw heads, which hide the fasteners a little, but this type of finish is not nearly enough for some homeowners. They are looking for a more permanent and fool proof solution.

Solutions Available

Many composite deck boards on the market are installed using a clip system. Clips are attached to the joist and deck boards are held in place thanks to a groove carved down the bull nose on each side. This tongue and groove design allows for solid construction and provides a fastener-free finish on the top of the deck boards.

Unfortunately the same system will not work for a wood deck board, unless the groove has been routed in. Some cedar products include this option, but that product isn’t commonly found in Virginia. For wood decks (either cedar, pressure treated or another type of timber) the contractors must rely on a different system in order to ensure the deck boards are secured and the fasteners hidden.

There are certain products on the market that allow wood deck boards (and solid composite decking without the groove) to be fastened from the bottom, which provides a smooth surface for walking. Most often these are attached directly to the joists and present a lip that can then be nailed or screwed in from the bottom - through the plastic or metal strip and into the deck board. It is a difficult process to do for ground level decks, but if you have the space and inclination these products can provide a beautiful finish on your Virginia deck.

Added Expense

Be prepared for a fastener-free system to increase the cost of your deck project. Not only will you need to buy this product, but the use of clips or strips will require more fasteners as well. Labor is another factor to consider.
Installing your deck boards in this way is very time consuming, so you can expect that your professional decking contractor will charge more for their services. If a smooth deck surface is important to you, the added cost is certainly worth it.

Railing and Stairs

To make your deck look more like a luxurious indoor living space choose maintenance free materials for your railing. Aluminum, composite and vinyl deck railing will provide attractive textures and color without the need for staining or painting. They can also be cleaned up with a hose and will last for years.

Stairs should be wide and inviting where possible. This helps them to look more like a stylish entranceway or hall than an utilitarian pathway onto the deck. Close off the faces (space between the treads) with wood or composite to hide any unattractive framing underneath. And small details like trim and rounded corners allow your stairs to look finished and sleek.

If you are looking for a Virginia deck that creates a true extension of your well designed and comfortable indoor living space, consider adding hidden fastener systems and low maintenance railing solutions. Ask your contractor which options are available and look forward to a smooth, luxurious finish on your new deck.