Home Remodeling & Construction Blog

As much as we long for the summer sun, when it finally gets here we find ourselves looking for a shady spot to relax in. For your health, as well as for more enjoyment in your backyard, incorporating a shade structure into your Virginia deck design is a wise plan. Whether you are adding to an existing deck or building from scratch, there are a few simple and affordable ways to make sure your deck can be comfortable even in the hottest days of summer.

The Covered Porch Look

There is something undoubtedly quaint about a covered porch. With a few rocking chairs set up or a porch swing swaying gently in the breeze, this style of deck on the front or the back of your home is functional and attractive. Consider how adding a roof structure over your deck would make it much more useable and cozy.

If you already have an overhang on your home design the deck space to fit underneath. You can certainly extend it past the roof to provide an area for sunbathing, but why not take advantage of the roof area that currently exists. Incorporate the support posts directly into the decking by bolting them to the deck surface. If space permits, use these existing posts as part of the railing system as well.

On homes without a sufficiently sized overhang one must be built. Roof extensions can be tricky depending on the roof line, so it’s best to ask your Virginia deck contractor for recommendations about the placement, size and style of roof before getting your heart set on this particular design.

Pergola Power

A pergola offers dappled shade and an attractive structure to grow vines and other greenery on. Made out of wood or composite, a pergola consists of posts and beams, as well as slats laid across on a perpendicular angle. You can layer the slats to create even more shade and some homeowners choose to cover the top with a solid material - like plexiglass, outdoor quality tarp, etc. This will provide better protection from the rain and more shade.

Pergolas can also be dressed up with scrolls and trim. Hang flower pots from the beams and place benches or patio furniture underneath for a beautiful scene. This shade structure can be as fancy or as plain as you like and a pergola will fit seamlessly into your deck design. If you prefer, pergolas can also be set up in the yard away from the patio. A smaller model works well as an arbor over your walkway or in the garden for climbing vines. The possibilities with this shade structure are nearly endless.

Awnings For Every Occasion

An awning is an excellent option for those homeowners who may want shade some of the time, but still desire occasional access to the full sun. Smaller decks work well with a retractable awning that can be opened and closed as your mood dictates. Be sure to install a model that has heavy duty mechanisms that will stand the test of time and operate efficiently.

Whether it’s a covered porch, pergola, awning or some other structure, adding shade to your Virginia deck design will allow you to enjoy the deck space more this summer. Well worth the investment, these additions will compliment your deck when designed and built by a professional.

The DIY industry is in full bloom. Thanks to the Great Recession, a bombardment of DIY shows and the prevalence of big box building supply stores, homeowners all across the continent are attempting to complete projects they have only dreamed about before. And although this trend is excellent for handy homeowners, there are certain structures and tasks best left to the trained professionals. In the backyard, for instance, you are much wiser to hire a Northern Virginia deck contractor to build that dream deck.

If you’re wondering why, there are a few different reasons for hiring an experienced professional to build a deck.

Basic or Beautiful?

Decks come in almost any shape and size. They can be designed as a relatively simple platform to place your BBQ, some patio chairs and a pot of flowers. Or they can be much more elaborate, designed as a true extension of your living space. The former example may be possible to build yourself, but the latter is really not the job for an amateur.

The things that will truly set your deck apart as a backyard oasis - as opposed to simply a space in the yard - are the fine details and customized touches. Privacy screens, planter boxes, angled deck boards and closed in stairs are all carefully crafted details that are both time consuming and difficult for those who do not have the experience. DIY enthusiasts can certainly nail together the framing and bang on the deck boards, but it is the elements included beyond those that will make a difference to the space.

Save Time and Money

It only makes sense that a Northern Virginia deck contractor would be able to build a deck much faster than the average homeowner could. But that speed will make more of a difference than you think. When pressure treated wood is exposed to the heat of the sun it dries out (even when it has been kiln dried beforehand). This results in checking, which is the industry standard for the cracking, splitting and twisting that the lumber will naturally do once it leaves the lumber yard.

The longer you take to put together the elements of your deck, the better chance there is that key pieces will warp, twist and split to a point where they are unusable. This is often seen on railing posts left without the railing sections installed. They will twist within a short time, leaving you with an unpleasant appearance and in extreme cases, a post that needs to be replaced before the railing will even go on properly.

The speed of a professional deck contractor also means that your family will get to enjoy the backyard structure much more this season. No more waiting for mom or dad to complete the project, stepping gingerly over a half finished surface. The most experienced professionals can be in and out of your yard in a short period of time, leaving behind an extremely well built structure you can enjoy right away.

It may also save you money to hire a contractor. If you have to take time off work, that will likely cost you. It can get expensive to rent tools and pay for the meals and drinks of friends who have come to help out. When you add up all of the actual costs incurred when a Northern Virginia deck is DIY-ed, you may be shocked at how close the two prices are. By hiring a contractor you can look forward to a more stylish, customized deck that is built properly and quickly. When they discover that hiring the pros costs only a small percentage more many homeowners jump at the chance to leave their own tools in the basement and let the experts handle building their backyard dream.

There are a few designs where stairs are unnecessary, but the majority of decks will require and in fact, function better with stairs. There are tricks and tips to stair design that will make your Northern Virginia deck much more usable, attractive and safe for family and friends of all ages.

Following Building Codes

Deck stairs need to comply with state building codes in every situation. The code lays out the minimum and maximum measurements allowed for the rise (height) and run (tread depth) of each step. The 2×12 stair stringers are also required, allowing for the minimum 5 inch width of the cut stringers.

Any railing on your stairs must also meet code, including the total height, size of pickets, spacing of posts and pickets and the height off the stair tread. Guardrails have a separate and detailed code that applies, including the proper fastening method, size and shape of the guardrail and post spacing.

All of these specifications have been carefully calculated to provide the optimum levels of safety. Most premade stair railings available at building supply stores are built to code and professional decking contractors make a practice of designing deck stairs to follow code.

Traffic Flow

The size and placement of your deck stairs are also important factors. Stairs need to be built wide enough for an adult to travel comfortably and safely up and down. Generally stairs are not built less than 3 feet wide and wider stairs often create better traffic flow. When building stairs off of a walkout deck (more than 5 feet off of the ground), most people find 48 inches to be a good width.

Design your stairs to be in the line of traffic, but not in the way of your view. You can build extra wide or wraparound steps to compromise between both a good view and decent traffic. This will work well on decks less than 3 feet off the ground, providing a view that is clear of railings and allows for stairs in any direction. Multiple stringers are required and often guardrails or handrails can be installed for safety.

Where the Stairs End

Deck designers need to take the bottom of the stairs into account on walkout decks. A long stretch of 13 rise steps will spill out quite a distance from the deck and is not a good option for smaller yards. In that case a landing can be put to good use to turn the stairs any angle from 45 to 180 degrees.

Be sure that any landings are built large enough to accommodate the stairs on either end. You can also use landings to connect narrow stairs to a wider set or vice versa. Landings must be built using the same building codes that apply to decks.

Stairs are required on your Northern Virginia deck to provide a path into the yard. They are also useful for directing traffic and can even provide impromptu seating. Be sure they are built to code and designed for a comfortable width. Use landings where necessary to change the direction of the stairway and control where the stairs spill into the yard. Well designed stairs will compliment a well designed deck perfectly.

Many homes come with a standard sized Northern Virginia deck. This area may be large enough for a patio dining set and your BBQ, but beyond that there is little room for outdoor living. With some planning and the help of an experienced decking contractor you can transform that small deck into an expansive backyard oasis. A deck extension will save you time and money on the path to a large, spacious patio.

Can You Reuse the Existing Decking?

Homeowners often wonder whether they can reuse anything from the existing structure. It may be possible, but two factors need to be considered first.

1. What is the condition of the existing material? If the wood framing and decking is only a few years old and has weathered well you may be able to feasibly salvage some, if not all of the material. If the wood is cracked, split or warped enough to make it a liability (or an eyesore), you will be better off to replace it. The framing can be reused more often than the deck board, mainly because it will not and has not been exposed.
2. How will the existing material fit into the new design? If you are replacing a wood deck with maintenance free composite or vinyl decking, reusing the material may not be an option. When the design of your new deck allows for the existing material, and actually looks good with the inclusion, you have the choice.

Support for Your Northern Virginia Deck Extension

If you will be reusing the existing structure in any way, support is your first priority. Inspect the existing piers and framing to be sure it is solid and follows building code. From that point your decking contractor will discover whether new piers can be poured nearby, allowing a second frame to be built beside the existing structure.

Alternatively, the entire deck may need to be ripped down and new piers and framing installed. This will depend on the design of your new deck, as well as whether there is adequate room for new piers and beams.

Adding Another Level

Depending on the grade of your property it may make better sense to simply add another level to your existing deck. In that case you will literally build another deck and join the two with stairs, railing and other elements of the structure.

This can also help to create a more roomy feeling on your deck, with an eating area as well as a lounging area. If you have a walkout deck (more than 5 feet off of the ground), consider placing the deck a few steps down. Alternatively, if your deck is at ground level, you can build the second level up with higher posts. Don’t forget to install skirting to cover the framing.

There are quite a few options open for homeowners that are looking to extend their Northern Virginia deck. It’s possible to reuse the deck materials, if they are in good condition and the new design incorporates them.  Framing is an important consideration and adding a level may be the most prudent design choice.  The advice of a decking professional will help you choose the ideal design and allow you to transform your existing deck into an expansive new outdoor living space.

More than just a safety feature, the railing on your Virginia deck should be designed as a seamless addition. There are several things to keep in mind when deciding on a railing, including the height off of the ground, maintenance, privacy and the view. All of these factors play a role in the final railing design.

Height Off of the Ground

According to the USBC, ground level decks do not require a railing. But that doesn’t mean you need to leave this feature off. Railings can work to direct traffic and help contain kids and pets on the deck surface, making the area more useable.

Any rail that you do install on your deck needs to follow the state building codes. This is especially true for decks built more than 24” off of the ground. All of the necessary paperwork will need to be presented with the permit application, including specs of the design and possibly an ICC-ES (International Code Council-Evaluation Service).

Maintenance Level

Just like the balance of your decking materials, you will want to choose a railing with low maintenance needs. Pressure treated wood is durable and rot resistant, but does need a coat of stain every few years to keep it looking good. If you don’t stain treated lumber it will end up grey and dingy. Cedar railings also need to be stained or painted for maximum beauty.

Other products like composite or vinyl (PVC) deck railing will retain their color effortlessly. These materials are billed as maintenance free, although they will need an annual wash down to keep the mold and mildew away.

Do You Need Privacy?

Once you’ve considered the structural and maintenance components of your Virginia deck railing, it’s time to think about the appearance and function. Railings go well beyond a simple picket style. They can include tall sections that provide privacy from nosy neighbors and busy traffic, as well as gates and other elements for convenience.

Privacy screens can help create a more relaxing space on the deck, keeping you out of sight and blocking the wind. Posts for taller privacy sections can be used to hang a hammock, as a lamp post or for a shade structure. Play with the design a little and create a screen with decorative panels or a beautiful topper. Remember that this space is ideal for hanging outdoor art as well.

Don’t Block the View

The most important element to remember when designing your deck railing is to maintain the view. Unless otherwise specified in the building code, keep the height of your railing low (30 to 36” high). This allows you to sit down on the patio furniture and still gaze out at the yard, gardens, etc. Check to make sure that your railing design doesn’t block the view from inside the house either. And watch out for the shadows that privacy screens cast.

Tempered glass railings are an excellent solution that will deliver the view you want and the safety you need. Installed in a frame of wood, composite, vinyl or aluminum, tempered glass railings can be smoked for more privacy, etched for decor purposes or kept clear for maximum viewing pleasure.

The railing design on your Virginia deck creates more than just a safe structure. It will work together with the entire deck design to create a comfortable outdoor living space for your whole family.

As the summer season approaches you’re sure to feel the call to spend more time outdoors in the warmth and sunshine. But life is full of tasks and necessary jobs that keep us tied up inside, unless we can move the workspace outside. That’s the beauty of outdoor kitchens – they allow you to spend time on your Virginia deck whether you’re cooking up dinner for the family or preparing a feast for the neighborhood party.

Essentials for the Patio Kitchen

The benefits of using an outdoor kitchen include more fresh air, the tang of grilled food and a cool breeze you just can’t get while cooped up in the house. But you need the space to be fully equipped to enjoy all of these advantages. Otherwise the experience will be dampened by your need to travel in and out those patio doors.

Invest in a stainless steel built in grill that with provide counter space for easy prep and maybe even cabinetry for storage of charcoal and other BBQ essentials. Think about including a side burner as well, to quickly boil, steam or warm your side dishes. These can be wired in, but a natural gas burner paired with a gas grill is a more popular and efficient set up.

Some people include a small sink for wash downs (fully plumbed in) and a bar fridge to keep things cool. Lighting is another important element that will allow you to use the kitchen space at any time of day or night, whipping up a gourmet grilled meal or snack.

Virginia Deck Designs That Make For Great Kitchens

It’s a wise idea to include multiple levels when designing a patio kitchen. Put the grill and other kitchen elements on the level closest to your sliding doors. Leave plenty of room for traffic over or through this level, as well as room to move around at the grill and the immediate area.

One step down from the grill level, design another for the dining furniture. This space should be at least 144 square feet in size (12 foot x 12 foot) to allow space for a full table of diners, but a little more room is desirable for traffic flow and aesthetics. Consider wrap-around stairs from this level to keep it open or possibly an overhead feature to provide shade and visual interest.

Be sure any steps are low rise so that the risk of stumbling with a full tray of food is minimized. Also be sure that any railings are built to code and installed where necessary for safety.

It’s a nice touch to finish the area around your wood deck with a stone patio and incorporate that same stone into the built in kitchen. A slate countertop will look stunning with composite or cedar decking dressed up with a slate pathway or edging around the lower level. Stone can also be used under and around the grill if a fire resistant surface is needed or desired.

Installing an outdoor kitchen onto your Virginia deck is a fantastic way to enjoy more of the coming season. Get outside and get your work done at the same time. You’ll be saving energy, enjoying freshly grilled meals and likely spending more time with the family. Who could ask for anything more?

Just as we don’t want our houses to look like the creation of a giant cookie cutter, there is no reason for your deck to be dull. Because it is actually an extension of the family’s living space your Virginia deck should be decorated and personalized just as the interior of your home is. Get personal and make this outdoor area truly yours with finishing touches both built in and added afterward.

Built In Flair

There are plenty of areas you can tweak and touch up on a wooden deck. Start with the flooring itself - you can install the decking on an angle or create patterns with deck boards in different colors or placements.

The areas along the decking can also dress up a standard space. Fascia board is the wood installed perpendicular to the deck board along the very edges (on top of the ring joist), designed to cover the ends of the decking and provide a profile to the deck edging. This can be a specific depth or a graduated profile using boards in different widths. These small details can add big class to your deck space.

Railings are another feature that can totally change the look of your deck, personalizing it with something that suits your tastes and style. There are standard wood railings available, but many of the other options are unique and will create a custom look on your Virginia deck.

Tempered glass railings can be built with wood frames or using aluminum channels and posts. Also, aluminum picket railings are maintenance free and available in a variety of colors. You can even find metal or aluminum pickets that are scrolled, turned or bellied for a more interesting shape on your railing. Check out the local building supply stores or visit your local decking contractor’s showroom for some samples.

PVC (poly vinyl chloride) railings are another no maintenance option and are ideal for the front porch. Remember that a combination of these railings styles can also work on your deck, creating rooms and separate spaces.

Added Pizzazz

Not all of the personalization on your deck comes from built in features like deck board, fascia and railings. The furniture you arrange and the decor items included make a big difference as well. Try to create a themed look (Asian Zen or Santa Fe western, for example) or go for a more eclectic feel. Again, whatever suits your tastes inside the home can be extended onto the deck.

Other elements can be added around your outdoor living space for both practical and aesthetic reasons. Lighting on nearby walls or tucked into the garden - even mounted on the railing - can add ambiance and safety, extending the time on your deck long into the evening.

Or what about a patio fire pit that will keep your family warm and cozy while resting on the decking. These highly functional pieces can also be used as furniture with specially made inserts and can be run with either natural gas or propane.

Have the best deck on the street with personalized touches that help your family relax. Create a Virginia deck that is made just for you and you’re bound to find more enjoyment in this important living space.

Adding a deck or screened porch to your yard is a wise decision. This investment will increase the value of your home and provide the ideal spot for casual outdoor living only steps away. The very best Northern Virginia deck designs are low maintenance and highly functional, allowing you to relax and enjoy the yard all season long. Composite decking is touted as the ultimate in low maintenance products, but is it right for your home?

Ask yourself a few questions to find out.

How Much Work Am I Willing To Do?

Wood decks are still the most popular and can be built in nearly any design. Treated lumber lasts for decades without the need for staining and cedar has a natural resistance to rot and pests that makes it a great choice. So why not build a wood deck in your yard?

No matter what grade of lumber is installed, exposure to the sun, wind and rain will take its toll. Wood will split, crack and twist over time. It also presents the risk of splinters to bare feet and on railings and banisters. Staining your wood deck helps to protect the lumber and cuts down on the effects of weathering, as well as adding to the overall appearance of the surface.

You will usually need to stain the deck board surface every two years and can go as long as five years between applications on the railing and skirting. Are you willing to put in that amount of work? Your Virginia deck will need to be thoroughly washed down beforehand and stained or painted with a high quality product. It’s a weekend job at the very least and can stretch longer depending on the size of your deck.

Composite decking never needs to be stained, although it should still be washed once a year. The makeup of the product makes it virtually impervious to weathering (you can expect the color to fade over time) and composite products will not splinter, swell, crack or twist. If you dread the thought of staining but want to maintain a smooth, beautiful deck and railing surface, composite may be the only way to go.

How Much Am I Willing To Spend?

As you might expect, composite decking is more expensive that traditional wood decking. This specialty product provides a lifetime of low maintenance performance and has the price tag to reflect that longevity. It can be as much as twice the price of treated lumber, depending on the design and composite product chosen.

Remember that the framing of a composite deck is still done in wood, so the only upgraded costs will be deck boards, railing, stairs, skirting (the finish between the deck and your grass) and fascia (the trim around the edges of the deck frame). Basically any surfaces that you can see from the deck surface should be finished in composite. Posts, beams, joists and stair framing are all done in traditional lumber.

Investing in a composite product for your Northern Virginia deck is a good choice for those who want a low maintenance surface with dependable good looks. Think of the increased cost as an investment in your home and your time – less maintenance means more time to relax and enjoy the backyard.

Do you long for more room in your Virginia home, but lack the budget for a home addition or major remodel? There is an easy way to create comfortable and affordable living space that the whole family will use and enjoy. Start planning for a Virginia deck and look forward to extra room for relaxing, playing and even preparing meals. You’ll be amazed at how much living happens on the deck.

How Does a Virginia Deck Add More Space?

Deck space is just as valuable as any other floor space in your home. The only thing it cannot offer is protection from the rain, although with a covered roof and screens, your new deck can be transformed into a room for use in any weather.

On the other hand, there are benefits to a roofless design including creating the perfect place to sun tan, watch the clouds race across a blue sky or star gaze with your sweetie.

To create more versatile outdoor living you can include many elements of a home’s interior on the deck. How about a built in patio kitchen or an outdoor fireplace? These features can be designed into your deck and present a layout very similar to your indoor living space. As long you include patio furniture that will withstand the weather and purchase top quality outdoor products, you can count on durable and highly functional living space.

Essential Elements of an Outdoor Kitchen

With an investment in some quality built in BBQ equipment and a little plumbing you can create an area to prepare dinner in the fresh air. Remove the heat and odors from the kitchen and enjoy culinary adventures on the deck. All of the major grill manufacturers carry a line of built in models that include a modern stainless steel finish, side burners and a rotisserie attachment.

With that equipment as your foundation, you can also design and install a stone counter top (granite, ceramic tiles and poured concrete work well), some cabinetry (look for lines that are specially made for outdoor use) and even a small bar fridge and sink.

Think about how convenient it will be to serve dinner on your Virginia deck, just moments after it has been made in your outdoor kitchen. Patio parties will never be same and you won’t ever lament about the lack of space in your home again.

To Create the Most Space on Your Deck

It’s important to find out whether your municipality has any restrictions on the possible location of your deck. Some areas will require a certain amount of space between your property line and the deck, others will not.

Once you have that information you will have an idea of how large your deck can be. Here’s a hint - always build it a little bigger than you think you will need. Too much deck space is rarely a problem, while cramped decks will likely spell regret.

Stick with simple shapes to create the largest areas. Angled corners and rounded edges add style and beauty, but consider those only once you’ve designed for the square footage that you need. Try designing different levels with wide stairs to separate them. This can give your Virginia deck a roomy feeling and those stairs also offer the perfect amount of impromptu seating.

Keep the area open whenever possible. Don’t leave off railing when safety is a concern, but leave the deck edges open or finish with low flower boxes and backless benches where you can. If a railing is necessary, think about clear tempered glass railing for a durable product that will lend an open feeling.

When space inside is an issue homeowners can easily add an affordable Virginia deck to their home, creating the ultimate outdoor living space.

Decks are so much more than just square platforms built in your backyard. In fact decks are actually extensions of your family’s living space and the best Northern Virginia deck designs should reflect your lifestyle and tastes. Whether it is a certain decking material, shape or features, the ideal deck design will reflect the specific needs of your family.

Multi Level Entertainment

If you spend a lot of time on the deck with friends and family you are going to need more space. Creating multiple levels gives a Northern Virginia deck better flow, as well as adding built in casual seating and the room you’ll need.

Multi level decks can have various shapes incorporated into the design, from circles and arches to geometrical shapes like diamonds and hexagons. Start with a basic shape and incorporate a few surprises within the levels for the maximum effect.

Privacy With Purpose

In suburbia many feel like their backyards are exposed, leaving them vulnerable and more uptight when hanging out on their deck. Privacy screens can help with that, blocking the view and helping to create a little oasis. Install decorative beams over the privacy screens for handy places to hang flowering baskets and scallop the ends for a distinct look.

Be sure that any privacy screens are properly placed to provide shade along with the much desired solitude. Screens can also help to block the wind, creating a peaceful, private spot on the deck. Make them only as high as needed and be sure the design suits both your home and the balance of the Northern Virginia deck.

Perfect Patio Planters

Incorporating built in planters is an easy way to have color on your deck. Use deck boards and other lumber pieces to create the boxes that will hold your patio-top garden. Then line the boxes with a fabric or thin plastic that will help to retain the soil and keep moisture from draining away quickly.

Depending on the amount and type of exposure your deck has, you can grow almost anything in a patio planter. These large items can also be incorporated into the design to act as railings, impromptu benches and even privacy screens. Plant very tall perennial grasses beside your patio doors for a dramatic flanking appearance. Or opt for low patio planters with cascading foliage that fills in with delicate flowers.

Outdoor Kitchens and Accessories

Your deck shape and structure are one thing, but the accessories and other elements you include in the design are just as important. Outdoor kitchens offer a simple and easy option for culinary activity, keeping the heat out of the house in the summer and allowing the cook to enjoy fresh air and sunshine while working. Think about how you can make built in grills, bar fridges, warming trays and even sinks work within the layout and design that you have chosen.

Choose an outdoor fire that will work on the deck as well, but be sure to lay stone slabs down on the deck surface to protect it from the heat of the pit. Comfortable and deep, conversation pieces should surround the fire pit for hours and hours of family fun.

Your Northern Virginia deck design should always take into account what you will be doing on your deck and what elements will make that more enjoyable. Examine your tastes, think about the different options and choose a style that will add value to your home.