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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As the cooler weather fades into memory, there are many different tasks on your to do list. From spring cleaning to lawn equipment tune ups and gardening, the change of seasons requires a fair bit of work. And your Northern Virginia deck is no exception. Make this outdoor living space as comfortable as possible with a little bit of elbow grease and some fresh upgrades.

Shine and Stain

Any type of deck board will be subject to the dirt and dust of the great outdoors. Both composite and wood decks need to be cleaned well at least one per year (and many in the industry recommend bi-annual cleaning – once in the spring and again in the fall). Use an environmentally safe cleaning product to give your deck boards a scrub down and remove any mold, mildew and other organic staining.

Once the deck surface, as well as any vertical parts such as privacy screens and railings, is clean and dry it’s time to for a coat of stain. This only needs to be done every few years or once you have noticed fading, so gauge the condition of this protective coating after the cleaning is complete.

Deck stain (or the less commonly seen paint) does act as a protective barrier against the potential damage of the sun. UV rays will fade the color of the deck board and can cause excess cracking or splitting on wooden decks.

Upgrade For Better Function

Maybe you noticed a need for more space on your Northern Virginia deck last summer. Or possibly a new neighbor has moved in and your family needs better privacy. There are plenty of reasons for deck upgrades, even if you thought you had designed a dream deck.

Adding or changing the existing railings is easy and shouldn’t be too much of an investment. Consider putting in tempered glass deck railing if you don’t want to block a beautiful view or installing a 5-foot high privacy screen if the neighbors are uncomfortably close. Design the railing to match what is there or opt for a coordinated look.

You can also add another level to your Virginia deck if space permits. Build a separate frame and attach it where necessary, transforming your standard deck into a multi-level outdoor living paradise. Change out the existing deck boards while you’re at it and upgrade to composite or eco friendly cedar decking.

Light Up Your Life

If there are currently light fixtures on your deck spring is the time to test them and replace bulbs if needed. Solar garden lights can be put out once the weather turns for the better and patio heaters are ideal for use at this time of year.

Install outdoor fixtures on your exterior wall or consider a ceiling fan under the veranda for long evenings of relaxation on the deck. You can also have low voltage lighting installed right into your deck – along the edging, under pergola beams or on railing posts. You’ll need to call in a deck contractor, but the overall effect will be amazing and is sure to transform your summer into one of lazy at home comfort.

From cleaning and staining to upgrades and lighting there is plenty to be done on your Northern Virginia deck in anticipation of spring. Get to it and keep the goal in mind – long, relaxing days in your own backyard paradise.

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.