Decks & Custom Deck Design Construction

If your kids are shopping for fireworks and you find yourself standing in longer and longer lines at the butcher, then that time of year just might be upon us again. That's right, its summer time and party season! And it's never too soon to start planning ahead, because the only thing that matters in your neighborhood is who throws the biggest bash.

Don't let Bob Jones down the block, with his built-in bandstand and fancy barbeque pit, show you up this summer. The key to hosting your own great summer party is a great space to throw it in. The biggest baddest parties always have the biggest baddest decks. Summer fun simply goes hand in hand with decks and patios.

If you agree that there's nothing sadder than a backyard full of brownish crab grass and no place to sit but on top of your ceramic lawn gnome (ouch!), then it's time to get started! Restoring or building a deck or patio is the beginning to a great atmosphere for outdoor entertaining.

Patio vs Deck

The first thing you may need to know is what’s the difference between a patio and a deck, and which one is right for your backyard? Maybe you'd even prefer to have both! Patios are typically created with masonry materials, such as stone or brick slabs, which are laid over a firm base and situated on the ground level of a yard or garden. Patios can be ideal spaces for outdoor dining, and can create paths amidst garden plots and landscaping for added aesthetic appeal. Creating a firm base for the patio is important because a weak base can result in cracked slabs over time. Patios that hold a lot of weight can require stronger, concrete foundations. This could change the type of patio furniture or equipment you'd want to store on it.

Decks, on the other hand, are generally made of wood and are often elevated from the ground and connected to the house. Decks are an ideal location for outdoor grilling and dining, an outdoor fireplace, a hot tub, and many more fun outdoor activities. Deck surfaces are made from a variety of materials and come with a variety of pricing options, depending on the size and design. Picking the best one to suit your entertaining needs can be a difficult decision. By discussing your deck and patio options with a knowledgeable local contractor like us, you can learn more about your choices, and create an affordable plan for implementing your outdoor entertaining area!

Building Blocks

Popular choices for deck materials include pressure-treated fir, pine cedar, redwood, or wood polymer. However, whether it's natural wood, pressure-treated, or composite decking, each has its advantages and disadvantages. Remember even pressure-treated wood requires some deck maintenance. Make sure to inquire about all the design options when you meet with or design consultant.

Adding the perfect patio or deck is just the start to creating your great summer party. It's all the personal touches, like a gazebo, built-in grill or hot tub veranda, which will set your deck and patio apart from your neighbors'. Let's not forget the proper deck furniture!

You can be conservative and refined, or use wild, colorful patterns; it's all about matching your deck with your personality. Start sketching out your deck and patio design ideas; be as creative as you want, because if you can dream it, we can realize it. We can even refer you to manufacturers who specialize in custom home furnishings if you're looking for a completely unique outdoor spread. With your new deck or patio layout in place, the only thing that can ruin your summer shindig is a rainy day...and Bob Jones, of course!

Composite Decks: A Closer Look

Whether you're planning to install a new deck or replace an old deck that's outdated or in disrepair, composite decking might be the answer to sprucing up your home's overall outdoor environment.

So, what are composite decks? And why have they been gaining in popularity in recent years? Composite decks are made of recycled wood and plastic composites. This combination of materials is considered environmentally friendly to use, durable in its longevity, and convenient to build with. There are currently two main types of composite decking to choose from.

Types of Composite Decks

• Hollow: Hollow composite decks typically appear more man-made and are lighter-weight. Because of their lower density, hollow composite decks are more susceptible to damage prior to installation, but they are also less prone to expanding and contracting in changing temperatures.
• Solid: Solid composite decks have a more natural, wood-like appearance. They are also heavier and more resistant to damage that can occur on-site or prior to installation. Because of their solid mass, however, they succumb to more expansion and contraction in varying climates.

Benefits of Composite Decks

First and foremost, many people choose composite decks for their durability. Because of their wood-plastic composites and their use of recycled wood fibers, these decks don't contain the same wood preservatives that so often lead to rotting and deterioration in pressure-treated wood. Composite decks are also highly resistant to temperature changes and color fading, keeping the deck material looking better longer.

Composite decks are also popular for their low-maintenance qualities and minimal upkeep. Composite decks are easy to install and don't require the frequent painting, staining or sealing that is standard procedure in many pressure-treated wood decks. However, some homeowners like to treat their composite deck with an anti-fungal chemical to keep their deck in tip-top condition. Ask us for helpful recommendations on how to increase the life and quality of your composite deck.

Many customers also appreciate the purported safety of composite decks. Since they're highly resistant to warping or splintering, the material is safe for bare skin. Composite decks are also slip-resistant so there's little concern for accidents associated with spills or wet weather.

Lastly, composite decks are environmentally friendly due to their use of recycled materials and their lack of toxic chemicals. For those who are catching on to the rising trend of green home remodeling, composite decking is one more way of implementing green materials into your building or remodeling plans.