Is Composite Decking Your Best Choice?

syntheticdeckingComposite or wood? The debate has gone on for years about which decking material is better for the task. And while the debate seemed to be neck and neck, over the past several years composite decking as taken the lead. With the modern advances in composite decking, especially in Trex, a deck can have the same great look and feel as a regular wooden deck and be better resistant to the elements. Composite material for decking is the best choice available, especially when you have to worry about warping, rot, splitting, termites and mold in a standard wooden deck.

Many people are concerned about the natural fading that occurs in composite decking material. With the early generations of Trex, this material will achieve its natural weathered color after 12 to 16 weeks. The newer generations of Trex has a protective shell technology that provides a superior fade and stain resistance that will help protect the wood from sun damage and other various weather conditions while keeping the same wood grain appeal of a natural wood deck.

Another argument is the variety of color. With natural treated wood, one would have to choose a different kind of wood, with a wide range of costs to get the desired color, along with different stains that are harmful to the environment. Composite decking materials have dozens of choices available that can complement a house perfectly, along with accented posts and railings.

Choosing composite decking can also be better for the environment. Trex decking is made with 95 percent recycled wood and plastics. By using reclaimed wood and recycled plastics, a tree never has to be cut down to make a deck. Trex is also one of the largest plastic bag recyclers in the U.S. and reuses any factory run off in the manufacturing line.

Cost can be a major factor in whether or not someone selects composite materials. While wood can be cheaper, depending on the type, in the initial investment of the deck, composite decking materials can save money for the buyer in the long run, with a higher quality product that requires far less maintenance. Particularly, Trex also offers a 25-year Limited Residential Warranty and a 25-year Limited Residential Fade and Stain Warranty for their higher quality decking materials.

At Distinctive Deck Designs, we specialize in using Trex composite decking materials. With more than 20 years experience in constructing decks and patios, we know our products inside and out and will help you create the perfect outdoor living area for your home. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Building to Code

buildinginspectorWhether you want to build a deck on your own or hire a contractor like the experienced crew at Distinctive Deck Designs, a building permit is required for the project. Obtaining a building permit for the addition onto your home will insure that the deck is built safely and up to code. A permit will also protect your investment and avoid future costs. For instance, building without a permit can not only cost you in fines but you may be required to tear down what you have already built.

Most building permits are issued the same day that the application is received when a reputable contractor applies for the project permit and is listed as the responsible party. Contractors obtain a building permit by:

  • Submitting the building permit application
  • Obtaining the necessary reviews
  • Paying the required frees

Scheduled inspections throughout the building process ensure that the deck is done accordance to code and if any issues arise, inspectors are there to answer any questions or concerns. The problem with constructing a deck on your own is that a project can change in the midst of construction, so an inspector may find a different deck constructed than the one on the permit. What most homeowners that build a deck on their own do not realize is that even the slightest changes in building could result in a code violation. Examples of common code violations are:

  • No protection against decay – All structural elements must be protected from weathering and against decay. This means the constructor must use pre-treated lumber. If standard-grade lumber is used, the constructor must apply an on-site treatment to any exposed areas of the deck.
  • Too few or inadequate fasteners – All fasteners must be hot-dipped zinc-coated galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper or silicon bronze to resist corrosion. Untreated fasteners or nails can rust within the year.
  • Inadequate or non-approved structure – All structural beams and girders must be constructed with multiple 2x4s to 2x12s. Using 4x4s or 6x6s as girders is no longer allowed.
  • Insufficient support and anchoring – To prevent the deck from racking or becoming a projectile in high winds or earthquakes, the deck footing is required to be anchored against uplift and braced laterally.
  • Missing or noncompliant guardrails and handrails – If the floor surface is raised more than 30 inches off the ground, a guard rail is required, and benches alone cannot serve as a guardrail.

If you would like a deck constructed onto your home in Fairfax, Loudoun or Price William Counties of northern Virginia with the kind of expertise only Distinctive Deck Design can offer, please contact us today for a free consultation.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Deck Builder

professionalcontractorThere are many benefits to having your very own deck. It can increase your living space, enhance the usability of your yard, make your home look more attractive and can increase your home’s value. Adding a deck onto a home can be a great project that only skilled “Do-it-yourselfers” would love to tackle; however, before you go out and start buying materials, perhaps it could be more beneficial to contact a professional for a consultation to see if a contractor is the better option.

You must always make sure that your deck is safe, built sturdy and to code. Even with full knowledge of your state’s codes and the know-how, you could still be looking at spending much more than you have anticipated just from small or quick mistakes that need to be fixed. Remember, these are the things you are getting into when you decide to build your own deck:

  • Deck Design – What kind of deck were you hoping to create? The dream deck you have always wanted? Do you want it to compliment your house and its surrounding landscape or a simple square deck?
  • Code and Liability – Permits are required. Depending on what kind of soil you are working on, there are several construction codes you need to follow such as safety codes, load bearing, etc. Without the proper permits, your deck could be torn down. You also run the risk of becoming liable for any injury that could occur from a deck that is not installed properly, especially if it collapses. A licensed and insured professional will be able to cover any mishaps related to the deck on the owner’s behalf.
  • Materials – Are you going for the classic wood deck? Did you want to use composite decking like Trex for less maintenance? Are there going to be accessories built into the deck like track lighting or anything else electrical?

Designing your deck can be a challenge. When you have a broad idea of what you want your deck to look like but do not have the means or the proper tools to get the look you want, a professional deck builder will help take your designs and make it suit your home. Remember, they are working for a brand that wants people to recognize their work. It is sure to be top quality.

It is important to note that if something were to happen on your own built-deck and you have decided to use composite decking, manufacturers will typically deny any product claims if the installation instructions were not done properly or completely.

Experience can go a long way; one should never tackle a job like deck building if they just do it for a hobby or a “side-project”. At Distinctive Deck Designs, we have more than 20 years of experience in constructing decks and covered decks. Or let us know if you already built a deck and are looking to remodel. Contact us today for a free on-site consultation.

Why Cover A Deck?

Outdoor living has become an increasingly popular trend as homeowners expand their living space by adding a deck onto their houses. These versatile decks are being used for quiet places to read, entertaining, an extra kitchen or dining area.

784With so many benefits of just having a deck added onto your home, why would you want to spend additional time and money to have it covered? Having a covered outdoor living area, otherwise known as a sunroom, will keep you insect-free and able to enjoy the outside without having to worry about the elements throughout the year. You will be free from the concern of rain or snow in the colder months and able to enjoy the refreshing breezes during the warmer times of the year. Here are some other reasons to consider covering your deck.

Depending on where you are located, accessorizing a deck can be limited. With heavy rain or snowfall, homeowners will be concerned with any electrical devices and furnishing they leave on their decks. Covering your deck brings peace of mind to homeowners and offers more opportunity to upgrade the living area. Not only have your options in decorating opened up tremendously, now you can have a ceiling fan, track lighting and more installed so you can enjoy your outdoor living area all year long.

Covering your deck will allow you to provide entertainment outdoors while not having to worry about the weather being an interruption. You can still have your guests, friends or family over to enjoy an outdoor celebration or barbeque even when it looks like weather will not permit it.

pics decks and house june 10 158 - Copy (3)Maintenance can take time and become costly for certain kinds of decks, depending if you are using wood or composite decking. You would not have to worry about weather such as rain, snow or intense sun light slowly breaking down your deck, the longevity of your living space increases greatly.

Another rising trend is people taking “staycations”. A covered living area in your backyard creates the perfect atmosphere to relax and to “get away” without the expense and hassle of traveling. No matter where you are located, even in the middle of a city, a covered deck gives a person the chance to comfortably sit outside and connect with nature by providing an escape for some much needed peace and quiet.

At Distinctive Deck Designs, we offer Virginia deck construction and remodeling services. We will also help you with your ideas and create the perfect design for your deck to make your house truly stand out. Please contact us today for a free consultation!