It allows you to steer clear of companies who lack the tools, experience, and professionalism to put your home improvement dollars to good use. Here are four signs you should look elsewhere when researching deck specialists: You can’t find any testimonials Every deck building specialist is aware that cultivating good reviews and testimonials is important.…
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Enclosing your deck during winter provides protection from nature’s elements such as rain, snow, cold, or a heavy downpour. This means that you can still enjoy spending time on your deck whether it is windy or raining heavily. It also helps to keep out flying insects and bugs so that they cannot be bothersome to…
Yes, this is still one of the best ways to find a good contractor. You get the real story from past clients, and in many cases, you can see the workmanship with your own eyes. If you know someone who has recently had work done on their deck, be sure to ask them who they…
If the foundation and framing of your outdoor deck are in bad condition, you’ll have two basic options. Rebuild parts of the old deck, attempting to salvage areas that are still functional Tear it down completely and build a brand new deck Starting fresh is probably your best option if the deck in question is…
The short answer is between $10,000 – $25,000. However, you could be lower or significantly higher than this range, depending on four important factors. Size The bigger your deck, the more materials you’ll need. Outdoor deck builders also tend to bill “per square foot” for outdoor deck installations. An average sized deck between 200 and…
Deck refinishing is also something many homeowners decide to undertake on their own. This can be a rewarding and economical way to go, provided you know the proper techniques and are equipped to give yourself an excellent result. Sadly, this is not always the case. Some DIY refinishing projects end up costing more time and…
As deck resurfacing has become more and more popular, people are wondering if it’s possible to undertake this project (whether DIY or with professional help) during the winter months. Is it really necessary to wait until the weather is warm? Or can a deck be resurfaced during the winter and ready to use when the…
Cedar is often considered a middle-of-the-road option between these two extremes, at least where price is concerned. The most obvious downside to a natural wood deck is that they require more upkeep. Natural wood will need to be sealed every few years to keep it from chipping and splintering. Additionally, wooden decks should never be…
Screened porches Screened porches are also known as “three-season” porches, for exactly the reasons described in the beginning of this article. People tend to use them during Spring, Summer and Fall — during the winter, it may be too cold to get much use of them. They provide a breezy, comfortable living space that’s protected…
Multiple tiers If the majority of outdoor decks you see are flat, single-plane structures, it’s probably because few owners are really aware of the advantages of multiple tiers. In addition to marking off different areas of the deck (for instance a lounge area on one tier and an outdoor kitchen or grilling area on another…