Category: Wood Decks

Homeowners are spending more time outdoors than ever before. Summer offers great opportunities for enjoying the outdoors since weather conditions are ideal. However, when you add a fire pit to your backyard, you can continue spending time outside through the fall and even some in the winter. The key is working with the best custom deck company so you can ensure the fire pit is built to fit your needs. Here are a few ways a backyard fire pit can enhance the fun you have.

Create A Welcoming Environment With A Fire Pit

An outdoor deck is one of the best things you can have as a homeowner. And what makes your backyard deck even more welcoming is having a fire pit to sit around. The top deck and patio builders can match your new fire pit with the landscaping scheme you have or even the siding on your home. Your deck and fire pit should seem like an extension of your home. Imagine how welcoming it is to walk out your back door and see a well-built fire pit with chairs surrounding it. You might even end up spending more time sitting by the fire than you do sitting inside your house!

Keep Warm During Chilly Nights

Many people choose to stay indoors when it starts getting cooler in the evenings. It’s understandable since you deserve to be comfortable when you’re at home. But at the same time, you have a beautiful deck and should enjoy it as much as possible. That’s where a fire pit enters the picture. Add some comfortable furniture around the fire pit and you’ll stay warm and cozy on those chilly fall and winter nights. Working with the right deck remodeling contractors can ensure your deck and fire pit are ideal for keeping you warm.

Attract Friends And Family To Visit

Families and friends don’t spend as much time together as they should. We see each other around holidays and other important events, but not enough for those “just because” reasons. Working with the best deck and patio builders can transform your deck into a place your family and friends want to be on a Friday or Saturday night. Whether you are gathered around to watch a sporting event or just hanging out and unwinding after a busy day, a backyard patio with a fire pit is an attractive place to be.

Enjoy Outdoor Cooking

A backyard fire pit can bring a camping experience to the comfort of your home. Whether it’s just your family or if you’ve invited several guests, it’s easy to cook some hot dogs or roast marshmallows for s’mores over your fire pit. Food brings people together and cooking over an open fire is the way to go. You could even invest in various accessories like a grill grate and expand the items you can cook. The options are virtually limitless with an outdoor fire pit, so let your custom deck company know your vision so they can turn it into a reality.

Add Peaceful Ambiance To Your Backyard

If you have a fireplace in your home, you know how peaceful it can be sitting by it on a cold winter night. Doing the same thing by your outdoor fire pit is even more peaceful. You can hear the cracking of the fire more, as well as see the flames and beautiful glow of the embers. It’s a perfect place to bond with your family and have memorable conversations. With no other distractions that are often found indoors, you can enjoy an ambiance that’s hard to recreate elsewhere.

Boost Your Home Value

Cost is a major factor when renovating your deck or patio to include a fire pit. The cost varies depending on how large you want it, the current structure of your deck, and more. Most homeowners agree a fire pit is worth the cost because of the joy and peace it offers. And as an added bonus, it increases your home’s value so you can recover some of the cost if you sell your home. When potential buyers step into your backyard, their desire to buy the home will rise when they see the attractive and welcoming environment. So there are very few downfalls to having a built-in fire pit as long as it is sturdily built by deck and patio builders.

Work With The Right Contractor For Your Built-In Fire Pit

The most important thing you can do is ensure you work with the best custom deck company to install your backyard fire pit. Any deck contractor can install a fire pit and make it look good right away. However, you want to ensure it remains looking great and functional for years to come. Always ask questions to different deck companies to get a good feel for how they work and what their priorities are. It’s also important to work with a contractor who has completed a project similar to yours so you can have confidence they know what your vision is.

Regan Total Construction is a top custom deck company with many years of experience. We have a large portfolio of decks we have built over the years and always enjoy a new challenge. We enjoy hearing about the creative ideas homeowners have and love the result of adding a backyard fire pit to enhance the environment. When you’re ready to improve the ambiance of your backyard with a fire pit, contact us to schedule a free estimate.

Once you’ve decided to build a new deck, you need to decide which materials you want to use. A lot of factors might go into your decision, including the cost, how you plan on using it, where you’re located, aesthetics, and more. Of course, if you’re replacing your existing deck, then you might already know the pros and cons of the material you had previously. Speaking with the top deck and patio builders can help you decide what decking material options are best for your home. We’ve provided you with some information to help as well.

Pressure-Treated Wood Decking

Pressure-treated wood decking has always been the most popular material deck contractors use to install new decks. The wood provides a classic look and it’s hard to argue against the natural appearance it provides. Most deck contractors will estimate the lifespan of pressure-treated wood decking at 10-20 years depending on how well it has been maintained and what elements it has been exposed to.

If your primary concern is saving money, then pressure-treated wood decking is the way to go. It’s easy for deck and patio builders to install and the material costs are much lower than other types of decking. However, one thing you have to be aware of with pressure-treated wood decking is the maintenance requirements. You will need to clean it regularly throughout the year and do deeper cleans via pressure washing or scrubbing annually. This type of decking also requires restaining or repainting every couple of years, so your long-term costs can add up.

When you’re considering pressure-treated wood decking, deck contractors suggest thinking about the big picture and how much effort you are willing to put into your new deck. If you want to extend the lifespan, maintenance costs will be involved. But if you aren’t willing to maintain it, then you’ll reduce the lifespan significantly.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is quickly becoming one of the most popular choices homeowners make when it comes to their new decks. The material is made from a mix of wood particles, polyethylene, binders, and preservatives. The lifespan of composite decks is much longer than pressure-treated wood since there’s no risk of rotting or warping.

One of the main reasons homeowners choose composite decking, and particularly Trex decking, is the low-maintenance factor. You don’t have to do any deep cleaning with composite materials, and simply sweeping it off regularly will keep it looking nice. You also never have to worry about staining or painting the materials, and they won’t split or rot. When you speak with Trex deck contractors, you will quickly see why more homeowners are opting for composite decking today.

A downside of composite decking is you have limited options when it comes to aesthetics. And if you decide to change the color of the deck, then the entire thing has to be replaced since you can’t simply repaint or restrain it. Another factor to consider is the cost. Composite decking costs about double the price of pressure-treated wood. But when you balance the low-maintenance factors and the longer lifespan, the high upfront cost is a little more justifiable.

PVC Decking

Some homeowners opt for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) decking if they want a long-lasting material and don’t mind paying a premium for it. PVC is lightweight and some types are even capped to provide an appearance similar to wood. The great thing deck contractors like about PVC is it’s easier to install than composite wood. And homeowners appreciate that it won’t rot, never needs to be refinished, and rarely needs to be maintained.

Most of the downsides of PVC decking are the same as the downsides of composite decking materials. In addition, if you’re aiming for a natural wood look, you will likely be disappointed with PVC materials. And as far as cost considerations go, PVC decking is even more costly than composite decking, so you will have to weigh the benefits to determine whether the higher cost is worth it to you.

What Decking Material Is Right For Your Home?

The best way to determine which decking material is right for you is to have deck and patio builders evaluate your space. The deck contractors will look at the location of the deck and determine how much direct sunlight the area gets and provide estimations of the lifespan of different materials. While there are some perfect locations where pressure-treated wood decking works well, many times people opt for composite decking. Since composite decking withstands harsh weather elements much easier and requires less maintenance, the cost is worth it in the opinions of many homeowners.

It’s very important to consider how much you plan on maintaining your deck. If you like to change the appearance periodically and don’t mind doing the necessary work to keep it looking nice, then pressure-treated wood might be your best option. Otherwise, if you want a solidly-built deck that will last for multiple decades without a lot of headaches, then composite decking or PVC is the way to go.

Regal Total Construction can customize your new deck to your liking. When our deck and patio builders come to your home, we want to understand your vision so we can provide you with everything you need to know about your new deck. Our goal is to ensure you understand everything involved with your new deck from the time we begin preparing the area to what it should look like 20 years from now. If you have any questions about decking materials or if you are ready to begin your project, don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.

Wood decks generally last up to 15 years for homeowners. Sometimes they can exceed 20 years if properly maintained and aren’t exposed to harsh weather elements. Many homeowners like to get as much out of their wood deck as they can, but you also have to balance the safety aspects. A single rotten board is easy to replace. However, there could be other underlying issues you don’t know about that can lead to the need for a deck replacement contractor. Here are five sure signs you need to replace your wood deck.

Multiple Splintered Or Cracked Deck Boards

As wood decks are exposed to rain, humidity, debris, sun, and other elements, they will slowly deteriorate. Even if you do the proper annual maintenance and stain it regularly, your wood deck won’t last forever. The usual result of a weathered deck is splintered or cracked boards. If you have one or two boards that are worse than others, then a deck replacement contractor can easily take care of it. However, if the weathering is more widespread, then the next step could be to replace the whole thing. When that time comes, consider speaking to composite decking contractors about the benefits of composite wood versus natural wood.

Wood Rot On Posts Or Beams

Any type of rot on your wood deck should be a cause for concern. Sometimes the rot is isolated, but most of the time if you see rot in one location, it’s present elsewhere also. Exposure to the damp soil can make your posts or beams rot and slowly spread across the deck as more moisture hits them. It’s important to evaluate your deck periodically by stepping on each board slowly to ensure it’s stable. If it feels soft on top or underneath at the beam level, you could be dealing with a rot issue and a deck replacement contractor should be contacted. Rotten posts and beams can create a dangerous situation, so don’t delay in getting the problem evaluated.

Loose Deck Railings

A loose deck railing could be as simple as tightening up a couple of screws or replacing them. Or it could mean the structure has become rotten. Never take a loose deck railing as a minor issue since it can create a serious safety hazard. People tend to put a lot of their weight on railings and if it collapses, they could hurt themselves badly. But if you replace some screws or bolts and the railings become stable again, then you might not have to worry anymore. Just be sure to evaluate the railing periodically to ensure it remains stable.

Rusty Or Loose Connectors And Fasteners

Connectors and fasteners are what hold your entire deck together and they need to be structurally stable to be safe. However, over time as the deck is exposed to weather elements, these connectors and fasteners can become rusty or loose as the wood expands and contracts. If a particular screw is popping up from a deck board, replace it right away. But it also is a good idea to contact a deck replacement contractor to ensure there’s not a larger issue underneath the deck that you can’t see. Chances are if you find one rusty or loose fastener, there will be others as well, so don’t take the issue lightly.

Poor Maintenance Signs

For as beautiful as natural wood decks are when they are installed, they require a lot of maintenance to remain in good condition. Dirt, leaves, and other debris can get in between the boards and if they aren’t removed in a reasonable time, mildew, moss, and mold can start growing. The most common signs of a poorly maintained wood deck include:

• No sealer or stain present to protect the wood
• Peeled or chipped paint
• Algae, mildew, or mold growth
• Rusty or loose connectors
• Rotten planks, beams, or railings

These issues shouldn’t be present on a wood deck that has been maintained properly with washing, restaining, and replacing any faulty connectors regularly. Not doing so can significantly reduce the life of your deck and potentially create hazards along the way.

Do You Need To Repair Or Replace Your Deck?

A big question homeowners have is if they have to replace the entire deck or if they can just repair it? It’s no question a full deck replacement is a costly project. But depending on the cost of the repairs and how much life your deck has in it, you could be better off in the long run by replacing it now. When you have a trustworthy deck replacement contractor evaluate your deck, they can give you an idea of how much life your deck has in it. If it’s determined you might only get another 3-5 years out of it, then it’s usually a better option to save your repair money and just replace it.

If the time has come to replace your natural wood deck, you owe it to yourself to speak with Trex contractors about composite decking. You don’t have to worry about maintaining it nearly as much and the lifespan won’t deteriorate as quickly as a natural wood deck. At Regan Total Construction, we build Trex decks for homeowners for many reasons. They are simple to install, there are plenty of options to meet your aesthetic needs, and they can easily last 25+ years depending on weather elements and maintenance practices. Don’t hesitate to contact us today and our composite decking contractors can evaluate your current deck and provide professional recommendations.

Building a new deck is one of the best investments you can make for your home. Not only will you enjoy using it for years to come, but your home will also be more attractive to buyers if you ever decide to sell it. You can probably already envision how you will use your deck during the warm months. Maybe you want to have small gatherings with family and friends or simply enjoy a peaceful evening sitting on your new deck alone.

While it’s great to have a vision for how you’ll use your deck, you also need to think about how much maintenance you want to do to it, what design you want, and more. When you think about these factors before contacting a custom deck company, you’ll be able to explain exactly what you want and they will be able to deliver. Here are some of the main factors to consider before starting your deck addition project.

What Decking Material Is The Best For Your Deck?

When most homeowners contact deck patio builders about designing a new deck, they don’t realize they have more options than simply wood. Composite decking is one of the most popular options today since it looks like wood, but uses artificial materials to make it much easier to maintain. You’ll never have to worry about composite decking splintering or warping, and you won’t have to re-stain or re-paint it every few years as you do with natural wood. Composite decking is a little pricier than natural wood upfront, but many homeowners believe the cost is worth it when you factor in the low maintenance aspects.

Vinyl decking is also a popular choice deck contractors suggest for new decks. You can customize the look of your deck more with vinyl and it is even more low-maintenance than composite decking. Vinyl decking boards won’t scratch or damage as easily as other materials and they won’t fade as quickly even when it’s in direct sunlight. It’s the most costly material, but it also offers the most options and much less maintenance.

Of course, the beauty of traditional natural wood decks is still a common choice among homeowners. Wood decks are more affordable than any other material and you can paint or stain them to create the aesthetics you desire. The problem is wood decks require much more maintenance than other materials. The boards are susceptible to mold, rot, splintering, insect damage, and more if you don’t maintain them regularly. This is a balance every homeowner has to weigh before deciding on their new deck material.

Design Your Deck To Blend In With Your Home

When you work with a reputable custom deck company, you can design your new deck to blend in with your home flawlessly. The best decks will look like they were built at the same time as your home when it comes to the design features, colors, and just how well it fits with the rest of your home. Think about accessibility to your backyard and through your back door to ensure everything fits naturally. You can also customize railings and other features with your custom deck company to make your deck a unique place to be.

Understand Maintenance Requirements For Your New Deck

Before you finally commit to a particular material and design, ask your deck patio builders what maintenance requirements are involved. As previously mentioned, wood decks require much more maintenance than other materials to extend their lifespan as much as possible. You need to wash it once or twice per year and stain or paint it every 2-4 years as needed. Plus, you’ll need to keep it clean throughout the year and don’t let leaves, sticks, or anything else stay on the deck for too long so mold growth doesn’t occur.

Composite and vinyl decking doesn’t require as much maintenance, but there are still a few things you may need to do throughout the year to keep your deck looking new. The maintenance requirements can vary by type and manufacturer, so check with the custom deck company about the requirements so you know exactly what you are investing in.

Confirm All Building Codes Before Beginning Your Project

Working with the best custom deck company is invaluable when you consider your deck could last 20 years or more. The deck contractors you work with should understand all building codes and pull the necessary permits for you. The last thing you want to happen is to be excited about your new deck and then find out it doesn’t pass the final inspection or becomes structurally unsound after a couple of years.

Hire The Best Custom Deck Company For Peace Of Mind

Your new deck should be something you can enjoy for years to come. When you work with the best deck patio builders in your area, you can explain your vision for your deck to them and they will sketch it out and turn that vision into a reality. They should also make suggestions or recommendations you might not have thought of otherwise that could enhance your deck experience even more. Peace of mind is hard to find nowadays, but when you work with the best custom deck company, you can have it with your new deck.

Regan Total Construction wants to make sure you know exactly what you are investing in when it comes to a new deck for your home. Our expert deck patio builders will take the time to explain every aspect of your new deck for you so you can make an informed decision and truly enjoy your deck for years to come. When you’re ready to have a conversation with one of our experts, don’t hesitate to contact us to start the process.

Not many things can transform a backyard like a good-looking deck. You have many different options to choose from depending on the aesthetics you’re aiming for, maintenance requirements, durability, and more. Traditional wood decks are popular among homeowners and, with proper maintenance, can be enjoyed for well over a decade. However, composite decking has increased in popularity over the years as it’s even more resistant to regular wear and tear, along with year-round harsh weather elements.

When it comes to composite decking, Trex is what most contractors will recommend. Not only does Trex composite decking have different options to meet your aesthetic standards, but it’s very low maintenance so you can enjoy it for decades with minimal effort. All Trex deck contractors agree “there are no better options available when it comes to decking materials,” and here are some of the year-round benefits you can experience.

Can Trex Decks Hold Up To Rainy Spring Seasons?

A valid concern many homeowners have before installing a new deck is whether it can hold up to rainy spring seasons. Traditional wood decks are more susceptible to mildew, mold, and rot, which can significantly decrease their lifespan and the curb appeal. However, Trex composite decking is much more resistant to these problems and you won’t have to worry about structural durability as you do with wood. It’s still a good idea to remove the water from your deck, but you can feel more confident if you can’t get to it right away knowing it’s not creating long-term damage to the composite decking materials.

Does The Hot Summer Sun Make Trex Decking Fade?

Hot and humid summers can take a toll on traditional wood decks. Splintering and warping could occur, and the finish could look particularly rough in areas of direct sunlight. The good news with Trex composite decking is you won’t have to worry about fading. Whichever color you choose, you can feel confident knowing it will have the same color for many years, even after going through multiple hot and humid summer seasons. In this regard, you can pick out the color of your Trex decking to match the aesthetics of your home knowing it won’t fade and look different after a few years.

Why Are Trex Decks Beneficial During The Fall?

The fall season brings milder temperatures and beautiful foliage from the surrounding trees. But the problem with those colorful leaves is they will eventually fall and end up on your deck. And if you’re unable to get them off before the next rain comes, then you’ll be dealing with trapped moisture on your deck. With a traditional wood deck, this means you could see mildew or mold growth where the leaves were, and even some staining that could damage the finish. Plus, some of the leaves will end up getting under your deck, which will slowly but surely lead to decay.

With Trex composite decking, these issues are minimized. It’s still ideal to remove the leaves from your Trex deck as soon as possible, but the composite materials won’t lead to mildew or mold growth as quickly or easily. And any leaf stains that end up on your Trex deck are simple to remove. We all have busy lives and might not be able to take care of the leaves on our decks right away, so Trex decking allows some peace of mind knowing it can withstand the elements much better.

How Well Do Trex Decks Hold Up In The Winter?

Winters in the northeast can be brutal and many different materials can be damaged as a result. The constant freezing, thawing, and refreezing cycles take a toll on traditional wood decks, especially if the sealant has worn off. With old or improper sealing, water can get into the wood and freeze, which causes it to expand and damage the deck boards.

One of the biggest benefits of Trex composite decking is it doesn’t have the small cracks or crevices that traditional wood has, so there’s no chance of water penetration. You also don’t have to worry about sealing your deck every year as you do with a wood deck, so you can rest easy during the winter knowing your Trex deck will be able to withstand the weather elements.

Don’t Delay In Building Your Dream Deck

You might not use your backyard deck year-round because of less-than-ideal weather elements, but you still have to think about what your deck has to withstand throughout the year. The best Trex deck contractors can customize your deck to your liking so you can enjoy it for many years to come. Arguably the most attractive feature of Trex composite decking is the low maintenance it requires. When you think about how much more time you’ll have to do the things you love, it’s well worth the investment.

Regal Total Construction can help you build the deck you’ve always dreamed of. When our Trex deck builder comes to your home, they will tell you everything you need to know about Trex decks so you can make an informed decision. This includes discussing all of our available financing options so you know exactly how your new deck will fit into your budget. We have helped numerous homeowners create their dream backyard in our 20 years in business, and we’re ready to help you next. Be sure to contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step in creating a backyard oasis at your home.