How To Work With A Custom Deck Builder To Bring Your Dream Outdoor Space To Life

The inclusion of a custom deck on your Wisconsin or Minnesota home can help boost its curb appeal. Building a deck can also increase a home’s resale value and add to its outdoor living space.  Deck contractors can provide homeowners with valuable advice on material, layout, and more.  Here’s how to work with a builder to bring your dream deck to life.   

Plan Your Custom Built Deck Features

Include A Pergola On Your Deck

Contractors can often suggest including pergolas as part of a custom decking solution.  Pergolas on decks can be functional and aesthetically pleasing – providing shade from the sun to increase comfort while enhancing the deck’s architectural interest.  Common pergola materials are wood, steel, or composite because of their sturdiness.

Consider What Type Of Stairs You’d Like For Your Decking Project

A deck builder can often give guidance on the best type of stairs to use for your project. One popular combination is KDAT for the stair stringers and a Fortress steel framing. For tighter areas, a spiral staircase can work well to make the most of the available space and provide unhampered views.

Select A Deck Railing That Fits Your Style

There are many materials to consider when choosing a deck railing.  While wood deck railings are affordable, refinishing them can be tedious.

Metal railings often win the favor of homeowners because they provide a more modern look than traditional wood.  Galvanized steel and aluminum railings have a long lifespan and are fitting in more humid and precipitation-prone climates because they resist rust.

As another more modern material, glass railings provide an opulent look and clear views.  They fall within the premium price range, and cleaning the inside and outside of the railing is necessary to keep it looking its best.

Choose A Deck Fastener

One of the facts to know about deck installation is that builders and homeowners can choose from many fastener options.  In Wisconsin and Minnesota, many deck contractors suggest the use of hidden fasteners. Hidden fasteners secure the decking boards from the side or below, and plugs or clips that match the deck board color conceal the fasteners. Snow removal is easier with hidden fasteners that are flush with the deck.

Don’t Forget About The Deck Footings

When you hire a deck builder, it’s wise to ask which type of deck footings they recommend and why. Here are two of the most reliable deck footings for the Twin Cities & Western Wisconsin.

1. Diamond Pier®

These footings have a concrete diamond at the top and a tripod-like appearance.  Pins are jackhammered into the ground.  Decking contractors use Diamond Pier® footings in wet soil conditions.

2. Helical Screw Piles

Averaging a foot in diameter, they look like an ice auger that punctures the ground.  They do not need soil excavation.  Helical piers work well in places with high water tables

Consider The Framing When Deck Building

Green treated lumber is used as the primary material for framing in deck construction.  These days, deck installers often offer KDAT and steel frames.  These materials are more eye-catching and longer lasting.

Do Your Research On Decking Materials

When planning your next decking project, it’s important to compare the pros and cons of wood and composite.  The decking material has a deep impact on price, aesthetics, and lifespan.

Pros Of Wooden Custom Decking

One cost-effective wooden deck material is cedar.  Deck contractors appreciate its versatility, because cedar is accepting of a variety of stains and finishes.  Cedar decks are also renewable and biodegradable.

Cons Of Wood Deck Installation

Cedar is a softer wood, making it prone to scratching and denting from furniture and pets.  To keep cedar decking looking its best, regular staining and sealing needs to occur.  The average lifespan of a cedar deck is much shorter than a composite deck.

Pros Of Composite Custom Decking

Composite decking is often made from recycled materials, such as plastic and wood scraps. In northern climates, it’s wise to opt for decking made without organic sawdust.  This prevents the deck material from expanding and contracting throughout the year.  Examples include TimberTech® AZEK® and Millboard®.

Both deck materials imitate the look of wood without having downsides.  Building a deck with these materials can increase a home’s value even more than a wooden deck. Maintenance is minimal and durability is superior. Homeowners also appreciate that these composite decks maintain their color and finish. These types of composite decks have a longer lifespan than cedar.

Cons Of Synthetic Decking Materials

Synthetic decking costs more than their wood counterparts.  Another disappointment about composite decking material is that no matter how close it gets, it will never look 100% exactly like wood.  And while wood decks can be sanded down if scratched, synthetic decking cannot.  Composite decks also tend to be more slippery than wooden decks after rain or other precipitation.

Vet Deck Builders To Find A Reliable Contractor

Custom decks come with a lot of options, making it important to hire an experienced builder.  When interviewing decking contractors, request examples of decks that are similar to your vision.  Take the time to read online reviews to learn how past customers felt about their deck building jobs.  Call their previous clients to learn about their deck construction project.  Finally, don’t forget to verify that the deck building company is licensed and insured.

Your deck installer can make or break your project. Be sure they have a full understanding of your needs so that the final product captures the vision you have for your outdoor space. It’s also important that they come to the table with knowledge and are able to adhere to building codes.

Building A Deck?  Partner With Our Deck Contractors

Since 1979, Lindus Construction has created custom decks for homeowners in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Western Wisconsin. We offer a variety of deck features and materials. Deck design help is available with each project.

Contact us today to get more details or schedule your complimentary consultation to get an estimate.