4 Trendy Ideas for Your Deck Installation

Trends move quickly, and not just in the world of interior design. Your deck is a major part of your outdoor landscaping, and many homeowners put a lot of thought into both the aesthetic and function of that deck. A number of up-and-coming trends are taking over the Brazos Valley deck industry. Here are a few that stand out.

Installing a Partial Cover

The more multi-functional the deck, the better. More and more homeowners are having arbors, pergolas, or partial covers installed over their decks. That way part of the deck is still perfect for soaking up the sun and watching the stars, but part of it stays dry year round. You can place seating under the cover for extra comfort or cover the barbecue in case of rain. It’s a big hit for homeowners who like to entertain in their backyard.

The Look of Distressed Hardwood

One recent trend is the desire for deck flooring that resembles the distressed hardwood popular in interior flooring. This presents a challenge for many decking manufacturers. After all, no one wants the quality of distressed hardwood for their outdoor deck. In fact, most people are moving away from wood at all in favor of composite or resin. Wood simply doesn’t stand up as well to the elements. Fortunately, resin decks can be made to look like wood but last much longer. This has been the case for years, but now it’s down to manufacturers to create resin decking that has the look of distressed hardwood.

Rustic Accent Pieces

However small it might be, an accent piece can really help decks to stand out, and lately, the more quaint and rustic the accent piece, the better. This accent piece could be a pergola, as mentioned in the first point, but it isn’t always. A hand-knit quilt might now don your backyard deck’s sofa or swing or your coffee table might be hand-crafted. Earthy colors and wood or wicker furniture fit well into this trend. These accents are charming anywhere, but there’s something warm and homey about finding them on your deck.

Deck Railings

If you have young children, deck railings might be more than just an aesthetic choice: it’s also practical. But as it turns out, it is an aesthetic choice of many homeowners having decks installed in 2018. The choice of deck railings is separate from the choice of decking, so it allows homeowners a little creativity and personalization. Maybe your deck has an earthy, rustic feeling, and you want to complement that with contemporary railing. On the other hand, maybe you want to keep the colonial feeling going with whitewashed railings that suit the style.

At Windham Construction, we design and install decks with your style and preferences in mind. Brazos Valley summers can be extreme, so we use resin decking, which far outperforms wood. We can also install arbors and pergolas for you to give your deck added style and function. Contact us today and tell us what you’d like for your deck installation.

The Best Material for Deck Building in Central Texas

The Best Material for Deck Building in Central Texas

Have you ever left something brightly colored out in the sun like a throw pillow on a lawn chair?  It probably didn’t take long to fade. In Texas, we get a lot of sunshine.  College Station often has hot and sunny summers that seem to start early and end late. That’s a consideration for when you’re going to start an outdoor project. The materials you use need to stand up to the sun and heat, but then also to times when the rain decides to fall and temperatures drop.

Wood loses its color and even treated wood will eventually give in to the elements. There is another option. Resin provides the look of wood, but it lasts much longer. With a polyresin deck, there’s less maintenance because you don’t have to stain it or sand down splinters.

The benefits of resin decks

Resin decks are gaining popularity because they last. They also look like wood. Instead of just having a wood colored coating, the color goes through the entire board. That means that you don’t have to worry about scratches on the surface being noticeable.

While wood is beautiful, it has its downfalls. It can rot, lose color, and splinter. While the gray color of faded wood has its charms, it often comes with damage. Wood decks require regular maintenance if they’re going to last.

Polyresin decks and handrails are able to stand up to the weather. They don’t rot and they keep their color. For a deck that will stand the test of time, resin is an excellent choice.

Wooden decks – the industry standard

Natural wood has its benefits as well. When well cared for, it can last a long time. Using the right kind of wood is important for a long-lasting deck.

An article on Bob Villa.com has some great advice for maintaining your wooden deck. Natural materials require extra care. Wooden decks may require a lot more maintenance than polyresin, but they can last a long time if treated properly. The Bob Villa article give great details for the do’s and don’ts of caring for a wooden deck. By following advice like what you’ll find in that article, you’ll ensure a longer lasting wooden deck.

If you’re not sure which material is best for you, looking at samples and pictures of both kinds of decks might be the right move.  When looking at polyresin decks, make sure to find pictures of the exact material you’re going to use because there are multiple kinds. Ask your builder for more details about resin decks.

A deck is a beautiful way to add value and functionality to your home and outdoor space. When looking for a deck builder, make sure they know about all available products like resin. An experienced professional will be able to help you make the right decision for your home. Not only do you want a beautiful deck, you want one that lasts. Resin is lower maintenance and will last a long time, but with enough effort, you can make wooden decks last as well.

Who should Build Your Deck?

Who should Build Your Deck?While homeowners can make their own decks, it is no easy project. It can be difficult even for experts. Some designs are more ambitious than others. There are definitely times where a professional deck builder is needed. For example, look at this DIY Network article that shows the steps you’ll need to take to build your own deck. Here are some steps you can take to make building your deck go smoothly.

First, make some decisions. How big would you like the deck? It would be good to get some rough dimensions to tell your builder. Also, think about the style you would like and find pictures that will help your builder know exactly what you want. Granted, some things may not be possible on your lot or within your budget, but giving your builder an idea of what you want is a good idea.

Another thing to consider is whether you want features like a fire pit or outdoor dining. These things are better decided before your builder gets to work. The clearer the idea you have for your deck and the clearness with which you communicate to your builder will make for a better project with fewer delays.

Hiring a deck builder

Now you need to hire your deck builder. Here are some things to look for when you’re hiring a professional to do the work for you:

  • A good builder with have insurance
  • Choose someone that has been in business for a long time
  • Find someone that can get to your project in a timely fashion
  • Builders that have been working locally for a long time are better because they have more connections to other professionals you may need to utilize later on.
  • Look for someone that can give you a reasonable timeline for completion of the work
  • Find a builder that will give you lots of options when it comes to design and materials
  • Feel free to ask for references and even look at samples of the builder’s work. Then call the references. Ask the reference if they’re happy with the results they got and if the job was completed in a timely manner and on budget.
  • Make sure you hire a builder that will give you a written estimate

You don’t have to stick with the first builder you call. If you realize that they are uninsured or don’t have experience, move along to the next one. You don’t want your project to be someone’s first attempt at building a deck, especially if they’re uninsured.

A good deck builder will get all of the needed permits and take care of all of the work. All you need to do is be able to communicate what you want with your builder. Communication is key on both ends. Don’t be afraid to tell your builder what you want. Miscommunication can cause wasted time and money. No one wants that to happen. So, be ready to tell your builder exactly what you need and hire a builder that will listen to you.