Decks

Decks

Add a deck to your home and increase it's usability and value. Decks can be designed
to fit any budget big or small decks are a versatile amenity every outdoor family would
appreciate. Design features and options can further increase a decks effectiveness.
Whether you're designing your deck for entertainment or functionality or both decks
can be the investment that gets you out there enjoying your yard more often than not.

Deck Structure
Decks are usually built using green lumber. Green lumber isn't neccessarily water proof
it's usually green to keep insects from destroying it such as carpenter bees, carpenter
ants and termites. The structure of the deck can be built to enhance the design and
usability of the deck. The structure of the deck will dictate the general shape and how
the deck will function. Certain dead loads and live loads need to be considered when
building a deck to determine the proper sizing of all the structural members. Failure of
deck structure is not an option because the risk to home and health. VB contracting
will figure out the proper structure for your needs. Usually over designing the structure
is the best practice. Some elaborate decks require the services of an architect.

Deck Finishing
The decking and railings are where the rubber meets the pavement. It's what the user
comes in contact with while using there deck. Decking and railings are offered in two
basic material types such as wood and composite. There are many companies offering
different composite colors and different species of wood. Generally composite decking
is considered maintenance free compared to wood because wood usually needs a fresh
coat of sealer every couple of years. Although composite decking is used you still need
to keep it clean. We recommend washing it with soap and water once a year. If that
doesn't get it clean then a good powerwsahing will do the job.
Railings are usually handled the same way. They are available in wood and composite
and vinyl. The most aesthetically pleasing combination is to have a composite decking
with the color of your choice and white railings. Railings would also need to be
washed once a year. If you live in a dusty environment then washing it more often is
recommended.

Bells and Whistles
Lighting: Deck lighting can really enhance the mood of your deck. There are many
fixtures you can choose to help illuminate your decks design features. Whether you
need lighting concentrated or spread out, bright or dim there are many fixture and
switch combinations to choose from. Don't forget to add the additional outlet here
and there to plug in your amenities like a stereo, TV, jacuzzi, blender etc.

Benches: Deck benches can be built onto a deck as permanent structure or as movable.
Usually low lying decks can have permanent benches built in place of railings. These
benches create two functions increase visibility to the yard and incorporate nice seating
features into the design. Decks twelve inches or more above grade are not
recommended. This is where railings will be needed for safety purposes.

Plant and flower boxes: Plants and flowers counteract the hard surface of the deck
creating an interesting play on textures. Plants and flowers create focal points for your
guests to look at instead of a big expanse of decking. They can also separate different
areas of your deck such as private and semi private areas from each other splitting your
deck into differing spaces. Plants and flowers combined with different lighting can
further enhance this effect.

Decks should be built with all these considerations taken into account. Most
importantly decks should be built by a qualified licensed and insured contractor such as
VB Contracting Inc. If you need a FREE consultation and price quote for your deck
please give me a call or fill out the price quote form for decks. Click the link at the
bottom of the page to fill out the decks form. I will get back to you as soon as
possible.

Thank You