wood decks Archives - Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad

June 20, 2024June 20, 2024

What is the best decking for a deck in NC?

If you’re thinking of building a deck in NC, you might be asking this question.

Is there a better choice for decking for a deck in NC? Well, yes…and no. That is because we must define what best means to each individual. Is a traditional look and feel better for your needs? Are you looking for longevity and product warranties? Would the best decking material simply be the least expensive option? Let’s discuss the pros and cons of decking materials for a deck in NC.

Do Winston Salem Deck Builders Recommend Wood Decking for Your Deck in NC?

There is no doubting the charm of a traditional wood deck in NC. There is a nostalgic air about wood decks. The smell of natural wood. The feel and sound of wood decking under-foot. These senses cannot be fulfilled with a synthetic decking material. Many clients, who choose wood decking are looking to maintain a lower budget to build a bigger deck with a less-expensive material.

traditional wood deck by Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad

When it comes to building a wood deck in NC, we must point out the downside of the decking. While you love time-honored decks, you might consider that wood decks have a typical lifespan of 10-15 years. For a deck in NC, which is exposed to the elements, that could be closer to the 10-year mark, if not sooner.

Additionally, wood decks lose a bit of their appeal when it’s time to sand, stain, paint, or seal them. It’s going to be a lot of effort on your part, or possibly money spent to pay a professional every one or two years. Add to that, splinters are a pain…in the foot!

Should You Use Composite Decking for Your Winston Salem NC Deck?

As mentioned above, wood has its perks. However, composite decks are gaining more and more popularity in NC. As Winston Salem deck builders, we can back up that claim. Many of our clients choose composite decking for longevity and minimal maintenance. All composite brands offer different levels of product warranties across their many available decking material lines.

TimberTech deck builder Winston Salem NC

You can easily color coordinate your deck without ever having to pick up a paint brush. You will never have to sand or stain your deck.

And finally, because there are now different decking lines for each manufacturer, it is not impossible to find a lower-end composite product that is comparable in price to pressure-treated wood. With a bit of an increase in your budget, you could purchase a high-performance decking material upgrade to traditional wood.

There is No Best Deck That Applies to Everyone

The bottom line is no matter which you choose, either a wood or composite deck, you can receive years of enjoyment. There is no incorrect answer to this question. Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad can help you determine which decking material is better for your project.

Search for deck builder near me and choose Archadeck.

Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad have been deck builders in Winston Salem NC since 1991. Whether you are planning a simple wood deck or composite deck, we are eager to earn your business. Dial (336) 664 – 1332 or email us at piedmonttriad@archadeck.net for a complimentary porch design consultation.

Also read: Can deck builders replace only my decking boards?

April 22, 2013November 17, 2023

Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad ponders the question: Build a new deck or re-deck?

Would it be better to build a new deck or redo your existing deck with new decking boards?

Now is the time of year we imagine ourselves outdoors, whether on a new deck or an existing outdoor living space. Springtime is often the time of year we consider home upgrades. After all, it’s the time of year our porches, decks, and patios will be put to the test. Homeowners want an outdoor living space that is packed with functionality and style, but have you considered whether your deck is structurally sound?

Copy of Copy of archadeck pics for web 071 — Beautiful new deck by Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad

Building a New Deck vs. Deck Renovation

Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad takes all your existing deck circumstances into consideration when evaluating whether it is a good candidate for re-decking. We consider the age and structural integrity of your deck before deciding whether a new deck or deck renovation is the better course of action. Other High Point deck builders will meet with a client and automatically suggest new deck construction. Our deck safety inspection offers homeowners a professional inspection during which we will determine whether a new deck is necessary.

What does a deck safety inspection include?

We will check all existing decking boards and scrutinize hardware and connectors, noting their condition. We will evaluate the structural framework of your deck, including posts and joists. Additionally, we will inspect the deck’s attachment to the home, as well as the foundation, footings, railing and deck exits.

Redeck Archadeck of the Piedmont triad — Re-decking may be a viable option for you if your decking framework is structurally sound.

During this deck safety inspection, we will discuss necessary updates, as well as your desires. If your deck is in good structural condition, perhaps you only wish to upgrade your decking boards to a composite material. Or you might consider upgrading your deck railing. Updated deck railings can really improve the look and function of your existing deck. If the configuration of your deck is the issue, we can often move stairs to a more desirable location. We can expand your deck’s footprint, and eve add more stairs. We can even convert your stair to bench steps to add extra seating. Finishing touches, such as deck lighting will also improve the safety of your deck, and provide ambiance to boot.

Long for the low maintenance of composite decking?

Azek decking with floating bench — Custom features such as this floating bench design make your deck a true outdoor living room.

If you long for low maintenance, we can replace your existing deck with a composite deck. If your deck is structurally sound, simply replacing the decking boards using the existing footprint and framework that you have may be a viable and more affordable option. There are many low maintenance decking brands to choose from such as TimberTech AZEK and Trex. We’ve had great success with these composite brands over the years. There are also many grades of low maintenance decking to choose from including solid PVC, synthetic, composite and capstock. Each of these types include many color and finish choices and are made to suit nearly any budget and design taste. Having a low maintenance deck, whether we build it from scratch or just replace your decking boards, will deliver a deck that will look and function beautifully for many years to come.

Get more room with a deck expansion.

Composite deck with custom rail — Synthetic decks such as composite and PVC require less maintenance than a wooden deck.

When more room is needed, expanding your deck space might work. If you are adding onto your deck with a different building medium we can also re-deck the older deck to ensure both decks match.

Looking for a Greensboro, High Point, or Winston Salem deck builder? Choose Archadeck.

Whatever you envision as the deck of your dreams Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad can bring them to life. Perhaps the deck you always imagined is closer at hand and more affordable to achieve than you think. Get in touch with us for a complimentary deck design consultation at (336) 664 – 1332 or email us at piedmonttriad@archadeck.net .

Also read: When is the best time of year to build your deck?

August 26, 2012February 13, 2023

Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad reminds you that deck safety is no accident

Piedmont triad deck safety — Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad reminds you that deck safety is no accident.

If you are one of the 40 million homeowners in the United States that are still using a deck that is over 20 years old it is time to take a step back and assess the general safety of your deck. According to NADRA, The North American Deck and Railing Association, deck failures that result in injury are increasing at an alarming rate. Most of the reason for this is the number of decks still standing that are over 20 years old and in dire need of retirement. Outdoor living trends began to escalate during the mid-1980’s and as a result homes were almost always built with a deck. The most prevalent material used on all those decks was pressure treated lumber. Without regular maintenance, pressure treated wood will rot, cup, warp, split and become a dangerous liability for you and your family. A deck that is in bad shape is like a house or cards. You never know which time or event will push your tired deck over the edge resulting in a failure. Though a deck may look alright from the top, the skeleton of your deck is the glue that holds it all together. When one part of your deck’s substructure begins to fail, it is only a matter of time before other problems arise. Many of these problems go unnoticed because they involve the portion of the deck that most homeowners rarely see on a regular basis.

To ensure your deck is safe and structurally sound Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad urges you to have a licensed deck professional thoroughly inspect your deck. As a proud participant in the Archadeck “Be Safer” deck safety program we also recommend that you follow a few tips and suggestions on the home front to make sure your deck is safe.

Check the decking boards – over time most wood decks will show some cracks and splits, the main concern with the decking boards is splintering and rotting. A deck that is not safe to walk on is a safety hazard.
Check the connections – a properly constructed deck is built with fasteners and other metal hardware connectors to make your deck stable from the bottom up. Check the fasteners to make sure they are in good working order, or are in need of replacement. You would be surprised at the calls we get from homeowners whose deck is missing pieces of vital hardware that were never properly installed when the deck was initially built.
Check the structure – check the posts, beams and joists if visible for inconsistencies. Check to see if there is any noticeable sagging between any of the supports.
Check the attachment to your home – the area where the deck attaches to your home is called the house band and this is where most deck failures can occur. Inspect this portion of the deck to make sure all screws and bolts are present, nails should never be used in the house band. Upon inspection also make sure the area is flashed properly to aid in water protection from this important connection site.
Check the foundation and footings – foundations and footings are important because they support the weight of the deck. A sinking footing can cause a dangerous separation of a column from a beam and must be addressed immediately.
Check the exits – check the stairs that are used for exits from your deck, make sure they are in good working order and structurally sound. It is very possible to have a deck that is sound only to have a rotting staircase that could endanger you and your guests upon entry and exit to your deck.
Check the rails– always make sure the railing is secure and that the pickets and balusters are fastened properly. Keep in mind code dictates that rails should be spaced no more than four inches apart, a deck with non-conforming railing is a danger because small children and even pets can sometimes fall through the railing and get hurt.
Synthetic decks such as composite and PVC require less maintenance than a wooden deck.

Within a six-year period in the U.S., 33 people were killed from deck failures and 1,122 were injured. Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad offers a thorough deck safety inspection for a modest fee. We can also provide a free consultation on what would be involved with replacing your deck with an updated design that meets or exceeds all building code requirements and complements your outdoor living objectives. When it comes to keeping you and your family safe from a deck disaster, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Contact us to schedule your deck safety inspection today. Instilling the expertise of one of our deck experts will give you peace of mind in knowing you can enjoy your deck this season without worry. (336) 664 – 1332
piedmonttriad@archadeck.net

March 11, 2011August 8, 2019

March is the time to prepare for outdoor living!

The month of March; when March comes in like a lion it goes out like a lamb, mad as a March hare, beware the ides of March, March madness and my favorite March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers. Almost everyone is ready to celebrate the arrival of Spring on March 20 and we at Archadeck are ready to help you get that great outdoor structure you need to make sure you get the most out the beautiful spring and summer days that lie ahead.

Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad is your choice Winston Salem and Greensboro area deck builder.

Archadeck can help you in a variety ways. We custom design and custom build. We can help you get some shade with one of our pergolas. Stay away from the pesky bugs with a screened porch. Replace that tired old deck with a new one build out of a variety of choices such as composites or tropical hardwoods. Jazz up your deck with custom rails, benches and planters. We also can add a patio with an outdoor kitchen. How about waterproofing the underside of your current deck and making it in to a screened room? There are numerous options and our designers are ready to help you realize your dream for more outdoor living.

Let’s get started soon so we can help you be ready to relax and enjoy the great outside. Contact us and one of our design consultants will be happy to work with you and yours to get your outdoor dream realized. We will look forward to hearing from you soon.

September 14, 2010

September and Fall Outdoor Living.

Supposedly the calendar reads September but with exception of the cooler nights and the yellowing of the poor trees looking for a little rain not much seems to have changed weather wise. Yet we are only 1 week away from the official Autumnal Equinox. This started me musing about the equinoxes both Spring and Fall and that twice yearly 24 hour span of equal amount of night and day. In Autumn the days then become shorter and obviously the nights become longer. There are lots of folks who begin to vocally dread the coming of fall and then worst winter; perhaps they are thinking of being trapped indoors in the colder months. I, however, embrace the beginning of the shorter days for many reasons; the sky is much bluer with wispy clouds and cool breezes. Mother Nature starts her last arboreal fashion show with all the gorgeous yellows, oranges, and reds she will dress her tree children in. Sunsets are stunning in the fall, the best of the year, and the night stars seem to twinkle and sparkle with glee.

There is still plenty of time for outdoor living this year. We humans have become oh so inventive and creative with all things to keep us warm and cozy outside on chilly nights. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, chimineas, and decorative propane table top heaters all add warmth to the surroundings. Lots of options exist for specialized outdoor lighting. The list goes on and for all the ways you can continue to experience the glorious days remain this year.

The also good news is if you have a deck, screened porch, covered porch, pergola with a polycarbonate roof or sunroom you can make it cool weather ready with the addition of some type of heater and enjoy in the fall. Plus there is an added bonus in it is much easier to sweep those leaves rather that rake then. More time to enjoy outdoor living. See you on the deck looking at that amazing sunset.

July 8, 2010

Hot Weather Outdoor Living

The hot temperatures outside don’t have to be an issue and keep you indoors. We are so acclimated to having the AC blasting during these “hot spells”; we forget that lots of us grew up during a time when central air conditioning was not readily available. Most families sought outdoor living to escape the long hot summers; sitting, rocking on the front porch, watching the fireflies come out and visiting with the neighbors. In our “gotta have it now” world so many of our summer memories are just that, memories. I wonder what the young generation of today will reminisce about when they think of their summers. Sitting in front of the TV or computer, playing a video game?

I still enjoy sitting outside in the evenings under our shade pergola with the fan stirring up a little air, reading, sipping a cold drink and chatting with my spouse. You are really fortunate if you have a screened porch with a ceiling fan to escape the insects and the sun. I think retreating to the outdoors and sitting on you front, side or screened porch is great idea. Bring out a couple of portable fans, give the kids a popsicle and turn on the sprinkler. The kids won’t complain and you’ll enjoy watching them play in the water. You just might want to run through the sprinkler a time or two yourself. In other words, if you have outdoor living space use it, enjoy it and stop having “reverse cabin fever”. Reclaim your youth and summer. When you walk back in the house you might even feel chilly because of the air conditioning setting, and go a little green by setting up the temperature a degree or more.

Don’t waste time complaining about how hot it is. Try to find some ways to recapture those summer memories. Besides before you know it winter will come and you’ll be wishing for hot weather again.