The Versatility of a Covered Deck

Being outdoors can help to bring a sense of relaxation to an entire family. The smells of the blooming flowers and the sights of birds and animals make spending time outdoors even more enjoyable. Depending on your climate, though, having no shade or having rain can cause some families to skip going outdoors altogether. What is the solution? A covered deck allows the freedom of being outside while still being protected from the elements.

Covered decks can offer complete or a partial shelter. A qualified deck contractor can help to determine which type would best suit the family's needs. A partial deck allows for sunbathing and cookouts with easy retreat from the elements if needed. A completely covered deck helps to shield the family from as much sun as possible while also being great for storing the lawn furniture in the off-season.

Covered decks can be built to match the home architectural style and the landscaping. Adding a deck should never appear as an afterthought, but an integral part of the entire home. Roofing styles for the decks can be gazebo styled, roof styled, or even pergola styled. The pergola style allows for shade, but may not completely shield the deck from sun exposure or rain. Gazebo style and roof style are typically completely sealed roofs with no risk of rain coming through. The roof style should match the home, and could come in such styles as pitch, flat, or gable. All supporting materials as well as the covered deck roof should be comparable materials to the deck itself. The roof tiles or shingles should be from the same as those used for the home to maintain consistency.

A decking contractor can help to determine not only which design would fit best with the home style and family needs, but also for placement and privacy. A covered deck can add an aspect of privacy by being utilized similar to how a separate sunroom would be designed to be. A covered deck can be populated with outdoor furniture, hot tubs, and family barbeques. The quality covered deck that best suits the home will last years and create many happy family memories.

For more information and guidance about Deck, Sunrooms and other additions to your home, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-built decks, porches, sunrooms and more, and their website has a gallery of creative and innovative ideas that demonstrate imagination while enhancing property values.

Want to Increase Your Home's Resale Value?

Quality Decks Are Worthwhile Home Additions and Increase a Home's Resale Value.

Homes with decks are a big draw for families with children and retiree "empty nesters" alike. A deck provides an area for relaxation and enjoyment of the outdoors, while still remaining close to the comforts of home. They can be the perfect place to host a party or to house a hot tub. Having the right deck makes the homeowners happier and will also increase the value of the home.

Many aspects need to be taken into consideration when planning the addition of a deck. First and foremost, a qualified contractor should be hired for the job. The contractor will be the person who is responsible for maintaining permits as well as planning and designing the deck, conforming to established building code, and insured for liability in the unfortunate event of an injury throughout the project. Contractors that also specialize in design can help add another angle of expertise for matching the deck to the home's architectural appearance. Choosing a contractor that is a member of the Better Business Bureau will help ensure quality and trust, and of course references should always be checked to ensure that a quality job will be performed.

Design of the deck should be carefully considered. Depending on what the deck will be used for, many options are available for customization. Pillars and beams and handrail for a standard deck should be consistent with the home's style. Decks can have full or partial covers and some decks can have attached gazebos and pergolas. All decks should be designed with weather resistance in mind, and the materials for the deck itself should allow the homeowner minimal maintenance. By working with a contractor that has years of decking experience, these issues will be easily addressed.

Having a deck that fits the home's style and the homeowner's needs allows for maximum enjoyment. The design and quality of the deck help the enjoyment to last for years. By maintaining the flow from the house to the deck; family, visitors and maybe potential homebuyers will all be excited for the endless possibilities of relaxation and comfort.

For more information and guidance about Deck, Sunrooms and other additions to your home, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-built decks, porches, sunrooms and more, and their website has a gallery of creative and innovative ideas that demonstrate imagination while enhancing property values.

Build a New Deck or Remodel the Home for that Picture Perfect Wedding & Reception

Most girls dream of the day they will marry. Many even envision the day and all of the details from the gown, to the food, and the location. Many women would love to get married at a homestead location which can provide the homey feel and the personal touches that can appear in the wedding photos which will be treasured for the rest of their life. The large part of the final decision for the wedding location is how it makes the bride feel.

Many families that decide to hold a wedding at home often remodel an aspect of the house and property specifically for the wedding. Perhaps the best idea for a remodel prior to a wedding is a deck. A large number of brides feel that a beautiful deck is a fantastic setting for the ceremony and for the subsequent wedding photos.

The versatility of a beautiful deck can easily be incorporated into the wedding photo album. A bride looking longingly at her husband-to-be over the railing of a well crafted deck makes a beautiful photo that every bride can find in a magazine, however, an extremely important consideration when remodeling prior to an event is the architectural style of the home. A remodel should never be based strictly on the event, as the style of the deck must look consistent and appropriately enhance the house architecture long after the event has past.

A deck can also be used for the wedding reception and for dancing after the ceremony. After all, what is a reception, but a large party for celebrating the bride and groom. By hiring a professional designer and contractor that has experience in deck building, the family will be left with a lovely new addition to the home which will provide for the future enjoyment of the family for years to come.

A large bonus will be the memories that can be relived and cherished when the bride and groom celebrate anniversaries with friends and family. If that isn't incentive enough to build a new deck or remodel an existing one, then a homeowner always has the Superbowl parties and cookouts which need a fitting location.

For more information and guidance about quality decks, sunrooms, and screened porches, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-designed room additions, decks and gazebos, etc. and has a great portfolio of pictures with compelling ideas for your outdoor home improvement projects.

Screened Porches...

Enjoy the Great Outdoors, Save Money, & Forget About the Mosquitoes and Bugs

One of the most enjoyable aspects about living in southern U.S. climates, such as North Carolina, is that the weather is conducive for spending lots of time outdoors. Nothing is better than starting up a summer game night of poker, board game, or even having a few friends over for a cook out in the relaxing evening air. A big deterrent to most people though, can be the large insect population that the warmth also brings.

One solution which is quite common is to douse every house guest with insect repellent. Most people tend not to appreciate the odor and feeling that bug spray provides. Some individuals are even allergic to insect repellents which will provide other issues with which to contend.

Citronella candles are another popular choice for preventing pests. The only problem with this choice of pest prevention is that the homeowner will be assured that the candles won't be harassed while the house guests serve as tasty treats for the mosquitoes.

The best solution for any outdoor function is a screened in porch or patio. There are so many houses in the south with screened porches that they are synonymous with southern hospitality. The screen helps keep the mosquitoes and other vermin out and the fun in without sacrificing the benefits of fresh air and nature.

Bugs will no longer be issue at your picnic when you are protected by the safety of your screened porch. The cool air blowing through the screen and the sound of nature will invigorate anyone as the family enjoys a delicious meal.

Kids love the use of the porch too, especially when the kids are stir crazy on rainy days. Rather than being stuck inside, a porch can be a nice retreat to allow them to get some outdoor time. Younger children can be allowed to play safely inside an enclosure that will keep them protected from weather and creepy crawlies.

There will be nothing but good times to be enjoyed when using the porch as much as most southerners. Entire families can enjoy getting together and having parties or you can have a romantic evening in the summer breeze with your sweetheart.

To be sure that your screened porch is as relaxing as it can be, you should always hire a professional installer that has experience with many styles of screened porches. By taking advantage of the skill and creativity of a professional decking company, the homeowner can be assured that the porch being installed is the safest and most beneficial porch for your lifestyle.

For more information and guidance about quality decks, sunrooms, and screened porches, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-designed room additions, decks and gazebos, etc. and has a great portfolio of pictures with compelling ideas for your outdoor home improvement projects.

Sunrooms Bring the Outdoors Indoors

Enjoy the Benefits of Relaxation and Sunlight!

When warm sunlight pours through the windows, it is difficult not to feel happy.

Sunlight has many documented benefits to people and animals. 10 minutes of sun exposure daily can not only lower depression and diminish the effects of seasonal affective disorder, but it can also help the body naturally produce vitamin D. Sunlight enables people with the absorption of vitamins and nutrients which assist in the formation of strong bones and muscles as well as improving one's mood.

Many people have already experienced the many benefits of the sun, but do not want to be exposed to the heat or ultraviolet radiation which comes along with sunlight. A sunroom is the perfect solution. Adding an additional sunroom or even converting an existing space to a sunroom can be a large job to undertake. A licensed and experienced professional company which specializes in the proper installation or construction of these sunrooms should be sought out to ensure a quality crafted space and a safe design, especially if load bearing walls are involved.

By turning a room of a home into a sunroom or building a new addition, every homeowner will reap the rewards in various ways all year round. A builder or contractor of sunrooms and decks can help you to determine what style of windows and the size of the room for whatever kind of use you desire, such as gardening.

Gardening is a favorite pastime of many an American. An enclosed sunroom will allow the growing of plants indoors which may otherwise be too fragile for the local winter season. All sunrooms can be insulated in order to help maintain a comfortable environment for these plants.

More importantly, individuals and whole families will be able to enjoy the relaxing sensation that the outdoors can only bring all year round, especially if there are health concerns due to respiratory ailments or allergies. A family member with health concerns need not be cloistered away from enjoying the sun any longer.

The design and planning process of a home's new addition will take some time, however, an experienced professional company will have the construction going smoothly and quickly once all decisions about the room have been finalized. Upon the completion of the sunroom, homeowners will be able to begin their leisurely new lifestyle basking in the warm glow of the sun and with it, reaping all the health benefits and enjoyment.

For more information and guidance about quality decks, sunrooms, and screened porches, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-designed room additions, decks and gazebos, etc. and has a great portfolio of pictures with compelling ideas for your outdoor home improvement projects.

Add Versatility and Creativity to Enhance the Back Yard

Pergolas with a deck, porch, or sunroom

A pergola is a fantastically versatile garden structure that provides a focal point for design and decor. Pergolas consist of pillars that form an open-style roof structure or trellis. Pergolas are very commonly seen throughout areas of Europe and are becoming more prevalent in the United States. Pergolas are a popular part of decorative gardens, public lawns, and parks. As a focal point, a pergola can add depth and character to a personal deck, while at the same time providing some shade during the hottest part of the day.

With the trellis type roof structure, the pergola can be a wonderful transition from the house to the deck. This trellis can be covered with flowering baskets or climbing plants, such as roses or vines. Some vines bloom in the morning or daytime, while many fragrant vines bloom in the evening. Depending upon the most common usage of the deck, the plants chosen to adorn the pergola can even be specific for the time of day your pergola covered deck would be utilized.

When planning a party, the pergola can be covered with streamers, sashes, ribbons, and even twinkle lights. These items can even be kept on the pergola to provide contrast with the flowering plants. Pergolas can be decorated to change with the seasons. There can be flowers on the pergola for Spring and fir tree cuttings on the pergola for winter. Pergolas are even great settings for at home weddings.

Having a qualified builder for the pergola can help when trying to keep consistency with the style of the home as well as safety. The options for placement and materials for a pergola can cause a homeowner to get frazzled. A builder who specializes in the design of decks and pergolas will help to take the confusion out of the project. The design will be in a style cohesive to the home and take into consideration the best possible placement for the pergola to be built.

Pergolas add a style to the deck that can show off one's individuality. A pergola can be a sitting area for peace and relaxation or a dance floor for a party. The placement of a pergola on the deck can also add depth. Whether it is leading from the home to the deck or free standing as a focal point, the pergola can create an area of grace and beauty.

For more information and guidance about quality decks, sunrooms, and screened porches, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-designed room additions, decks and gazebos, etc. and has a great portfolio of pictures with compelling ideas for your outdoor home improvement projects.

New Deck or Existing Deck

Different Stains Provide Certain Advantages

There are two main types of wood stains available for deck applications. The first type, oil based stains, have been used for what seems like forever. Latex based stains are quite a bit newer. Which works best for the homeowner's application is somewhat subjective.

First, the homeowner should inspect the existing deck. If there is too much forgotten maintenance that hasn't been performed over the years, it may very well be more cost effective from an enjoyment and resale point of view to redesign and build a new deck. If the overall condition of the deck is very good, then those few repairs need to be done before staining the deck.

Manufacturers of latex stains claim that they are as durable as oil stains. Many individuals, including professionals, have had different experiences and opinions on the matter. The main advantages of latex based deck stains are that they are much easier to clean up after being applied. Soap and water is all that is needed to clean up latex based stains from brushes and other tools.

Oil based stains have a long track record of being long term seeing as how oil naturally repels moisture, but oil stains also pose more of a potential threat to the environment and greater health risks than latex stains. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions when using stains to avoid any health risks. Oil based stains cost more than latex stains, however, many individuals insist that oil based has a more durable longevity. Cleaning up after using oil based stains is more involved and does require mineral spirits or other solvents to clean applicators and equipment.

There are some newer stains on the market that are a blend of each type of stain. This blend is supposed to utilize the best from each type of stain. Regardless of which type of stain is used for a deck project, it is necessary to seal the deck after the stain has been applied even though many stains naturally repel water.

Sealing a deck will help preserve the natural wood grain and beauty of the deck. This will allow longer spans of time to pass between each cleaning and re-staining. Even with most deck sealers, the wood will begin to gray with weathering. There is a newer epoxy based sealer available on the market that greatly enhances the length of time before a deck begins to show any graying over time. Not every home improvement or hardware store may sell it, so a little detective work may be necessary to find it.

As always before tackling any home improvement project, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions and safety precautions to reduce and eliminate any injuries people or damage to nearby plants and houses. A comfortable pair of safety glasses and gloves are a must have for any outdoor project where power tools or chemicals are involved. Without following the safety precaution is setting one's self up for trouble.

For more information and guidance about quality decks, sunrooms, and screened porches, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-designed room additions, decks and gazebos, etc. and has a great portfolio of pictures with compelling ideas for your outdoor home improvement projects.

While the Homeowner is Saving Pennies for a New Deck, Properly Cleaning the Old Deck will Suffice

Last weeks cookout was a big success. The grill fired up, the food was fresh, and the company was pleasant. Even the weather was forgiving. Unfortunately, the same can't be said of the deck. While a deck can be in good condition structurally, it often shows its age through severe fading and weathering from the elements. There are just two options at this point. Redesign and build a new deck or clean it and re-stain it.

While replacing an entire deck for the majority of homeowners is not the most viable option, for those few that are planning on a new deck installation, there could not be a better time. Obviously, most people would opt to clean their existing deck and re-stain it, but this does require more than just a hose, a can of stain, and a brush to revitalize a deck. Staining a deck properly is still considered a do-it-yourself project, but will require several days and a lot of elbow grease.

The first step for any outdoor project is to prepare with safety in mind. Many homeowners already have a set of gloves and safety glasses for working around the house or using power tools. If this basic safety equipment is missing, then the cost to clean a deck will increase by a margin. Other equipment and materials necessary to clean a deck include one pump sprayer, a bucket, bio-degradable wood cleaner, borade, a stiff bristle deck brush, a drill with a paint mixer attachment, and a hose. As one can see, there's quite a bit of equipment that is required to needed to properly clean and prepare an existing wood deck for staining.

While most "professionals" will just resort to using a pressure washer to blast off the dirt, the majority of pressure washers are far too powerful and will actually cause further damage to the deck. The reason why pressure washers are a popular choice is because of the fact that it's much easier than actually scrubbing the surface and it saves time in the short term. Pressure washers will actually create small tears and openings in the wood fibers of the deck planks thereby allowing more moisture to enter and degrade the wood at a faster rate. Where regions of the country receive a variety of different types of weather from sun to freezing ice, such as North Carolina, it is especially important to maintain the integrity of the wood.

The key to any paint job or staining is to clean and prep the surface properly. After hosing off the deck surface of any loose debris, fill the pump sprayer with a 1:1 ratio of wood cleaner and water. After spraying down the deck boards and any steps, begin vigorously scrubbing the surface with the deck brush. This will loosen and remove the embedded dirt from the deck. After a 10 to 15 minute break, again hose down the deck. Rinse out the pump sprayer as well. What is left will be a dirt free deck.

The next step is to eliminate any algae which is a common problem on decks throughout the entire country. In a clean bucket, mix a 1:5 ratio of borade to water. It will need to be mixed thoroughly with a mixing paddle and drill in order to prevent any residue from clogging up the pump sprayer. Fill the pump sprayer with the borade solution and spray down the entire deck. Do not hose off the deck. Again, the purpose of the borade solution is to kill any algae. Now clean up and let the borade solution soak into the deck and dry for two or three days.

Upon returning to the deck, inspect the deck for any loose boards or railings. After making any necessary repairs, the next steps are to apply the stain. In short order, that old worn out looking deck will reflect the newness that the homeowner can enjoy for several cookouts and years to come.

For more information and guidance about quality decks, sunrooms, and screened porches, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-designed room additions, decks and gazebos, etc. and has a great portfolio of pictures with compelling ideas for your outdoor home improvement projects.

Covered Decks or Gazebos - Not Always a Do-It-Yourself Deck Project

Millions of people have seen and currently watch the do-it-yourself shows on television ranging from dog training to remodeling an entire home. It makes one wonder if it is as easy as the shows make it seem, why aren't more individuals doing it themselves? There are two answers. The first answer is it isn't as easy as the shows make it out to be. The second reason is editing. Most of the hard times and difficult steps are edited out to make a half hour show.

What the audience doesn't see and realize is the number of years experience the work crews have remodeling and crafting something as "simple" as a textured wall. Make no mistake. It is an art creating a perfectly smooth, seamless wall and then going back over and adding a texture such as a stucco finish. The ability to do this type of work halfway decently is not a talent the majority of homeowners have developed or even possess.

Attempting to tackle a more involved do-it-yourself project, such as a covered deck or gazebo, requires much more stamina, patience, strength, and ... The list goes on and on. The average stereotypical family has some tools, equipment, and some skill enough to make minor repairs to the home, however, in a very real sense, adding a covered deck or gazebo is adding another room.

Safety should always be in the forefront of the mind. There is no pleasure in not being able to enjoy an unfinished or finished deck with sustained injuries or having the structure fail while enjoying it. The next major component of adding a covered deck is having an understanding of basic construction techniques of a safe and supportive structure. If the homeowner doesn't have a basic understanding of building techniques, then tragedy is soon to follow. Nothing is worse than completing a deck project just to have a small child being injured or worse due to improper construction. Many of the do-it-yourself programming touch on this, but these programs are never all inclusive to safety and proper techniques.

The next tasks which can be annoying, but necessary are obtaining the correct permits and inspections for a covered deck at the proper stages in order to prevent citations and fines. Many locales or home associations may prevent any construction that is not in keeping with the architectural style of the neighborhood.

If the homeowner possesses all of the proper tools, equipment, materials, and abilities to build a new covered deck, one of the best moves to ensure safety is to have a deck builder or residential contractor draft up blueprints for the construction of the new deck. As long as the homeowner is familiar with knowing how to read blueprints, a do-it-yourself deck building project is that much more of a reality.

For more information and guidance about quality decks, sunrooms, and screened porches, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com.

Paradise Decking specializes in custom-designed room additions, decks and gazebos, etc. and has a great portfolio of pictures with compelling ideas for your outdoor home improvement projects.

A Sunroom Can Be Paradise...

A sunroom can be paradise if the contractor design incorporates the style with the rest of the home.

Sunrooms are more common in the southern United States than what one would find in the north. The only real problem is that in the south, such as Florida, South Carolina, or even North Carolina, the majority of sunrooms are actually half screened in decks and half screened in patios. Most construction materials used are the typical aluminum or powder coated steel framework that is screwed into the 4 X 4 posts supporting the roof overhang. In reality, these are just inexpensive, cookie cutter covered porches devoid of any character or quality.

A true high quality sunroom doesn't rely on cheap metal framing that can be purchased from any large home improvement store. The average contractor, though, does just that when a customer asks about turning their covered patio into a sunroom. Some contractors will add some extra touches such as basic moldings or somewhat more elaborate cornices. When it all comes down to it though, it is still just a screened in patio.

Sunrooms can be designed in any shape and size, but all should be constructed with one aspect in mind; able to be comfortable and enjoyed all year round. A proper sunroom will have some degree of insulation or be composed of construction techniques and materials that incorporate insulative properties in the design. Even in the south the temperature can reach down to the 20 degree mark. When the colder temperatures do arrive, a sunroom should not be a room too cold to be used, but an extension of the rest of the home.

Most home builders, deck builders, and home remodelers may be able to add a sunroom, however it takes a real artistic touch to incorporate a new sunroom into the overall design and feel of the rest of the home's architecture. That's the difference between the exceptional contractor and the average contractor. Make sure to carefully review past portfolios of the contractor's work and check on any references which the contractor makes available. After reviewing the options, the last one standing will be the best home remodeler to incorporate the new room addition.

For more information and guidance about quality decks, sunrooms, and screened porches, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-designed room additions, decks and gazebos, etc. and has a great portfolio of pictures with compelling ideas for your outdoor home improvement projects.

Not Every Deck is Created Equal

Every homeowner appreciates quality construction and seldom thinks about it on a daily basis, unless the homeowner experiences sub standard quality every day in their own residence. What about the landscaping and decking outside the home? Just like the home interior, every deck should be able to be enjoyed all year round and can be provided that it has been well designed and expertly crafted. How does a homeowner determine quality when deciding to add a new deck or sun room to the home?

Unless the homeowner is in the residential construction business themselves, they are very likely unaware of the differing qualities of construction techniques, materials, and designs used in deck construction today. It is not as simple as assembling a platform and laying planks across the top over a weekend or two. Building codes need to be adhered to and inspections need to take place just like the home needed before it was able to be enjoyed by the owner. One must take into consideration the type of drainage the ground beneath has, type of weather the new construction will need to endure, and how much weight the new deck will need to support.

The best way to receive this quality craftsmanship and design is to examine past projects of the decking companies which are being considered for the job. If meticulous work has been taken in the actual design of the deck, then the homeowner can expect and should receive outstanding construction results. Looking through past projects in the companies portfolio is a good sound start, but questions need to be asked.

Some basic questions that should be asked are "What type of woods or synthetic boards are available for the construction of my new deck?" and "What types of fasteners are used or recommended in the assembly of my new deck?" From here the questions should be "Why?" Even though the prospective company will be designing and building the new deck, they should "want" to educate the customer regarding every aspect of their project and include them in every aspect of the decking adventure. If that desire to include and teach the customer about their new deck is not present, then a different company may want to be sought out. The final question a customer should ask is "What do I need to do in order to maintain my new deck?" There are just a few materials that require almost no maintenance at all unlike traditional woods. By maintaining the deck a customer can be assured of years of future outdoor enjoyment and entertaining barbecues.

The only word of caution to be aware of is if the price sounds too good to be true, it will be. Even the simplest design has detailed elements under the surface that require a great deal of time and planning not openly apparent to the customer. These elements are taken into account by the decking company when they provide the price estimate. When a deck design starts to incorporate detailed moldings, angles, and levels the price can climb to surprising heights. What the homeowner dreams and envisions may not be a realistic achievement. This is why it is important to discuss budgetary constraints early on so as not to waste your time as well as the decking company's time. This will ensure a minimum of stress and allow both parties to enjoy the whole project.

For more information and guidance about decks, sun rooms, room additions, and more, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in high quality, upscale decks, porches, sun rooms, and room additions, and the pictures in their gallery can provide you with fantastic ideas for your own home.

Sensible Methods for Choosing a Quality Service from Plumbing to Decking

Qualified service professionals are difficult to come by. Certain industries are frequently guilty for poor quality and lazy work ethics. The home improvement and landscaping industry are two of the worst examples, but there are some top notch exceptions. How do you track down these reliable, reputable, and honest companies? Well, often times it can be like looking for a needle in the haystack. Shortcuts shouldn't be taken though when trying to find qualified professionals to perform any labor on your own personal property.

Much like hunting for a lawyer or doctor, ask for references. Don't settle for just a past customers' first names. If the prospective company is truly dedicated to upholding the best possible standards and delivering quality, then they should have a long list of satisfied customers that would be more than happy to volunteer to verify and recommend their work.

When "interviewing" prospective companies to perform work, be sure to ask lots of questions. The more money involved with a service dictates that more questions should be asked. A question or two that you are sure you 100% know the answer to doesn't hurt either, but don't harass or waste anyone's time by arguing or being confrontational. Professional deck builders or landscapers are just trying to make a living in this uncertain economy.

Pictures and presentation speak volumes. Most companies will have some sort of portfolio. If the company is truly exceptional, then they will probably have a polished website with a plethora of examples of their work along with letters of recommendations. In fact, many service companies, from plumbing to decking that is proud of their quality work, will often times volunteer more information than the customer would think to ask for. This proactive approach to educating the customer and getting the customer involved even at the initial consultation should send up fireworks and a few "eurekas!". This type of company warrants a closer look.

It's not always a clear cut choice when choosing a company to work on your largest investment: your home. If you are on the fence between two companies, be upfront and honest with them. By putting the ball back in their court, you're liable to see just how far a company will go to "wow" you. In the end, finances do play a large role, but the old adage is often true, "You get what you pay for."

For more information and guidance about quality decks, sunrooms, and screened porches, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in custom-designed room additions, decks and gazebos, etc. and has a great portfolio of pictures with compelling ideas for your outdoor home improvement projects.

Advances in Deck Materials have Streamlined Assembly, Saving You Money in Labor

With every home improvement project that is completed, a sense of accomplishment is felt. A job well done can now be enjoyed and shown off. If the home owner isn't quite the handy man then perhaps that enjoyment is few and far between in coming. This doesn't mean that the new decking addition should wait any longer. A top quality deck can be designed and crafted in about half of the time it took 15 years ago. This is because of advances in engineered and composite decking as well as hardware and types of fasteners that have been invented in recent years.

The problems with most decks assembled in the past is that they were vulnerable to rot, expansion and contraction, fading and are now safety hazards. Everyone has seen the decks with split and warped boards. As the temperature changes throughout the seasons, wood expands and contracts. This expansion and contraction acts to loosen the screws or nails holding the deck boards to the joists ever so slightly. This is enough to allow moisture down into the screw holes. After the deck has endured its first winter, the rotting process begins.

To help combat the short life of traditional decks and improve safety, engineered or composite decking was invented. Now the homeowner has a myriad of choices from composites, which are recycled wood and plastics molded together with resins, to full plastic decking lumber. One might think that the plastics would be tacky and flimsy like vinyl siding, but not so. Plastic deck boards are very dense and have been molded to look exactly like regular lumber boards with a variety of color choices. Two of the most prominent advantages of engineered decking is that it greatly helps in the conservation of woodlands and animal habitats and it is much more durable than traditional wood deck boards. Each material, whether wood or engineered, possesses different characteristics which the decking contractor should be able to discuss with the homeowner.

Deck fastening hardware has undergone somewhat of a revolution from the simple days of nailing the deck board to the joist. In the past problems with nails or screws popping up created safety hazards that caused falls and cuts. The only way to correct this problem was to install more unsightly screws in the top securing the board to the joists again. Today hidden deck fasteners have gained in popularity. These hidden fasteners have even been improved upon and now there is a large variety and functionality. Some deck fasteners require that installation be done from underneath the deck joists while others can be installed topside. The most immediate benefit of all of these hidden deck fasteners is that the beauty of the deck itself can be enjoyed without the constant repetition of ugly screw holes.

Although these advances have made the assembly process faster and much more durable, they have not made the actual design of the deck itself easier. Another challenge to do-it-yourself decking is the type of soil and drainage that may cause problems if not addressed correctly. Unless the homeowner possesses basic carpentry skills and some knowledge of foundations or footings, decking is best left to the professionals.

For more information and guidance about decks, patios, and sun rooms, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com. Paradise Decking specializes in high-end, detailed construction and has a great portfolio of photos to illustrate creative ideas and concepts for recreational construction.