5 Signs that Your Deck Needs Replaced Rather than Repaired

Springtime is the perfect time to evaluate the health of your deck. The weather is finally becoming beautiful again and you want to have a functional deck area to spend time on this season. You must be thoroughly inspecting your deck at the beginning of each deck-using season for tell-tale signs of wear and tear. Your deck may simply need sanding or a couple of bolts tightened, but if you become aware of these five red-flags it may be time to contact Distinctive Deck Designs to install a brand-new, quality deck!

Test your railings

If your railing posts feel wobbly or loose when you touch or shake them, this is a sign that your deck may be becoming unstable. Railing posts loosen over time so replacing your deck with Distinctive Deck Designs will help to assure your railing is secure for years to come.

Check for discoloration

Wood decks weather over time, even when they’re built with pressure-treated wood and stained or painted regularly. Stains and discoloration are big signs that you should be looking into replacing your deck. Our products are durable and have incredible staying power. You’ll be investing in materials that will keep their color and finish despite heavy foot traffic and other elements.

See if you can find rot

Even if you can’t spot visual rot, a sagging deck indicates its presence. Rotting wood also becomes susceptible to termite damage, which further weakens its stability. When you examine the deck and regularly find more hardware on the ground—or you replace screws that don’t hold the frame or have the same effective purchase—that’s another indicator that it’s time to replace your deck.

Hire a professional if your deck is older than current regulations

Hire a professional to inspect your deck if it’s more than six years old. Someone with prior knowledge of deck aging properties will know what to look for. Since Virginia has dramatic seasonal changes, those temperatures can dramatically affect your deck’s structure and stability.

After the thorough inspection of your current deck, contact Distinctive Deck Designs to request a free, design consultation! Our team is dedicated to designing a deck that is high-quality and matches the design aesthetic of your current outdoor area.

Spring Cleaning for Your Outdoor Area

When spring rolls around, everyone reaches for their cleaning supplies to complete their annual deep-clean of the house, but how many people remember to complete their outdoor, spring cleaning too? Your backyard tends to get neglected during the fall and winter months. Now that the weather is beautiful again, it’s time to revamp your outdoor area by considering decking options from Distinctive Deck Designs.

Our services will elevate the look and feel of your yard this season. From deck installation to outdoor lighting options, we will help to prepare your outdoor area for all that spring has in store.

Design a brand-new deck area:

A functional and beautiful deck area is essential to have as part of your North Virginia home. During the winter months, your outdoor space gets cluttered and tarnished. The goal is to clear the space and to make your backyard feel like an extension of your home this spring. Beginning a deck design project is the best way to do it. Decks create natural gathering spaces for friends and family and provide you with a spot to serve meals, relax, and enjoy the stunning views that Virginia has to offer. Our team at Distinctive Deck Designs works with you to bring the vision you have for your deck to life. We start with an in-person consultation to see the space and then come up with an installation process for your project.

Not only do we handle the deck construction, but we also include features like built-in outdoor lighting, patio pavers, fire pits, and covered living area installation. Choose from options like sunrooms, screened porches, and gazebos to add an extra touch to your brand-new, outdoor area.

Plant flowers and add greenery:

Another great way to spruce up your yard after the colder months is to plant flowers. Pull up any dead plants in your yard and start a garden, including potted plants, or add bushes to add color and life back into your outdoor area.

Replace décor and furniture:

A new season means an opportunity to switch up the design and color scheme of your outdoor living space. Replace your old, rickety furniture with modern, sleek pieces and brighten up your new deck with splashes of color. Breathe new life into the area with seat cushions, hanging plants, and outdoor rugs.

Commit to a thorough spring cleaning this season and continue your focus on your outdoor area. Let Distinctive Deck Designs create a backyard that is livable, functional, and that adds value to your home overall. Contact us today for a free, in-person consultation!

Why You’ll Use a Distinctive Deck Designs Fire Pit All Year Long

Most features in your yard are seasonal. Pools see the most use in the summer and standing heaters see the most use during the winter months, naturally. The beautiful thing about installing an outdoor fire pit or fireplace in Fairfax with Distinctive Deck Designs is that your family and friends will get use out of it all year long! Our fire pits are completely customizable to match your existing aesthetic and space perfectly. Whether it’s a warm summer night spent with friends or a chilly fall night spent with a hot cup of cocoa, a fire pit will be just the thing.

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Design Ideas for The Deck of Your Dreams

With over 20 years of experience in constructing and designing outdoor areas, we have learned a lot about what makes a deck special. In its most basic form, a deck is a surface meant for furniture to live on. It is the unique features that we install that will make the deck of your dreams truly take shape. Our patio design includes additions like built-in firepits, lighting, patio pavers, and covered living areas that will transform your outdoor space into your favorite “room” in the house!