Wooden decks are classics and set the tone for the decking industry, but they come at a cost. Natural wood absorbs water and is prone to shrinking and warping with continued exposure to the elements. It also stains and requires refinishing at least every few years, sometimes sooner. If you’re tired of the splinters and the work to maintain your outdoor living space, it’s time for a deck remodel.
Distinctive Deck Designs has two decades of deck building experience in Northern Virginia. Our master carpenters love how clean and low-maintenance composite decking is compared to its counterpart, traditional wood. Because we can work with existing deck designs, this helps keep the costs of a deck remodel low. The only complication that may add to the expenses is if the footings need to be re-poured for safety.
How to start the process for a deck remodel
- Consult with a local licensed contractor with experience building decks. If you want a traditional wood deck, you can consult with nearly every outdoor living contractor that uses wood in their designs. If you want alternative materials, then you will need to narrow your search for the right contractor.
- Ask if the contractor can build over your existing design or refresh the same design with new products. This is a trick question because by asking this, you’re questioning how they will do a quality check for deck safety. They need to inspect your posts and all support joists and make replacements as needed for continued deck safety. To keep a deck remodel cost low, we recommend refreshing the same design with new products after all supporting elements have been checked.
- Be clear in your design decisions. If you are considering a deck refresh or complete remodel, have examples ready to share with your contractor. This helps them to understand your expectations. Just be sure to match your expectations to your budget. Multi-level decks, outdoor lighting elements, and railing upgrades all add to the final completion cost.
Other design decisions you will want to think about is the space flow. How do you want to transition from the outdoor living space to your yard? Sometimes you do not need to do a complete deck remodel. Here are some ideas to consider:
Redesign the under-deck space
If there is enough height clearance underneath your deck, you can create a beautiful covered patio space. This space is also a great opportunity for storage solutions that fit your home’s needs. Our lead master contractor, Mark Shriner, is experienced with using under-deck ceiling conversions to create a completely dry and finished covered patio space underneath decks. You can also screen in this space to allow you to enjoy the outdoors while keeping pests out.
Add a gazebo
A beautiful existing deck addition is a gazebo. This is an enclosed space that can sit on your deck surface to create a private and cozy gathering space. Make it an outdoor living room space, a greenhouse, or a reading nook.
Create a yard transition with a pergola
For low tiered decks or single-level decks, add a pergola extending outwards to your yard space to completely refresh your deck design. This provides a shady environment and entices you to enjoy the green lawn just off the deck.
Make it bright with a fire element
Distinctive Deck Designs has a team of masonry experts that can build the perfect stone fire element for you. This creates the perfect gathering space and allows you to transition from summer to fall. If you have a fire pit built on your deck, we recommend a propane gas set-up. This is a significant cost- saving design tip that does not distract from the full concept. You can also transition from your deck to your patio or yard space by building a fire pit or an outdoor fireplace at the opposite side of the yard. This elongates your outdoor living space and creates another focal point for your backyard.
Starting your deck remodeling project does not have to be a heavily-researched and expensive experience. Just know your budget and design concept, and let the experts handle the rest. There is a deck remodel option for every budget that looks beautiful, saving you time from maintenance. To learn more about the composite decking materials we use in our deck refresh projects, contact our deck remodeling contractors in Fairfax County.