Tag: Deck Material

How To Choose The Right Deck Builder

Posted on by John Langlois

The time has come to either replace your deck or have one built. You’re hoping to add value to your home and expand your outdoor living space. One of the most cost-effective ways to do that is by adding a deck. There are so many deck builders in the metro Detroit area which can make the seemingly simple task of finding the right deck contractor quite overwhelming. Make it easy by following our tips for choosing the right deck builder for you. 

Research

Do a little digging into the type of deck you want, whether composite or wood. Once you decide on the type of material your deck will be made from, do a little research on design. You can find inspiration on Pinterest, Instagram, or Google images. While you’re at it, play detective and check out the project pages of prospective decking companies to see the type of work they’ve done. 

Referrals

Referrals are often the best way to find your deck builder. Ask around, see who your coworkers, friends, and family are using. Leveraging the people you are connected to can help you narrow and shorten your search. 

Reviews

Just by typing the name of a decking company into a search engine, you can pull up current and past reviews. Hit up your social platforms. Ask your network if anyone has had firsthand experience working with your top three or five decking company choices. 

Things in reviews to notice are:

  • Are the negative reviews just petty or serious problems
  • What reviewers are saying about the workers
  • Was the company reliable

In-person

Meeting with different deck builders is always advisable. These people and their crew are going to be working on your home for a couple of days, minimum. You should have a good feeling about them. Have a conversation to get an idea of the type of person your potential deck builder is. Go with your gut. 

Some questions to ask a deck builder during your meeting are: 

  • How do you handle unforeseen circumstances like schedule changes, weather, stress?
  • Do you pull the permits or will I have to? (Tip: a good company will always handle the permits themselves).
  • What is the projected timeline for completion?
  • Is your crew one you have always worked with or are they subcontractors or freelancers?
  • How many decks like mine have you built?

Estimates

One of the easiest determining factors is cost, along with what’s included within that price. Maybe some deck builders throw in lighting for free, while others will only produce the quoted work. In the end, the estimates you get from various deck builders will help you decide which one to go with.

End your search for a deck builder today. Contact Titan Decks and schedule your free consultation. 

What You Should Know Before Choosing A Composite Deck?

Posted on by John Langlois

Are you trying to decide between natural wood and composite material for your new deck? Both have good qualities, which makes choosing even more difficult. However, there is a reason for the rise in the popularity of composite decking. Doing research, like you are now, is the best way to make an informed decision on choosing your decking materials. 

Read on for some very important things you should know about composite materials for decks. 

Know The City Code

It almost seems like decking materials would be a non-issue when it came to city codes. That’s not the case. Not all cities allow the entire deck to be made of composite materials. If you’re working with a deck builder, that company should be aware of what can and cannot be done. If you’re building your own deck, call your city clerk office to learn more information before buying your deck materials. 

Know Composite Costs A Bit More

Composite material does tend to run pricier than traditional wood by two to three times the price per square foot. However, composite has a longer lifespan, so that makes up for the cost in the long run. And, composite decking requires much less maintenance, which alleviates some aggravation caused by wood decking. 

Know The Different Qualities

Not all composite decking materials are made to look like wood. The more expensive the product, the more it looks like natural wood, from the grain to the feel. The more texture the composite has, the more likely it is to trap in grime and debris. But, a simple washing will clean it right up. 

Know A Composite Deck May Be Slippery When Wet

Composite materials with little to no texture can become hazardous when wet. This is due to the finish, along with no roughness for grip. If you’re building any stairs for your deck, think about upgrading to a more natural, ridge-filled composite to prevent any unwanted mishaps. 

Know Some Composites Get Dangerously Hot

Composite decking can get scorching hot. Many companies now offer materials that are less heat-absorbing. If you’re choosing a darker color, take some samples. Leave them out in the direct sun, this will help you in determining which of your choices will allow you carefree barefooting across the surface. Or, you could go with a lighter shade of decking and not have to worry. 

Composite decking may not be real wood, but it’s much easier to take care of. Plus, most composite products come with a 20-year warranty! You can’t say that for a wood deck, those only include splinters free of charge.  
Working with a decking expert like Farmington Hills, Michigan-based Titan Decks will help you choose your deck material and design it to your specifications. They’ll make sure your deck is safe to enjoy for many seasons to come.

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