Useful Deck Information

There’s always been a huge misconception about why building permits are required.  Today, there are a quickly growing number of deck builders who choose not to bother with properly passing deck permits.  Most likely to either avoid the time and cost involved or simply a negligent understanding of their importance.  Some deck builders will give creative and elaborate excuses why you shouldn’t pull or pass a permit.

Most decks REQUIRE permits by law.  If your deck builder doesn’t want to pull permits, get another builder.  If the builder is caught mid-construction working on an unpermitted deck, YOU may be required to tear it down and start over.  If you are building your own deck and are caught mid-construction, you may be required to tear it down.   More importantly, if someone is injured on a deck that you knowingly built or had built without permits, your insurance may not cover it.  Worse yet, you can certainly be found legally liable.

Make sure your deck builder passes all inspections that are required.  Many jurisdictions mandate pier and structural inspections in order to satisfy the final inspection.   A trend being noticed throughout the Johnson County, KS is that many builders are only pulling permits on decks, screened porches and pergolas in order to perform the work without interruption.  They have no intention of ever completing the permit. 

Pulling a deck permit is the easy part and simply allows the work to begin.  Passing a permit is more important because it oversees that a structure(s) is built correctly, safely, and to updated national building codes.

Any permit is worthless without completion of an approved final inspection and/or a Certificate of Occupancy.  Most permits are null and void after 180 days of inactivity or failure to close properly.  A satisfactorily completed permit is the only way to ensure your deck is built safely and to current building codes.  It’s also required to release a homeowner liable for personal injury or death.

If you have any questions about the legitimacy or status of your building permit, simply call your local Community Development Department.  That would be the city if within limit boundaries and your county if residing on unincorporated land.

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

Professional deck builders see a wide variety of potential customers.  Some desire an intricate design combined with ornate accessories and features which coincide with the architecture of their home.  Yet others just need a basic layout constructed with simple, durable and low maintenance materials.  And there is an infinite range of desires within this spectrum.  No matter what the deck purchaser requests, there’s always a common thread.  Everyone wishes to achieve functionality while obtaining the most deck for their money.  Therefore, here are a few tips to utilize that valued deck space to its fullest.

Know your numbers.  Lumber, composite, PVC, and just about all building materials are sold in even increments.  A deck builder can usually obtain even numbered dimensional lumber from eight to twenty foot lengths without special ordering.  Composite and PVC deck products are more explicitly produced.  Synthetic decking is usually manufactured in twelve, sixteen, and twenty foot sections while railing components are generally offered in twelve and sixteen foot increments.  What this means for the deck builder and buyer alike is paying for the shortest possible lengths to fit their deck dimensions.  Planning your deck design around the material availability can save both deck builders and homeowners a substantial amount of money.  It can also help create a more practical deck space.

Visualize the deck’s footprint and how it will be utilized.  Decide where to place tables, chairs, a BBQ grill, planters, etc.  This helps ensure you don’t have any major regrets about the deck’s size or configuration. 

Keep stairs towards the corners of the deck.  Stairs in the middle of a side withhold usable room in order to preserve trouble-free entries and exits.  They also break up guard rails and add extra railing posts.  Don’t just consider the cost of materials.  Experienced deck builders are sensible enough to figure in their labor for such additional work.  Also, keep staircases close and adjacent to the deck frame.  Longer staircases may require descents to turn a corner or switch back with a split level landing.  This concept not only saves valuable yard realty, it’s much safer in case of an inescapable fall.

These are just a handful of suggestions to assist deck builders and homeowners with deck conception.  No matter what the objective for a deck, screened porch, pergola or other construction project, thorough planning is sure to enhance the outcome and the tweak the aim.  Similar to much of life, diligent preparation is the key to success in quality deck building.

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

One of the most important aspects of building a quality deck is proper land grading.  The earth below and around a deck must provide proper water runoff and drainage.  I’ve seen first hand how many Kansas City deck builders fail to do this part of their job.  All one has to do is drive by a newly completed deck and see the piles of dirt mounded up into little hills around each deck pier.  The neglected landscape not only looks bad, but it can be disastrous for the homeowner.

If rainwater fails to divert away from a house’s foundation, the possibility of a flooding basement is probable, if not imminent.  Therefore, a ground swale should always be higher near the footing or foundation of a building and descend gradually away from and toward on open area.  The same reason gutters are installed around the perimeter of a roof.  To get water away from a structure before it comes inside.  It’s especially crucial for this excavation to be performed on low decks before they are built.  Afterwards, such work may not be feasible.  Remember, the deck is not going to divert all the rain by itself.  Much of it will pass to the ground below.

Another area many Kansas City deck builders ignore is around the deck support posts and stairs.  Some deck builders and contractors simply leave dirt from the hole right where they dropped it.  I’m not sure if they just think will dissipate naturally into the ground, believe it’s the homeowner’s responsibility, are just too lazy or don’t even care.  Nonetheless, this practice totally contradicts quality deck building.

Cedar, and even some treated, posts should not come in contact with dirt or masonry.  Doing so will shorten the life of the wood.  Most treated woods are resistant to rot and decay from moisture.  However, abstinence from such exposure will help almost any material last much longer.  Therefore, dirt from piers should be spread out thinly so it does not to come in contact with posts, stairs, or any deck component.

To recap, simply slope all dirt and landscaping away from foundations, footings, piers, and deck components.  Yes, it’s really that simple.  Just a little knowledge and a bit more effort can help some of you Kansas City deck builders become a little better.  Take another step towards higher quality deck building.  After all, that’s really what matters, isn’t it?

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

I hear it all the time. 

“I can’t build a deck any faster without sacrificing quality!”

Please don’t feed me that.  I’m not a food disposal, dumpster, landfill, or trash receptacle of any kind.  Being a Kansas City deck builder for over fifteen years, I know a little something when it comes to how long deck construction should take.

There’s a plethora of feedback on deck builders in Kansas City.  Amongst the reviews, there’s often complaining about decks taking an inordinate amount of time to complete.  Unfortunately, many Kansas City deck builders have not yet figured out how to solve this problem.   

We’re friends with some, acquaintances with most, of the Kansas City deck builders.  When given the opportunity, I always try and pick some of their brains when I hear stories like this.  The common response I usually get refers to black and white deck building.  That is, you can either put out quality or quantity, but you can’t do both.  I understand what these deck builders and contractors are insinuating.  As a matter of fact, our business slogan is “Never Taking Shortcuts to Save Time.”   With that being said, I don’t think some of my fellow Kansas City deck builders are doing everything necessary to ensure their decks, screened porches, pergolas and other projects are completed proficiently.

Plan out your deck. 

• Pull your permits!  If a local code enforcement officer or inspector catches you building without approval, you’ll most likely be set back a minimum two to three days.  Not to mention paying higher fees and fines.  By the way, how do think homeowner will feel with that Stop Work Order  stuck to their front door?
• Have utilities marked two or three days ahead in case there’s a glitch or mix up on location. Hitting an underground line will cost you time money.  Maybe even your life!
• Order materials to be delivered at least a day in advance.  Make sure every member and component of your deck is listed with the materials needed for each part.  That way you won’t miss anything.  Count the materials when you first arrive on site so you can see if anything is missing and have it brought out before you’ll need it.
• Detail a schematic and scope of work.  List everything you’ll be doing on the job.  If you have a deck crew, go over the drawings and work to be done before you get started.  That way, everyone is on the same page.
• Hold consistent work habits.  Show up on time, the same time, and every day.  The customer will appreciate it since they know when to expect your arrival at their home.  That way they’re never left guessing or scheduling around your appearances.  Also, the human body gets used to a repetitive labor regimen.  This will allow it to perform more efficiently during peak hours.
• Work when you’re on site.  Treat the job site as a professional work place.  Leave the excessive socializing and personal time for after hours.

Trust me, the manner in which you build a deck is just as important to the homeowner as the quality you put into a deck.  And with some discipline and due diligence, a deck builder shouldn’t have to compromise one for the other.  Better yet, stick to this protocol and you’re likely to find substantial time leftover to fine tune your decks.  In turn, the quality of your work and the size your pocketbook should see a significant increase.

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

There is currently an arctic air mass squashing the Midwest and much of the United States.  It’s been making building decks in Kansas City somewhat difficult the past week or so.  Like many other Kansas City deck builders, we’ll be back at it come Monday.  The temperatures are supposed to reach a balmy thirty degrees Fahrenheit!  Hey, we’ll take it right now.  It’ll feel like a heat wave compared to the weather that’s blasted our region for what seems like an eternity.  When we do get back to deck construction, we’re going to be sure and use some concrete additive to help us catch up.

There are different types of chemicals which help concrete cure at a faster rate.  Some deck builders in the Kansas City area use calcium, either powder or liquid form.  We prefer to use a chemical called Trimex NCA.  It’s a liquid that you dilute into the water you’re mixing with the concrete.  Trimex NCA is far less corrosive and much less irritating to the skin than calcium and some other curing agents.  In these frigid temperatures, it’s imperative that deck builders use an accelerant to harden their footings quicker than concrete sets up alone.

Most importantly, the concrete needs to get mostly cured before it freezes solid.  If a deck is built on frozen and unhardened concrete piers, it will sink once a thaw occurs.  Secondly, the concrete will lose a lot of its strength, solidity and longevity if it becomes fully frozen before bonding all the way.  And lastly, uncured footings cost deck builders and contractors precious time and money.  Waiting around to build or complete a deck pending concrete approval is not an efficient way to run a business.

Remember, the ground it still very warm, especially with a bunch of snow cover.  Once we removed the snow, even the very top inch of the ground was thawed when we dug deck piers last Monday.  Even with the temps well below twenty degrees.  Along with using a concrete additive, it’s also a good idea to cover your empty pier holes in between digging and pouring them.  Then again after you’ve filled and finished the tops.  Cover first with plastic to retain moisture.   Add three or four layers of burlap to retain the ground’s heat.  This will help ensure deck piers and footings stay warm and set up in time to drop the deck’s weight before spring.

For more info on building decks in the wintertime, visit another post:

“Most Kansas City Deck Builders Work Year Round.”

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

The last few months I’ve been amazed at the number of new deck builders popping up in Kansas City.  Being a well established Kansas City deck builder, I’m happy to see the insurgence of so many new comers.  It means our local deck industry is currently stable and also has a strong upside for the recovering recession.  People just don’t start careers in markets where’s there’s no future.

Many of the newer Kansas City deck builders and contractors are handymen and multipurpose construction outfits who see tremendous opportunities in the Kansas City deck industry.  This historic recession was brought on by the collapse of the new housing market.  In turn, many home builders, remodelers and journeymen were forced to expand their scope of work.  Decks are an easy crossover for skilled carpenters to make some money.  This creates competitive pressure which benefits everyone.

Veteran deck builders in Kansas City, like our company, better not relax.  Yes, our business has come fairly easy once we became well known and recommended throughout the community.  As a matter of fact, we still get over fifty percent of our work from our name and reputation alone.  However, we’re fully aware that complacency will be the demise of any business.  Now is the time to focus, push harder, and perform better than ever.  The younger, more fragile deck builders need to scrap, pinch and fight for every job they get.  That’s just the nature of business no matter what the economy is like.  Thus, all deck builders are naturally motivated to step up their game or take a seat on the end of the bench.  This type of fierce competition produces some nice benefits for Kansas City deck consumers.

Deck builders had better build their highest quality deck.  And they better do it at the fairest price their business will allow.  That doesn’t mean all deck builders will be in the same price range or produce the same quality of deck.  It just means they’ll need to construct their deck, screened porch or pergola efficiently and input as much craftsmanship as possible.  It also needs to be done with a fairly sharp pencil.  That is, if they wish to build decks long enough to reap the rewards of and economic upswing.    

Shoddy deck builders, scammers, and shady carpenters will never last long in one area.  Poor craftsmanship and professional shortcomings are surely no way to build a reputable deck company.  That’s even truer in today’s world.  With tighter household budgets and wiser consumers, only those deck builders who produce a product even better than they charge will prosper. 

Don’t get me wrong, we’re by no means the cheapest deck builder in Kansas City.  Frankly, we’re probably one of the most expensive.  However, we never try to hide from our numbers.  That’s because we feel the quality of deck we build is worth even more than what we ask for it.  All of our customers seem to agree, and it’s how we base our performance and gauge our business model. 

On the other hand, I know other deck builders who put out a deck with far less components, cheaper materials, and many steps short of our construction methods. On the same note, they also don’t bid nearly as high as we do.  Therefore, they also retain a high satisfactory rate.  That, in a nutshell, is all that matters to keep bringing in business. 

There are various types of customers who have different budgets, needs and wants.  Deck builders and businesses alike just have to find out where they want to fit in the market demand.  A company’s income and profitability are completely separate.  They depend on your marketing, operations and management skill level.

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

Yeah, I know, it’s just after sunrise on the very first day of 2010.  That’s pretty early in the new calendar to start thinking about deck plans if you’re in the market for one this year.  However, it can’t ever be too early to pre plan a construction project.  Now is the optimum time to start getting deck bids, designing deck plans and begin budgeting for all your outdoor projects.

As a Kansas City deck builder, we’ll most likely be fairly slow with new leads for most of January.  Mid to late February will be a completely different story.  It’s when our peak season takes off in full force.  While our highest call volume occurs early April through late May, February is really when the deck season starts for most quality Kansas City deck builders.

Most people have the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality when it comes to thinking about building a deck, screened porch, pergola, or other outdoor living area.  If it’s twenty degrees outside with the ground covered in that white frozen stuff, a deck is the last thing on their mind.  However, the old adage always holds true, “the early bird gets the worm.”

Savvy consumers who call for deck quotes in January will be sure to reap benefits that last minute buyers will not.  Most deck contractors stay busy through December or take a couple weeks off for the Holidays.  However, in early January, the battle begins.  Like any free enterprise business, deck builders in Kansas City, and throughout the country, work on a supply and demand principle.  By getting a deck estimate before the industry takes off, you’re sure to receive the fairest possible numbers.  Top deck builders are eager to book their schedules as soon as possible.  Throughout January and early February, the competition in the deck industry is at its fiercest.  Saving a substantial amount of money is obviously important.  However, it’s not the only reason to start shopping for a deck now. 

Getting a quality deck built while the weather is still pleasant is a lot harder than most people realize.  Reputable Kansas City deck builders don’t take long to get extremely busy.  Most quality deck contractors in KC are three to four months out by mid March.  I’m sure that this year, like every year past (including 2009), we’ll have a plethora of customers who want to purchase their deck in April and also have their deck built in April.  The only deck builders who can promise such a feat are either not well established, don’t build quality decks, or are stretching the truth to lock in the contract. 

So if you thought I was kidding by telling you to get a jump start on your deck plans now, think again.  Kansas City may be covered with snow right now, but you’ve got to think further than today if you want to be ahead of the game.  If not, I guarantee that come springtime, you’ll be wishing you did.

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

As many Kansas City deck builders know well, his time of year always brings surging inquisition from customers about small cracks appearing in their wood decking components.  Most people are initially very concerned about this natural process often found in wood called “checking.”  That is until we explain what checking is, why it occurs, what can be done to slow it down and how to help conceal its effects, if so desired.

As I said earlier, we field many more calls about checking on our wood decks and components during the fall and winter months.  The reason is very simple.  It’s directly related to the sudden drop in temperature, and in turn, the drastically decreasing humidity levels in the atmoshphere.  It’s the same reason you need to crank up the humidifier in your home as the weather gets cooler.  If not, your skin is also more likely to get cracked, itchy and irritated due to the surrounding air sucking the water right out of your body.

Make no mistake, I’m just a professional deck builder in Kansas City.  That’s about as far from a doctor, biologist or scientist as you can get.  Nonetheless, I’ll give you what I know about checking, why it happens, and how to combat the wood’s natural process.  My experience is with lumber used in deck duilding.  However, much of will overlap just about any application pertaining to wood.

“What is “Checking?”

As wood begins to dry out, it usually develops natural cracks called “checks.”  Checking happens as moisture is released from the wood’s outer rings at a faster rate than its inner rings.   

“A check is a naturally occurring lengthwise separation between wood fibers parallel to the grain.”

- © 1997 The APA – The Engineered Wood Association –

Checking, the separation of continuous wood fibers, is a naturally occurring consequence of the seasoning process of wood. The outer fibers lose moisture to the surrounding atmosphere and attempt to shrink, but the inner portion of the timber member loses moisture at a much slower rate. The different rates of shrinkage can cause the wood to check or split. Rapid drying increases the differential moisture content between the inner and outer fibers and thus increases the propensity for checking in the timber. The checking (and shrinkage) process will stabilize as the moisture content of the member reaches equilibrium with the surrounding environmental conditions.” 

- © 2009 APA – The Engineered Wood Association -

“Why does it occur?”

Checking is more prominent in larger timbers and less porous woods.  Larger timbers and dense woods are prominent in the construction of decks in Kansas City and many regions throughout the United States.  Both of these characteristics delay the rate at which wood’s core moisture evaporates compared to its outer shell.  While larger sizes and denser woods are more prone to check, this natural phenomenon can appear in almost any dimension or species of wood.  

The amount of checking greatly depends on how fast the wood dries out.  Kansas City’s extreme variance in temperatures creates an ideal environment to produce wood checking.  No matter what the climate conditions or surrounding air temperature, checking can and probably will show up at some point. 

Below are some pictures of profound checking which popped up on the pergola in our back showroom.  Keep in mind, this in Western Red Cedar.  Cedar is not only very porous but is also widely recognized as one of the more stable wood species.  Nonetheless, substantial checking still happened.  Not to mention, this display was built and has always been kept indoors with a temperature variance of never more than five degrees Fahrenheit.

Many homeowners and novice deck builders erroneously misinterpret wood checking as the beginning of wood deterioration.  The truth is, checking has no affect on the structure, strength, or durability of wood.  Checking rarely penetrates further than the heart or center of a log, timber, or board. 

As a matter of fact, many top designers, architects, and deck builders request wood containing checks for a more natural look. 

“What can be done to prevent it?”

There is no cure or way or absolute way to prevent checking.  It can be slowed by staining, sealing or painting the wood.  This will help retain moisture in the outer layers longer.  Thus allowing the wood to dry more evenly throughout, and therefore, separate less. 

If checking seems unsightly, you can fill the gapping with an elastomeric caulk or epoxy.  When filling wood which is kept outdoors, it is recommended to follow with paint, lacquer, or poly urethane.  This will help prevent separation of the filler from wood after more exposure to the elements. 

Fore more info on “Wood Checking,” visit the following links:

http://www.apawood.org/glu_level_b.cfm?content=prd_glu_gen_check

http://www.wvu.edu/~exten/infores/pubs/other/wooddr2.pdf

http://northernloghome.com/checking.htm

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

As I’ve posted before, we’re a huge proponent of FastenMaster’s Cortex hidden fastening system.  It retains the simple engineering principle of keeping two face screws per board per joist.  Many Kansas City deck builders use other methods of concealing their screws.  However, most structural experts will agree that the Cortex system provides a much more stable deck than any hidden clip or tongue and groove method.

Earlier in the year, I spoke highly on how well Cortex’s core and plug operation worked for AZEK Deck®.  I was amazed at both the ease of installation as well as the consistency of its appearance and performance.  However, when I heard FastenMaster had created one for EverGrain Classic Colors*®, I was somewhat skeptical. 

As a professional Kansas City deck builder, our company installs more EverGrain decking than any other product.  Therefore, we know its characteristics very well.  I love the value EverGrain delivers.  It’s both low cost and durable as well as not harboring mold and mildew.  Sorry for the digression.

The main reason for my skepticism was the raised dense grain pattern pressed into EverGrain’s surface.  I didn’t picture those plugs being very easy to install or blending in very well with such a pronounced and defined texture.  Then the EverGrain rep showed me a demo that quickly forced me to swallow my presumptions.  The plugs were easily set even with the raised parts of the surface and simply conformed to and became part of the texture.  I guess that’s why I’m a deck builder and not in the manufacturing business.  I was both surprised and impressed.

If you’re a deck builder or consumer who prefers using another type of decking, FastenMaster has also extended the Cortex line to other brands.  It is now available for Trex® Accents and Escapes and TimberTech® TwinFinish Decking.  They’ve also come out with the new Azek Kona and Fawn colors.

For more info, here’s a link to FastenMaster’s Cortex Fastening System

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

NADRA (The North American Deck and Railing Association) just launched a new search help deck builders find what they need easier and faster.  They have partnered with MultiView, Inc., an Irving, TX, publisher of Digital Buyer’s Guides and E-News Briefs, to launch the NADRA Deck and Railing Product & Service Guide.

Basically, it’s a new online search program that you can access from NADRA’s home page (www.NADRA.org).  The vendor search is specific to the deck industry.  It should help refine the very broad and too generalized method of searching for deck related items on the big search engines.  Deck builders have the choice to either search by keyword related terms or via an alphabetized category and sub-category directory search.

With the use of this new search, a deck builder or homeowner can look for specific items or companies relative only to the deck industry.  Also, if you click the “Desktop Search” located at the top of the main page, you can easily download a toolbar for faster access to the Guide and NADRA, even when offline.  They’re also taking recommendations for other vendors, companies, products, services, etc. that you might be using as a professional deck builder, contractor, or consumer.  You can suggest them to NADRA.  They’ll take a look and see if it can be added to the guide and thus create an even deeper resource.
 

Here’s a link to their search page:

http://deckandrailingproductandserviceguide.com

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)