Useful Deck Information

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)

Most deck builders in Kansas City and around the United States would agree on at least something.  Almost all would say that treated decks have few, and only a few, advantages over cedar decks, composite decks, tropical hardwood decks, and PVC decks.  They are inexpensive, durable against wear and tear, and very low maintenance.  Actually, the manufactured chemical injections in the treated wood make these decks virtually maintenance free.  That is, unless the deck builder, homeowner or other contractor decides to stain.

First off, any type of treated deck should not be stained for at least one full year from the end of construction.  MCQ, ACQ, and CCA lumber are all saturated with their own chemicals for protection against rot and insects.  Any sealant applied within the first year of exposure will simply run off or not penetrate deep enough into the wood’s grain to do any good.

Once time for staining that treated deck does arrive, the deck builder, painter, homeowner or whoever will need to power wash the deck first.  Then the deck should be allowed to dry out for a couple of days.  When choosing a stain, many Kansas City deck builders and contractors use a brand called Super Deck which is sold at your local Kwal paint store.  It’s specially formulated to interact with treated lumber’s makeup of southern yellow pine and the preservatives which are injected into the wood.

Apply at least two coats to all surfaces and three to all flat surfaces such as decking, stair treads, handrail caps and bench seats.  Most stain manufacturers recommend following up with another application a year later to give a solid base coat.  Then applications would follow every three to four years or as needed depending on climate and deck usage. 

However, remember that a treated deck is pretty much maintenance free as is.  It does not need staining or sealing to keep it from deteriorating.  But once you apply that first coat of new stain, you’ve now turned that maintenance free treated deck into one that’ll have to be cared for continually in order to keep it looking consistent and the color of stain you put on.

Hope this helps,

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

Just about three years ago, MCQ (micronized copper quaternary) treated lumber was introduced to the public.  Being a Kansas City deck builder, we immediately start using the product.  We had been stuck with ACQ treated lumber after the ban on CCA because it contained carcinogens.

 As any deck builder or contractor building outdoors knows, ACQ forces the deck builder to constantly fight the ammonium in the wood.  Almost any metal coming in contact with ACQ would corrode at an accelerated rate.  This includes patio furniture, any type of accessory hardware, and even saw blades and decks.  And of course, all hangers, brackets and fasteners used in construction have to be double hot-dipped galvanized for safety reasons.

MCQ actually has a contact corrosion rating even less than the old CCA treated lumber.  Therefore, just about any metal rated for outdoor use will not be damaged by coming in contact with MCQ.  It also costs the same if not less than ACQ.  Every customer, retailer and deck builder I’ve spoke with prefers MCQ’s appearance over ACQ.  MCQ is a light yellowish tan pigment that seems to blend in pretty well with the rest of the deck.  ACQ has a dark muddy green tint that often stands out and clashes in outdoor living areas.

 If you’re a deck builder or contractor, you’ll no longer have to spend the extra money for double hot-dipped galvanized framing nails, lag bolts and other hardware.  Surface fasteners used for appearance such as decking, railing, and wrap, should still be hot-dipped, stainless steel, or another metal that won’t bleed and streak the wood.

Pro Wood and Yella Wood are just a couple of popular brands being used by a some Kansas City deck builders right now.  With all the great benefits of MCQ, there’s certain to be many more manufacturers jumping on the bandwagon in the near future.

Hope this helps,

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

You might have yet to hear of Radiance Wood.  It’s another new decking product just being introduced to the deck industry.  What makes this new deck product special?  What does it offer that Cedar, Treated Wood, Composites, Cellular PVC, and Tropical Hardwoods don’t?  These are the very first questions that most Kansas City deck builders, retailers and distributors are asking about Radiance Wood.

Kansas City Deck Supply recently held a contractor’s breakfast get together to ask the representatives of Radiance Wood these questions and more.  Let’s just say the reps weren’t fully prepared for barrage of inquisition that our Kansas City deck contractors were hurling their way.  Basically, they just didn’t convince the Johnson County deck builders and decking suppliers that Radiance Wood was going to sell against composites and traditional wood decking at the price point being offered. 

This past Tuesday morning, the president of Radiance Wood, and a local distributor stopped by our office to clarify the answers to those questions with me and my partner.  They were able to convince us both that at comparable price to composite decking, around $2.00/ lineal foot, Radiance Wood may in fact be a another option to present to consumers looking to purchase a deck.

Many people prefer the natural wood look over composites.  However, they’re not willing to take on the maintenance of cedar, aren’t happy with the future appearance MCQ and ACQ treated woods, or aren’t willing to pay the premium price for tropical hardwoods like IPE and Tiger Wood.

Radiance Wood developers have done a good job of identifying those weaknesses and have nestled themselves into a nice little niche. 

The new decking product looks outstanding.  It has a rich dark tone, much like that of tropical hardwood decking.  It also comes in either a Euro style ribbed surface or a traditional smooth finish.   

Radiance Wood is kiln dried so it is very stable so it won’t shrink, and is not likely to warp, twist, cup and bow.  It’s only treated with only heat and water so it’s environmentally safe.  It’s very durable being made from premium Southern Yellow Pine and milled at an inch and a quarter thick.  Its finish is a factory applied resin and guaranteed not to grey out for two years and not to rot for twenty years.

It also seems to be very deck builder friendly due to the fact that it weighs approximately one third that of most composites.  The deck contractor only has to pilot the end fasteners and can even use a pneumatic nail guns if desired.  There’s also a surprisingly well balance selection of building members like 2”x2”, 2”x4”, 2”x6”, 2”x8”, 2”x10”, 4”x4”, and 6”x6” boards and timbers.  Our Johnson County deck vendor also sends out a quart of “One Time” with every job pack so the deck builder and reseal the cut ends and touch up any scratches or nicks.

We haven’t actually installed Radiance Wood on any decks in Johnson County, KS or any deck in Kansas City yet.  However, we are going to start offering and promoting the product as long as the cost stays reasonable.  And as we all know, price is definitely king in today’s world.

Follow this link for more information on Radiance Wood.

Hope this helps,

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

     Yes, I said composite decks need to be cleaned.  Like anything kept outside and exposed to the elements, composites also need care.  Many believe composite decks are maintenance free.  However, they are not.  They are low maintenance when compared to a wood deck.  You don’t have to clean them, but they won’t look like what you paid for if you don’t.  Your car won’t rot away if you don’t wash it, but it sure won’t look like it would if you cleaned it at least once a month or so.  Composites don’t have to be cleaned more than a couple times a year (depending on their surroundings), but they do have to be cleaned.

     As I said earlier, there are many different brands of composites which can vary quite a bit in cost.  There are also different types of wood which vary even more than composites in cost.  Treated decks are low maintenance and by far the most affordable.  They do tend to warp, twist and crack more than some other woods.  There are different types of treated (see “Treated Lumber Comparisons”).  Cedar decks are the most commonly built in the Kansas City area.  People love the way they look.  However, it they are high maintenance and are quickly becoming high cost.  Tropical Hardwood decks are very expensive but offer great warranties and are more durable than even composite decks.

     Bottom line, take your time.  Decks are a substantial investment.  Soak up all the information you possibly can.  And if you need some advice, feel free to post a question or comment to this forum.

Hope this helps,

     Treated lumber used for building decks and other outdoor projects is rapidly changing.  As a deck builder in the Kansas City Metro Area for nearly ten years, I’ve recently seen many changes in treated lumber.  Because it’s my livelihood, I’ve spent some time researching the pros and cons of new treated lumber products available.  Whether you’re building a deck, screened porch, pergola or gazebo, you may find this information useful.

      Many people have heard about CCA treated lumber and the health risks it poses.  The “A” stands for Arsenic, a poison that prevents termites and carpenter ants from digesting material soaked in the chemical.  Although most humans never feast on the lumber, they do come in contact with excess chemicals bleeding out of the grain and breathe sawdust when working with the wood.  Research shows CCA is a carcinogen, especially to those having prolonged exposure with its bi-products.  Several cases of cancer and other health problems in mill workers and contractors have been blamed on CCA.  It is only sensible that a new product was developed to take its place. 

     Therefore, ACQ lumber was created as a safer, healthier alternative for exterior grade treated lumber.  The only problem with ACQ is that while it may be safer for people, it is definitely more detrimental to all metal coming in contact with it.  No longer can zinc, aluminum, brass, elctro-galvanized or many other exterior grade metals be used in conjunction with this new wood.  Many laboratory tests show ACQ corroding through standard galvanized 16D nails in less than six months.  The same nail would last ten or more years in another type of lumber.  As a matter of fact, it will corrode through most patio furniture if not separated from the deck’s surface with some sort of buffer.  National building code requires that all fasteners and hardware used with ACQ be “Double Hot Dipped Galvanized.”  This grade of metal coating is significantly more expensive than zinc or standard galvanized.  Add the increased cost on nails, screws, lag bolts, joist hangers, post bases and grab rail hardware, etc, even on one deck, and it can add up to quite a bit of money.  However, now there’s a treated lumber that combines the benefits of CCA and ACQ but has neither’s downfalls.

     MCQ is far less damaging to metal than even the mildly corrosive CCA.  Also, it has been thoroughly tested to be much safer for humans and animals while still preventing damage from termites, carpenter ants, and the ever determined carpenter bee.  You’ll want to check your product’s lab accreditation and local building code requirements, but almost any grade of exterior metal can be used with MCQ because of its highly technical and unique manufacturing process.   ”The MicroPro™ preservative system used to produce Micronized Copper Quaternary (MCQ) combines the well-established effectiveness of copper and an organic quaternary compound in an inventive approach to the pressure treatment process. By capturing copper in “sub-micron” sized particles and suspending them in solution before applying them to wood by pressure treatment, the performance of MCQ treated lumber is enhanced while providing protection against rot, fungal decay and termite attack.” http://www.greatsouthernwood.com/products/product.aspx?id=17

     MCQ also has a much lighter shade of green than ACQ, making it much more accepting of paints, stains, and sealants.  This means you can construct a naturally attractive deck, screened porch, or pergola without spending a fortune on cedar or composite.  Many Kansas City deck builders are starting to use MCQ lumber.  Because of its growing popularity, it is now being carried in many retail yards and box stores.  Home Depot now carries YellaWood, a specific brand of MCQ.  Other lumber yards are carrying ProWood and MicroWood.  In most cases, the price of MCQ is somewhat cheaper than that of ACQ.  Between the combined cost of fasteners, hardware, and the lumber itself, you’re sure to save enough money to make it worth your while. 

Hope this helps,

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

MCQ Lumber (YellaWood) deck built in Johnson County, Kansas