Useful Deck Information

Railings on a deck are like wheels on a car.  They can enhance the deck style, portraying a meticulously mastered piece of art.  They can also give the impression of a carelessly slapped together piece of junk.  Like I’ve preached many times before, make sure you know exactly what you’re getting when you purchase a deck. (see – Not all deck builders are the same.  &  Not All Johnson County, Kansas Decks Are Created Equal)  Railings are often a prime area some deck builders will shortcut to save time and money.  If not thoroughly and specifically described in a proposal, they deck railings can be built a number of ways to pass building code.

There are some very cheap deck builders in Kansas City and probably throughout the United States.  Cheap deck builders will find the quickest and least expensive way to make your deck railings pass code, if you let them.  This is typically done by turning a 2×6 board sideways and nailing balusters to the 2×6 board (which serves as both the deck guardrail and top cap).  The bottoms of the balusters are fastened to the deck’s rim plate, or outer framework.  You’ll often see this done on cheap spec homes and low grade home builder decks.  I can’t name the number of times we’ve lost a job to this type of construction, and the homeowner has come back and said they had no idea this is what they were paying for.

Even basic railings should be made of at least five essential parts. 

Posts are used to break up sections and provide lateral support.  Posts should be 6”x6” timbers (unless using a composite sleeve over).  The deck support (continuous from ground up through the railing) and intermittent (dummy) posts should be notched into the inside of the deck’s framework.  Then they should be blocked in from all sides.  Cedar and treated deck railings should never be spanned over ten lineal feet while composite should not exceed eight in length.

Deck rails are commonly made from 2”x4” or sometimes 2”x6” boards turned sideways and ran inside of the deck posts.  The bottom deck rail should be held off the deck’s surface for aesthetics and ease of cleaning the deck surface.  The rails should have a minimum of two fasteners, per board, per end, from the outside facing in.  This ensures the 200lb. minimum lateral load capacity required by national building codes.  Another fastener should be installed on the inside of the rail to keep the rail straight and help prevent twisting.

Railing top caps are generally made from 2”x4” or 2”x6” and help reinforce and strengthen the railing section.  The top cap usually coincides in color and material with the deck surface even if the rest of the railing does not.

The squash block is installed between the bottom rail and the deck surface.  The blocks keep the railing from sagging under its own weight.  They are commonly installed one per railing, in the middle of the section.  However, some deck builders put more than one per section.  This usually depends on the type of materials used in the railing.  The blocks can be made many different ways and most quality deck builders try to keep their block style original but in line with the deck theme.

The deck baluster or spindle can vary in size, shape, color, texture, and material.  In fact, it’s safe to say that there’s and infinite number of spindle possibilities.  Black round aluminum spindles are by far the most popular on decks in Johnson County, Kansas and throughout the Kansas City metro area.  They provide a fairly open view while being maintenance free and very affordable due to their popularity.  The important thing to remember is that no opening on top of the deck’s surface should be greater than four inches.  On deck stairs, a six inch sphere should not pass through any place.  These benchmarks are set so a child’s head cannot get stuck on top of the deck’s area.  While the same does not apply to the deck stair area for construction practicality, the six inch clearance guideline prevents even the smallest child from falling through the stairs. 

(On a side note, open risers are illegal on decks in Kansas City and should not be ignored!)

I’ve not even begun to cover glass, aluminum, iron, composite or PVC deck railings.  That’s because these types of railings are usually sold as systems.  They have already passed their own necessary code compliance testing.  As long as installed properly, they’re already up to building code standards.  Most of the prefab systems, like Radiance Rail from Timbertech, add some nice character to a deck’s look. 

And that’s exactly what you need.  Like a sports car with generic hubcaps, even the best built deck can look very plain without decent railings.

Hop this helps,

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

Not long ago composite decks were a revolutionary new product just popping into the deck industry.  Trex was the brand name that pioneered the low maintenance (not maintenance free) decking.  It quickly became a household name and was actually referred to composite decking much like Zerox is to copiers.

As almost any new invention does, the first lines of composite decking products had their share of flaws.  They absorbed stains easily, got very hot under direct sunlight, became very malleable when heated, and harbored mold and mildew more easily than wood or concrete.  Composite decks were also very limited in their design and construction due to a slim variety of board sizes and dimensions.  However, it didn’t take long for the major players in composite decking to adapt and overcome these issues.

Brands such as Evergrain, Timbertech, and Trex soon corrected composite’s shortcomings.  They also developed many more accessories, colors, textures, and therefore, possibilities.  This led the way to composite now being the most popular deck material in America.  Today, composite is the number one material decks are built from.  As a Kansas City deck builder, nearly ninety percent of the decks we build are composite.

There are still a large number of people who still prefer the natural look and feel of real wood.  Combined with price, that’s why treated, cedar, Radiance Wood, and tropical hardwoods still have a solid place in the deck industry.  Cellular PVC sales on brands such as Azek and Gossen are quickly on the rise and may soon replace composite decking as the industry leader.  But for now, composite still owns the lion’s share of deck sales.

Hope this helps,

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

How many of you out there have seen The Unbelievable Deck Builder?  I’m sure every deck contractor has seen or heard of him.  Probably most homeowners looking to purchase a deck have come across him as well.  I know we’ve got more than one Unbelievable Deck Builder in Kansas City.  He’s very easy to spot.  Just look for the deck builder whose reputation is flawless. 

Every job The Unbelievable Deck Builder has done receives a 5 star review.  To remain anonymous, his customers usually only sign their first name.  However, you couldn’t pay someone to write better recommendations.  Although specific details of the work experience aren’t really given, there is nothing detrimental ever said about The Unbelievable Deck Builder.  His testimonials are fairly “cookie-cutter” snippets and seem to all follow the same semantics.  But boy, are they encouraging!

But before you consider hiring The Unbelievable Deck Builder, please do some diligent research.  Get actual, (full names), of past customers with phone numbers.  Give them a call.  Make sure they’re not friends, family, or acquaintances of the deck builder.  It’s even better if you can actually visit some of the deck contractor’s previous work.  You see, there are many imposters of The Unbelievable Deck Builder. 

We’ve been a Kansas City deck builder for over fifteen years, and I have no idea how The Unbelievable Deck Builder stays so perfect all of the time.  He performs perfect work, gives perfect service, receives perfect reviews and gets perfect customers.  This is all done at an extremely fair price.  It can’t be easy.  Kudos to The Unbelievable Deck Builder!

Hope this helps,

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

Kansas City decks are still selling pretty well, all things considered.  We haven’t had the banner year we did back in 2008.  However, 2008 was the best year we ever had as a Johnson County, KS deck builder.  Yeah, we’re bending a little on the price of our decks, screened porches, and pergolas.  However, we’re still making enough to pay the bills and take the owners out to lunch here and there.

We had a strange lull in July that held up through the second week in August.   Just before school gets back in session is always a slow time for Kansas City deck builders, but it seemed to start much earlier for us this year.  We also had a late start to the spring season.  Other than that, it’s been not as bad as I anticipated considering all the doom and gloom in other industries and parts of America.

As I stated in my previous post, I always like to check in on other deck builders and see what and how they’re doing.  I think it helps all deck builders to know what the competition is up to.  It helps us gauge our success, or lack thereof.  That way, we either know if we’re doing alright or maybe need to work a little harder.  I’m most interested in what deck builders in other parts of the country are doing.  I firmly believe we’ve turned the corner and are headed on an upswing in the economy.  I’d like to know how my fellow deck builders in Kansas City and around the country and even outside of the United States are doing in the midst of this historic recession.

Hope this helps,

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

Just a couple of weeks ago, I was with my wife on a weekend getaway to the wonderful city of Chicago.  I was sitting in the hotel room waiting for my wife to get ready, and that sometimes takes a while.  I picked up the Greater Chicago Yellow Pages and headed towards the “deck builders” listing.  I always like to see what deck builders look like in other regions of the country and across the world.  I like to check out how they advertise and market themselves.  But I’m most interested in how deck construction compares and differs from the deck builders in Kansas City.  I digress.  What never ceases to amaze me is how few deck builders there are across the country compared to the abundance of Kansas City deck builders.  I believe there are a couple of reasons for the plethora of Kansas City deck builders.

The first is opportunity.  Anyone who lives in the greater Kansas City metro knows there are many affluent people in this community.  Johnson County, Kansas has demographics which often rank top ten in income per household.  Deck builders are not exclusively working in Johnson County.  Douglas County, Miami County and several parts of Kansas City, Kansas and Missouri all have many areas where the upper middle class reside.  Many homeowners have the ability to spend money on decks, screened porches and pergolas, even in this recession.  It’s no wonder there are so many deck builders in Kansas City.

The second is lack of oversight.  In most other parts of the United States, requirements for deck contractors are much more stringent than those of Kansas City deck builders.  Many other jurisdictions require deck builders to be certified.  The only way to get certified is to be sponsored by a certified parent company that must vouch for that deck builder’s experience, expertise and qualifications.  The deck builder must also be licensed, which is usually much more extensive and laborious than the process for Johnson County, Kansas deck builders.  Some areas also require deck contractors to carry commercial insurance and make it mandatory for them to be bonded as well.  I wish Johnson County and Kansas City deck builders had more regulation.  Pretty much anyone can build a deck in Kansas City with very little knowledge or building experience.  Pretty scary considering faulty deck construction can easily cause serious injury or death. 

That’s why I always say, at the very least, make sure your Kansas City deck builder pulls and passes a city or county building permit.  At least then you have a liaison to help ensure it’s safely built. 

See my previous post for more details – “The Importance of a Deck Permit”

Hope this helps,

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

As I’ve stated over and over through blog posts, emails, and our company website, consumers getting ready to hire a deck builder must do more than just trust a contractor’s lingo.  The proposals of most deck builders in Overland Park, Shawnee, Lenexa, Olathe and throughout Johnson County are pretty vague.  In all fairness, they have to be.  Johnson County, Kansas deck builders and contractors only have so much time to give on a free deck estimate.  But that’s a whole other topic (see – “Please Don’t Abuse the Free Deck estimate.” )

The point is that most bids from deck builders in Johnson County and throughout Kansas City are going to sound pretty close to the same.  It’s the details which require your scrutiny. 

• What size are the framework members? – There’s a wide gap in tolerance and strength between 2”x8” and 2”x10” joists and rim plates.
• What size are the support and railings posts? – There’s a world of difference in stability and appearance between 4”x4” and 6”x6” timbers.
• How are the 1.posts, 2.decking and 3.railings going to be constructed and attached within the building process?  

1. Notching posts on the outside of a deck is a fast but cheap and inferior method of deck construction.  It may feel secure for the first couple years before it really starts to show why it’s not recommended by most reputable deck builders.  However, it does pass code and many Johnson County deck builders build their decks that way.
2. Using improper, cheap screws to fasten composite decking, nailing composite, and even putting one screw per joist per board are all shortcuts many Kansas City deck builders use to make an extra buck.  Not only do they compromise the deck’s integrity, they can also void the warranty on your deck materials!
3. Numerous railings are constructed from a board turned sideways and spindles nailed to the side of the deck to hold it up.  This type of contruction looks very cheap, and railings really make the deck!  It also doesn’t allow the homeowner to sweep debris and snow of the deck’s surface very easily.  Not to mention the pet hair, twigs and other junk getting caught between the spindles and deck plate.

These are just a few of a deck’s characteristics that can vary widely from one deck builder to the other.

I can’t tell you how many times my partner and I drive past a house where we lost a job to another deck contractor say something to effect, “That’s what we were bidding against!”  I’m sure the homeowner didn’t realize what they were getting until it was too late.  They probably didn’t do the diligent research to see what the deck was actually going to look like or know exactly how it was going to be built. 

Everyone’s heard the old adage, “A picture’s worth a thousand words.”  That’s definitely true when purchasing a deck.  An extensive portfolio of the deck builder’s previous work is much more evidence of their qualifications than what comes out of  his or her mouth.  However, I’d encourage you to take it one step further and ask to visit some of their previous jobs to see their work up close and personal.  If they’ve been building quality decks and providing professional service, at least a few of their customers should be happy to show off their work.

There are many things you can’t see in a photo that are noticeable to the naked eye.  Craftsmanship skills and detail such as: cuts around posts, nail patterns and straightness, consistency in screw depth, railing alignment and much more.

Many Johnson County, Kansas deck builders tell homeowners that “A Deck is A Deck.”  This is their attempt to combat the price of a reputable deck contractor’s proposal.  Feel free to visit our Building Guidelines to absorb more knowledge and find out exactly what to look for in a quality deck. 

Hope this helps,

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

Haven’t heard the term Pergola before?  I bet you’ve seen plenty of them around.  The word Pergola comes from Italy where the overhead shade structures are found on many homes.  In some villages and neighborhoods, where residences are attached dwellings, they are built as one continuing structure the entire length of the units. 

In the United States, these open arbors were first commonly called “California Roofs” since that’s where they gained popularity back in the late nineteen seventies and early eighties.  As a Kansas City deck builder, we’ve given more estimates for pergolas this year than ever before.  Their popularity can be attributed to the deep economic recession hammering our country.

Pergolas cost less than half the price of a quality cedar or composite deck and are usually far less than even treated decks.  They can either be attached to a house or self supported.  They turn patios and plain old sitting areas into outdoor environments by creating shade and ambiance.  They provide geometrical dimension to an otherwise flat landscape. 

Pergolas can also be added to an existing deck or incorporated into a new deck.  The pergola ledgers, rafters, and cross slats can vary in size and spacing.  Different configurations and board dimensions control how much sun passes through for the desired shade amount.  The designs on the ends of ledgers and rafters are limitless.  If you can think it up, it can be cut (depending on the skill level of the deck builder).  Therefore, pergolas are often uniquely original and personal pieces relative to one’s taste and the building’s existing architecture.

With limited funds but still the desire for many to improve and increase their outdoor living space, a pergola is definitely something to consider.  Pergolas are far less expensive decks or screened porches.  At the same time, they can still effectively augment and enhance a home’s exterior functionality.

Visit our Arbors and Pergolas page to view an array of pergolas.

Our Pricing page gives an idea of their cost.  

Hope this helps,

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

Many economists are giving high praise to the U.S. government’s “Cash for Clunkers” auto rebate program.  They say it is definitely going to help jump start the economy as well as release a little of our society’s dependency on foreign oil.  The government is reimbursing auto dealers $3,500 and $4,500 (depending on the trade in vehicle) for a sale when a vehicle with lesser gas mileage gets traded in (and destroyed) for one with much better gas mileage.  This is Great for the consumer, great for the auto dealer, great for the economy, and more importantly – great for the environment.  What a surprisingly great idea from our elected officials.  However, I gotta say, our company thought of this idea long before the government did.

Starting back in the Fall of 2008, (the epicenter of this economic fallout), we now too offer huge savings on decks, screened porches, and pergolas.  Like Uncle Sam, we allow customers to trade in their high upkeep and high cost deck for a brand new low maintenance composite, PVC, or tropical hardwood deck made from recycled plastic products and trees not harvested from a rain forest.  At the same time, we give back huge savings compared to normal market prices.  We also ensure that the old, decrepit, unsafe, unsightly, and ANYTHING BUT GREEN DECK – BUILT BACK IN THE DAYS OF CAREFREE AND WORRY, is destroyed and never mentioned again.

This is Great for the consumer, great for the Kansas City deck builder, great for the economy, and more importantly – great for the environment.  So there you have it, we actually thought of it first.  But because we are true patriotic Americans, we’ll not push the issue since it is for the betterment of our country.

If you’d like to see exactly how much you can save on a composite, PVC, exotic, cedar, or treated deck or pergola, visit our Pricing page.

Hope this helps,

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

Just about every Johnson County, Kansas deck builder gives a free deck estimate in today’s world.  It’s their only opportunity to keep their business afloat.  This post is directed toward the consumers looking to purchase a deck in the Kansas City metro area and throughout the United States.

Times are tough for almost every business, large or small, and with very little exception to the type of industry they’re in.  There are a few that are thriving in this economy, but ninety-nine percent are not.  The Kansas City deck industry is actually not as bad off as a lot of others, but the market prices are still way down from where it was a year and a half ago. 

Most consumers looking to buy a deck right now are looking for big savings, as well they should be.  However, what this means for a Johnson County deck builder and other Kansas City deck contractors is that they must perform their deck bid as smoothly and efficiently as possible.  A “free deck estimate” is only free to the persons receiving the deck bid.  It actually costs the deck contractor a fair amount of money.  As a business owner, they must figure their time to take the initial phone call and set up an appointment, drive time, design meeting and consultation time with the consumer, draft of plans and detailed scope of work (both supplies and labor).  This is not to mention fuel purchase and depreciation of vehicle.

This is simply the risk of investment nearly every deck builder in Kansas City and across the country must be willing to make if they wish to be alive when the economy rebounds.  We, a Johnson County, Kansas deck builder, nowadays often run into the price shopping homeowner.  They have no idea what a deck would even come close to costing, and they just want an idea of what to save for down the road.  Now don’t get me wrong, we don’t mind giving out free estimates to anyone for any reason, and always have.  Heck, I’ll even give deck estimates to competitors trying to gage the market.  I think it actually helps us compete on a more even playing field not mandated by price alone.

My gripe is that a lot of people right now are contacting the most reputable, most established, and most solidified Kansas City deck builders for a free deck estimate, free deck consult, free deck design, and free deck drawings.  After giving a design consult and ballpark figure, most established deck companies will ask the consumer about the serious of purchase before proceeding with too much more time and money.  They have to, they can’t just give away all of their time and resources without narrowing the risk of investment. 

There is a plethora of persons telling Kansas City deck builders that they are serious about purchasing a deck from them but with the actual intention of sucking up all that professional deck builder’s time, expertise, product samples, network connections, design work and resources.  Then using those “free tools” to get the deck, screened porch, or pergola built much cheaper from the desperate handyman, laid off carpenter, friend or relative that knows how to swing a hammer.

A “free deck estimate” is simply an estimate.  It’s a ballpark figure to give the consumer an idea of how much money they’d need to spend to purchase a certain deck from that particular deck company.  As a consumer, you really shouldn’t expect much more unless you “really are” seriously considering hiring that deck contractor. 

If you’re just getting started in the deck buying process and need an idea of what a quality Kansas City deck goes for today, you can visit our Pricing page.

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)