Useful Deck Information

As a professional Kansas City deck builder, we’ve always built an array of deck designs and sizes.  We construct decks that range from postage stamp size martini lookouts to expansive outdoor environments including fireplaces, kitchens, and Jacuzzis.  We’ve always had a fairly regular distribution of small and simple decks sprinkled in with larger and more intricate ones.  That was, until the recession thumped us in 2008.

With the sudden collapse of our housing market came a major trend shift in consumer spending on home improvements.  Decks are no exception.  Since the fall of 2008, we’ve seen a sharp increase in the demand for screened porches, sunrooms, and outdoor kitchens and fireplaces.  We still build some smaller, plain old decks.  However, most of our schedule gets devoured by bigger decks, porches and three season rooms. 

People are now investing more in their current houses than ever.  Rather than upgrading to a new homes, consumers are improving the ones they’re in.  The reason deck renovations, replacements, and expansions have become so popular is simple.  A deck can add significant living space to a home for a lot less money than say a room addition, and you can generally use a deck in Kansas City year round unless it’s snowing or bitterly cold.  This winter may be the exception for most of the country!

I don’t believe the deck industry transformation is bounded to the Kansas City area.   It seems that homeowners everywhere are also now trading some of their vacation budget to buy more deck space in order to enhance their home life.

Adding a deck or other living space outside is “another flavor of the ‘staycation,’” said Jim Curtis, the owner of building firm SpaceCrafters. “Instead of putting that $10,000 into going to Rome for a week or two, you’re putting it in the backyard to enjoy it for years.”  (charlotteobserver.com – Decked out: homeowners adding decks and outdoor rooms to enhance living spaces)

This really is a historic recession.  The impact is so powerful that it’s not only changing the way Americans spend money but even how they recreate.  Decks in Kansas City aren’t just keeping pace with economic recovery expectations, they’re exceeding them.  This is great news and a great time for Kansas City deck builders and contractors alike.  Hopefully it continues, expands and helps bring the entire United States back to prosperity.  I’m sure it will! 

Hope this helps,

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

I know it sounds awfully repetitive because it seems like I post something like this at least once a month.  However, I think it’s one of the more important points I can relay to homeowners and deck builders alike.  Decks have always been and still are one of the more secure investments when it comes to residential home improvement projects.

More proof comes from a U.S. News & World Report which lists the “The 5 Best—and 5 Worst—Home Improvement Projects for Your Money.”  The article explains that a wood deck is the third best home project to spend your money on.  It does a better job articulating the reasons than I do, so the link you just passed will take you there.  The report doesn’t rate PVC or composite decks.  Nor does it mention treated or tropical hardwood decks.  However, I guarantee that just about any type of deck, if properly constructed and of quality craftsmanship, will meet, if not exceed, this type of performance.  Especially if the deck is  made from a reputable composite brand such as Evergrain or a top notch material like Azek or a gorgeous, durable product similar to an Ipe tropical hardwood.

Just remember to do your research.  Find a decking that flows with your home and is ideal for your regional environment.  And as always, hire a reputable, professional deck builder.  One who’s built with that exact material more than once.  Trust me, not all deck products are installed the same.  Incorrect installation is not only wearisome and extremely costly; it may even void your warranty.  And what’s the point in that?

For more proof why decks are a sound investment, I’ve attached some of my previous posts:

• Looming Inflation Guarantees a Deck Investment
• Purchase a Deck in a Down Economy?
• A Kansas City Deck is a Wise Investment

Hope this helps,

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