Tag Archives: custom decks Kansas City

Go for a Safer Deck in May

The North American Deck and Railing Association officially recognize May as Deck Safety Month. It’s the best time of the year to have your deck inspected to ensure that it is a safe structure for the upcoming season.

Multi-level deck by Outdoor Environments

NADRA suggests that the following deck features should constitute a full and complete deck safety check:

  • Wood that shows signs of splitting or decaying – The section where the deck attaches to the house is known as the ledger board and is a common source of deck failure. Support posts, joists, damp areas and holes should also be checked.
  • Flashing  – This metal or plastic guard is supposed to keep moisture and debris from collecting in between the house and the deck’s ledger board.
  • Loose or corroded fasteners – This includes screws, anchors and nails that may be protruding or completely removed. Those that are rusted should also be replaced since they can eat away at the surrounding wood.
  • Railings and banisters – These features should be sturdy enough as not to move or sway when pushed. Rails should be close enough in proximity so that children and pets cannot easily slip through.
  • Stairs – Handrails should be firmly in place. Also, items like toys, plants and decor that can cause accidental falls should not be placed on the stairs.
  • Cleaning and maintenance – Wet leaves and debris can promote the growth of mildew, so the deck should be cleaned regularly as needed. This can even be done with a waterproof coating.
  • Grills, fire pits, chimneys, heaters and candles – These items should be placed far from anything that’s flammable. All manufacturers instructions should be followed for safe use.
  • Lighting and electrical – Fixtures should be operable, clean and located where they do not cause a tripping hazard. Childproof and waterproof features are always recommended.
  • Outdoor furniture and storage – Furnishings should never be placed near the edge of the deck. Storage boxes should have childproof latches for safe keeping.
  • Surrounding trees – Hanging branches and tree limbs should be trimmed to prevent them from falling onto the deck and near grilling areas.

Would your Kansas City deck pass an inspection? If not, let Outdoor Environments make your deck a safer and happier place to hang out. Call us at 913-897-2706 to discuss your deck needs.

How Long Should a Wood Deck Last?

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The Midwest is known for unpredictable weather patterns, particularly over the past year or so. Traditional cold periods have reached record high temperatures, a trend that’s expected to continue.

For homeowners who live in these parts, it can be frustrating to deal with outdoor living areas. Daily weather patterns make it difficult to know when and how you can enjoy your outdoor oasis. And this can be particularly troubling for anyone planning for a custom built or remodeled outdoor space.

But there is some hope, according to The National Association of Home Builders. Their Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components sheds some light on various home features and how long you can expect them to last.

So, how long should a custom wood deck last?

Because they are subject to a wide range of conditions in different climates, the life expectancy of wooden decks can vary significantly. Under ideal conditions, they have a life expectancy of about 20 years.

One sure way to make sure that your Kansas City deck is up to par is by trusting a qualified and experienced Certified Remodeler, which is available right here at Outdoor Environments!

Information from This Old House

3 Common Deck Materials

You probably already know that a new or remodeled deck can add tons of value to your home. But did you also know that your return on investment will be heavily determined by the type of deck materials used? We stumbled upon this article that outlines the pros and cons of some of the most common deck building materials.

Pressure-treated (PT) wood

  • Most common and least expensive material
  • Requires annual sealing to prevent drying, twisting, cupping, splitting, slivering and warping
  • Usually insect- and fungus-resistant for about 10 years
  • Expensive fasteners are required for building since PT can eat through regular screws and nails

Cedar

  • Boards used to last about 20 year, but now they’re only good for about 5-7 years
  • Lack of natural oils makes it more prone to dry rot, mold and insects

Exotic hardwood

  • One of the most expensive deck materials
  • Very durable and long-lasting
  • Can be harvested under less than ethical conditions from forests in South America
  • Often labeled as sustainable when it may not be

To find out about the decking materials we use at Outdoor Environments, contact us today!

Image from How Stuff Works via cc

A Look Back at Deck Safety Month

We took a little bit of a break last week from talking about National Deck Safety Month. But now that the end of May is finally upon us (can you believe it?) we thought now would be the best time to gather all of the topics we’ve discussed thus far related to deck safety. If you need to catch up, here’s what we’ve covered already:

National Deck Safety Month

Outdoor Lighting for Decks

Industry Checklist for Deck Safety

Safe Deck Railings for Safer Decks

Is it Time for a New Deck?

8 Steps to a Clean Deck

Outdoor Environments is here to help with your deck building and remodeling needs in Kansas City and Overland Park. Call us at 913-897-2706 for more information about how we can build you a safe and beautiful deck!