Fenwick Home Demolition And Carpentry

Here at Alcoa Construction we specialize in various stages of construction. We are expert custom home builders featuring both professionalism and efficiency. We offer in house framing and quality craftsmanship that far exceeds expectations. This particular home, in Fenwick Delaware, is a recent project of ours. We began the project by completing all necessary demolition on the home.  Following the demolition process our competent and experienced carpenters framed the home.

Our proficient carpenters framed this Fenwick home with expertise.

Upon completion of the framing of this home, our company flawlessly sided the home and provided the installation of the exterior trim. Alcoa Construction prides itself in the high quality of aptitude displayed during the construction process. We are a local superior siding company providing the utmost perfection when it comes to siding needs.

Siding and ans installation of exterior trim on the home.

Once the demolition, framing, siding and exterior trim installation were complete, our capable carpenters then worked on the installation of all of the windows, doors, and decks on the home.

Decks built by Alcoa Construction and installed windows ans doors on the home.

For all of your home remodeling or building needs turn to Alcoa Construction. Addition Contractor and Delaware custom home builder in DE & MD, offering Hassle-Free Service. Home and room additions are a wonderful way to generate value and get more enjoyment from your home. If you are looking for reliable home and room additions contractors, look no further - Give us a call at 800-785-4401 today!

We are your Delaware home remodeling contractors of choice for Delaware and Eastern Shore Maryland, so give us a call today.

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Top Of The Line Appliances

Luxury Appliances Of Today

Every home has the basic appliances. Refrigerator, washer, microwave, and other appliances all seem standard and not really special within a home. Right? Think again! With today’s technology, appliances are taking on personalities of their own! Listed below are some the top of the line appliances available today. For more options and even more amazing technologically advanced appliance choices contact a professional home remodeling contractor, like Alcoa Construction of Delaware, and let the fun begin!

The first new advanced appliance is the Samsung four door convertible refrigerator. With this appliance you are able to change refrigerator space into freezer space and then switch back later at your will. The refrigerator features four separate compartments to suit your needs. There are four evaporators, one for each compartment, that work to maintain humidity and protect produce and odor penetration. The refrigerator is 25 cubic feet and costs about $3000.

Another great appliance is the TMIO Connect IO Intelligent Oven - 30 inch Professional Series Stainless double wall ovens. These are remote operation ovens. The ovens refrigerate food until a programmed cook time, then the unit switches to an oven and cooks. This is great for the family on the go! For example you can prepare a casserole the night before. Simply place the dish in the wall oven. The oven then refrigerates your meal until a designated time before you get home from work. You then come home from work and have a meal already cooked and ready to serve! The oven can also start via cell phone or the internet in the circumstance that plans change or you are simply running late. This must have conventional/convection oven goes for about $7495.

A fun and funky appliance that is top of the line is the Elmira Stove Works Northstar Range. This is a retro style range great for the homeowner who likes to decorate with a vintage retro flare! This stove creates an instant focal point in the kitchen. It comes in a variety of colors including Candy Red, Mint Green, Flamingo Pink, or any custom retro shade of your choice! This range features an arched backguard and spiffy chrome trimmed nostalgic clock dial. It is offered in smooth top, gas, or dual fuel mode. The stove is a 30 inch range ,four cubic feet, and is self cleaning. Enjoy the look of retro with the conveniences of new for about $3695!

Style shouldn’t just be for kitchen appliances. Washers and dryers are making design statements as well. The designer laundry pair Kenmore Elite HE4t washer and dryer feature striking designer hues. The front loading washer is 3.8 cubic feet and can clean about 23 bath towels at a time. The top loading dryer is 7 cubic feet and the perfect match! Both appliances are energy savers and save on both water and power. The washer goes for about $1499 and the dryer $999 making them a must have laundry appliance!

When you think microwave you think of the mundane little appliance that simply reheats or cooks things and leaves them mushy. Well not anymore! The Whirlpool Velos g2convect convection microwave is the new trend in microwaves! This microwave does more than just reheat! It grills, bakes, and broils like a convection oven but with the speed of a microwave! The g2max technology even has a feature that allows you to soften butter without melting it! This great kitchen appliance sells for $830 to $925!

Have you ever cleaned up after dinner only to fill up your dishwasher and end up hand washing most of the dinnerware and all of the pots and pans? Well problem solved! The Maytag Jet Clean II triple tier dishwasher is the solution to this problem! It is a large capacity dishwasher that can wash up to 14 full place settings! The dishwasher features a Flex Load third rack that holds and cleans baking dishes and larger items. The high pressure jets and four wash arms make for a no pre rinsing needed experience. Amazingly this dishwasher is the same size as a standard dishwasher. To top it all off, this appliance has sound silencers that make it virtually impossible to tell when the dishwasher is in use. This top notch appliance has an Energy Star rating and is priced from $699 to $859.

Laundry is a daily chore that every household encounters. This next appliance takes some of the hassle out of the task of laundry. It is the Eurotech combo washer. It is a washer and dryer in one! This washer is great for small spaces such as a studio apartment, a guest house, or even a home with limited laundry access. Half the space of a regular laundry pair is used since it is just one unit. This appliance provides the utmost convenience because there is no need to transfer the laundry. The spin speeds of this washer dryer combo are up to 1200 rpm and remove the majority of the moisture. This in turn reduces the drying time of the laundry. The machine also features an internal moisture condenser, similar to a dehumidifier, so there is no need for venting. This unit sells for about $1200. All you need is a water hook up and access to 110 volt power and your washer dryer combo is ready to go and take the hassle out of your chore!

Another appliance that is great for smaller spaces is a two element cook top. Many manufacturers offer this appliance. It is a small 12 inch range yet manages to be very versatile. This appliance entails two glass ceramic heating zones or two electronic ignition burners. It is a superior choice for homes or guest houses that have limited counter space, or for even a second vacation home where you might not ever need to use 4 burners at once. The two element cook top ranges in price from $429 to $449 and is a wonderful option!

Range hoods are an often times overlooked appliance in the kitchen. The Zephyr Elica Collection is changing that with their ventilation hood lines. These hoods are not just your average hoods. They come in 13 art models ranging from abstract to modern to vintage to country chic. These hoods are a ductless operation and have an infrared remote control to showcase the hood. Take your kitchen hood from utilitarian to a work of art!

A final top of the line must have home appliance is the double capacity refrigerator. The Master Series model is a great option. Instead of the usual 20 to 25 cubic feet refrigerator this model is 48.3 cubic feet. The Northland Kitchen Appliance series advertises that the fridge is indestructible! If you are looking for added refrigeration space this is the appliance for you!

For other top of the line appliance options and to find other great options when remodeling your home or kitchen contact a remodeling contractor, like Alcoa Construction adn turn your house in to a home!

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Garage Transformation Ideas

Clever Garage Upgrades

Garages are often thought of as just a place to either house a vehicle or store items. Today’s garages are full of lawn mowers, tools, toys, sports equipments, spare refrigerators, and other things that have no other place to be stored. However, this doesn’t need to be the only function of a garage. Homeowners are beginning to transform their garages into more than just a storage unit. They are becoming additional living spaces and functional areas. There are many options when deciding to convert your garage into something more. For more additional selections and to figure a design plan that fits your home and needs contact a garage builder or home remodeling contractor like Alcoa Construction of Delaware.

One way to enhance your garage is to create organized storage space. Many garages are packed full of possessions, yet there is no organization. This results in the garage becoming a messy obstacle course to manuveur around. Consider adding a built in storage unit. This provides organization and gets stuff off of the floor. Built in units can include shelving, cabinets, and even platforms that lower from the ceiling. This allows you to store both the car and objects while still having walking room.

Another impressive garage transformation idea is to turn the garage into an exercise room. Often times homes are not equipped or designed for the function of a home gym. To create such a space a guest bedroom must be used or the home simply contains area for working out. Remodeling the garage into a gym is the perfect solution. This saves money on gym membership costs and offers the convenience and privacy of working out in your own home. Rubber flooring, floor to ceiling mirrors, a tv, and a built in weight system are great additions to your garage turned home gym.

For the more musically inclined homeowner consider adapting the garage into a home music studio. In addition, this is a great option for the home that has teenagers who are in a band or practice a musical instrument. This creates a separate practice space for loud music and still gives the rest of the home a quiet peaceful atmosphere. Sound proof material can be added on the walls, ceiling, and even doors. Upgrading the electrical capacity of the garage will allow for more instruments and tools to be plugged in and in use a the same time.

Another garage enhancement consideration to make is moving the washer and dryer into the garage, thus adding a laundry area. Shelving, a countertop, cabinets, a built in ironing board, a hanging bar, and even a sink are all great additions to the new laundry space. This allots for great convenience when doing laundry and helps make the chore less laborsome. For extra room in the home knock out the wall that housed the old laundry area. This new space is a magnificent nook for storage. Depending on the size of the old area it could even be transformed into brilliant space for a home study or library.

One of the most popular garage transformations homeowners are making is reconstructing the garage into a recreational space. Pool tables, table tennis, air hockey, foos ball tables, and other games are making their way into the garage. Couches, tvs, and game systems are also excellent additions. Wet bars are very popular assets to the recreational space. This space provides extra elbow room and soon becomes a popular hangout in the home. It is a wonderful conversion for those who love to entertain. It is a fun place to hang out with family and friends in a casual environment.

In today’s world many people are working from home. With the increase in home business owners and stay at home mothers more and more people are desiring home offices but often times there is no space in the home. A garage makeover into a home office is a superb alternative. The addition of an exterior door and even building a wall separating the office from the rest of the garage is an excellent way to have your office right at home yet still provide a professional atmosphere.

When renovating a garage the interior isn’t the only thing that can be changed. Many people are building up. Adding living quarters above the garage has become a very admired choice. These new living quarters are an exceptional space for a parent, adult child, or even guests. This allows privacy for guests and family while they are staying with you. For extra income consider turning the living quarters into a rental unit.

These are just a few of the selection ideas available for garage transformations. For additional ideas, designs, and free price estimates contact a custom home builder or home improvement contractor like Alcoa Construction.

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Composite Deck in Fenwick Island!

This Fenwick Island, Delaware composite deck offers a virtually maintenance free way to enjoy summer barbecues! Alcoa Construction is a custom deck builder that can create a deck to fit any space and needs! And why stop there? We have also built several home additions in the area including screened porches, patio enclosures, sunrooms, guest houses, and much more!  We strive to provide the utmost customer convenience and service and pride ourselves on being a superior remodel contractor! Contact us today and find out exactly how we can enhance your home!

Our primary service areas are Sussex County Delaware and Worcester County in Maryland.  The cities we most frequently serve include Ocean View, Bethany Beach, Millville, Fenwick Island, West Fenwick, Selbyville, Frankford, Dagsboro, Millsboro, Long Neck, Rehoboth, Dewey Beach, Lewes, Harbeson, Georgetown, Milford, Slaughter Beach, Milton, Greenwood, Bridgeville, Seaford, Laurel, Delmar, Salisbury, Pittsville, Berlin, Ocean Pines, West Ocean City, and Ocean City.  We also serve Kent County Delaware, Wicomico County Maryland, and Talbot County Maryland.

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Community Fence in Selbyville Delaware

We built a community fence in this Selbyville, Delaware development! The fence provided privacy for the homeowners and gave the community a finished unified look! Alcoa Construction credits ourselves on being an in-house talented carpentry contractor! All of our projects are done in a timely manner and feature a hassle free experience! Our company also undertakes other projects such as home remodels, including both kitchen remodeling and bath remodeling, porch additions, attic remodeling,  garage additions, roofing estimates, siding installation, and much more! Contact us today and let us get started on your home transformations!

Our primary service areas are Sussex County Delaware and Worcester County in Maryland.  The cities we most frequently serve include Ocean View, Bethany Beach, Millville, Fenwick Island, West Fenwick, Selbyville, Frankford, Dagsboro, Millsboro, Long Neck, Rehoboth, Dewey Beach, Lewes, Harbeson, Georgetown, Milford, Slaughter Beach, Milton, Greenwood, Bridgeville, Seaford, Laurel, Delmar, Salisbury, Pittsville, Berlin, Ocean Pines, West Ocean City, and Ocean City.  We also serve Kent County Delaware, Wicomico County Maryland, and Talbot County Maryland.

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Guest House Addition in Fenwick Island Delaware

This attractive guest house addition in Fenwick Island, Delaware is a great way to host company, family, and friends while providing them with added privacy! Alcoa Construction is a remodel contractor that serves it’s customers with fine craftsmanship, carpentry, skill, and an overall hassle free experience. Each project is completed in an efficient timely manner and on budget! Our company can update, improve and expand on your home’s living space with a room or guesthouse addition, porch addition, patio enclosure, second story addition, attic remodel, kitchen and bath remodel, and much more. We bend to fit our customer’s needs and wants! Contact us today and learn to love your home!

Our primary service areas are Sussex County Delaware and Worcester County in Maryland.  The cities we most frequently serve include Ocean View, Bethany Beach, Millville, Fenwick Island, West Fenwick, Selbyville, Frankford, Dagsboro, Millsboro, Long Neck, Rehoboth, Dewey Beach, Lewes, Harbeson, Georgetown, Milford, Slaughter Beach, Milton, Greenwood, Bridgeville, Seaford, Laurel, Delmar, Salisbury, Pittsville, Berlin, Ocean Pines, West Ocean City, and Ocean City.  We also serve Kent County Delaware, Wicomico County Maryland, and Talbot County Maryland.

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Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Popular Trends

National Kitchen and Bath Association Reports Trends for 2010 Results are in from a recent survey of designers conducted by the National Kitchen and Bath Association to reveal the key design trends for 2010 NKBA News Release January 13, 2010

Hackettstown, N.J., Jan. 12, 2010 — The results are in from a recent survey of designers conducted by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) to reveal the key design trends for 2010. The results of the NKBA 2010 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends Survey confirmed the continuation of a number of existing trends in the marketplace, but also uncovered others that indicate shifts in the direction that kitchen and bath style will take this year. Below are 2010’s seven kitchen trends and four bath trends.

KITCHENS

1. Traditional is the New Contemporary

Traditional will continue as the most popular kitchen design style in 2010, with contemporary following closely behind, while the Shaker style is seeing a surprisingly strong resurgence. Shades of whites and off-whites will be the most common kitchen colors in 2010, while brown, beige, and bone hues will also be popular.

1. Cherry on Top

Cherry will remain the most popular wood for kitchen cabinetry, followed closely by maple, while alder increases in use. As for the finishes placed on those cabinets, medium natural, dark natural, glazed, and white painted will all be common. Other colors of painted cabinetry and light natural finishes are in decline, however, as are distressed finishes.

1. Floored by Tile

Ceramic and porcelain tile, as well as natural stone tile, remain popular kitchen flooring options, but hardwood will dominate the kitchen landscape more than ever in 2010. For countertops, granite continues to be the most popular option, but quartz will nearly catch up in popularity. For backsplashes, ceramic or porcelain tile and glass will serve as the primary materials.

1. Flexible Faucets

Standard kitchen faucets will become less standard in 2010 in favor of more convenient models. Pull-out faucets continue to increase their market dominance, while pot filler faucets will also become more prevalent. Kitchen faucets will most often be finished in brushed nickel, followed by stainless steel, satin nickel, and — surprisingly — polished chrome.

1. Undercounter Refrigeration

French door and freezer-bottom are the two most popular styles of refrigerators, and side-by-side refrigerators remain a popular option. A surprising trend is the extent to which undercounter refrigerator drawers are being used in the latest kitchen designs. Perhaps even more surprising is that undercounter wine refrigerators have been recently specified by half of kitchen designers.

1. A Range of Cooking Options

The tried-and-true range continues to serve as the workhorse for cooking, although the combination of a cooktop and wall oven is beginning to overtake it. Gas will maintain its position as the most popular type of cooktop over electric, although induction cooking continues to gain in popularity due to its energy efficiency.

1. Dishwasher-in-a-Drawer

Standard dishwashers, with the traditional door that pulls from the top down, will once again be easily the most common type in 2010. However, an increasing number of dishwasher drawers will be installed in kitchens this year for their convenience and their ability to wash small loads of dishes in each drawer, thereby saving water and electricity.

BATHROOMS

1. In With the Old, Out with the New

Traditional will be the most popular design style in bathrooms in 2010, as contemporary designs will be a distant second, followed by the Shaker style as an even more distant third. Beiges and bones will be the most common colors used in bathrooms, followed by whites and off-whites, and then by browns, indicating a somewhat subdued color palette this year.

1. Ceramic and Granite

Ceramic and porcelain tile will be the dominant flooring materials in bathrooms this year, while natural stone will continue to prove popular as well. Though increasingly popular in kitchens, hardwood flooring won’t become common in bathrooms in 2010. For vanity tops, granite will remain king, with quartz and marble also proving popular options.

1. Simple Fixtures

Perhaps more than ever, the most common color for fixtures will be white. Bisque and off-white will be the only other fixture colors at all common in new or remodeled bathroom. For sinks, simple undermount models will be most popular, followed by integrated sink tops, drop-in sinks, vessel sinks, and pedestal sinks.

1. A Nickel for Every Finish

Faucet finishes in the bathroom are similar to those used in current kitchen designs, with brushed nickel continuing to lead the way in 2010. Polished chrome and satin nickel will also be incorporated into many bathrooms, just as they had been throughout 2009. These faucet finishes will be followed by bronze and stainless steel.

About the National Kitchen & Bath Association

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade association with nearly 40,000 members that has educated and led the kitchen and bath industry for more than 45 years. NKBA.org provides consumers with an inspiration gallery of award-winning kitchen and bath designs, as well as articles, tips, an extensive glossary of remodeling terms, and illustrations and explanations of planning guidelines. At NKBA.org, consumers can also find certified kitchen and bath professionals in their areas, submit questions to NKBA experts, and order the free NKBA Kitchen & Bath Workbook.

Contact Alcoa Construction today and let us be your bathroom remodelers or  kitchen remodeling contractors !

Our primary service areas are Sussex County Delaware and Worcester County in Maryland.  The cities we most frequently serve include Ocean View, Bethany Beach, Millville, Fenwick Island, West Fenwick, Selbyville, Frankford, Dagsboro, Millsboro, Long Neck, Rehoboth, Dewey Beach, Lewes, Harbeson, Georgetown, Milford, Slaughter Beach, Milton, Greenwood, Bridgeville, Seaford, Laurel, Delmar, Salisbury, Pittsville, Berlin, Ocean Pines, West Ocean City, and Ocean City.  We also serve Kent County Delaware, Wicomico County Maryland, and Talbot County Maryland.

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Winterizing Procedure for In Ground Swimming Pools

Winterizing Procedure for In Ground Swimming Pools

Chemicals Required:

• Dry Acid/Alkali
• Shock Chlorine granules
• Long Life Winteriser
• Liquid Chlorine
• Ensure pool is clean and clear.
• Bring pH to 7.4 to 7.6 using Dry Acid or Dry Alkali as necessary.
• Super chlorinate the water to 10ppm using Shock Granules or Liquid Chlorine.
• Add 1st Direct’s Longlife Algeacide. (2ltrs will treat 11,000 gallons).
• Keep pump running for 8 hours to disperse chemicals thoroughly.
• Periodically through the winter, check the pool, ensure the pH is between 7.4 and 7.6 and the chlorine level is above 5ppm.
• If chlorine level is low add Liquid Chlorine and stir pool to ensure even distribution, as concentrated areas of chlorine can cause bleaching of the liner. The pool should especially be checked after Christmas and around March as most pools go green when the ambient temperature starts to rise

1st direct Winterizing Program

1. Never empty pools for the winter.
2. Thoroughly backwash filter and lower the water level to below the skimmer weir; the only exception to the rule being pools installed in high water table areas, where lowering the water level could cause problems. In these circumstances, consult the original builder of the pool.
3. Store summer covers clean and dry during the winter and fit winter cover.
4. Store vacuum equipment and automatic cleaners indoors.
5. Remove skimmer weir and basket and store in filter shed. Half fill plastic bottle with anti freeze mixture or small stones and place in skimmer barrel to prevent ice damaging the skimmer.
6. Add winterising chemicals and allow to circulate.
7. Make sure the filter, pump and heater are drained down for the winter and all exposed pipework holding water. If the filter is positioned below water level, seek further advice from the experts by simply clicking on ‘contact 1st Direct’.
8. Spray the electric motor and any electrical equipment with a moisture repellent spray or preferably remove pump and store in warm dry conditions. Switch off electrical equipment.
9. If heat pump is fitted flush with clean water.
10. If auto chemical feeder is fitted, remove chemical and flush with clean water and leave drained.
11. Remove all stainless steel steps, rollers etc and wipe clean and store in dry store.

If we experience a particularly hard winter, 1st Direct suggest the following especially for concrete pools: tie a row of half filled plastic containers (fill with an anti-freeze solution or sand) along the middle of the pool. This is to form a frost break to relieve pressure of ice on the sides. Formed ice should not be broken, as sharp edges may damage the pool lining. You may also be interested in looking at road sweepers to keep the area clean.

Custom House Renovation in West Fenwick Delaware

We started with a complete makeover for the exterior.  New paint on the shutters and front door, new hardware, window blinds, extra shutters, dentil molding at freeze board, railings on the porch, decorative porch hanging pots, new stone water table around house, new sidewalk along side of house with flower beds, raised mulch beds with trees and landscaping, raised stone flower beds in front of the house and the front of the driveway, extend the driveway by 3 feet.  The end result was a transformation from ordinary to Extra-Ordinary!

The extensive interior renovation included removing everything including all carpets, all vinyl flooring, all appliances, and all door hardware.  We then added stainless appliances including a double wall oven and gas on glass cooktop.  We added hardwood floors in the dining room, study, and upstairs hallway.

We stripped the original stairs and added hardwood stairs with custom runner.  With all the flooring removed, we went to work adding custom trim throughout the house including single, double, and triple crown moulding, coffered ceilings, chair rail boxes, chair rail wainscoting boxes, cased all openings, custom cabinet trim under the bar top, and added traditional wainscoting throughout.  The next step included complete demolition of the fireplace and installation of a new stone fireplace with bluestone hearth and mantel.  Every window received custom 2″ white blinds and window treatments.

Twelve custom colors painted throughout the house added a finished touch.  We then added 16×16 ceramic tile on the 45′ angle in the kitchen and morning room.  16×16 ceramic tile was added in the laundry along with a 15 lite glass door into the new exercise room addition.  The exercise room addition was an additional 350 sf and featured two cased windows, two ceiling fans, cable TV, wall to wall mirrors, carpet, and full HVAC.  We also added double frosted french doors leading into the workshop and two car garage.

The cabinets in the master bath were upgraded, along with the tile, and beadboard wainscoting in the powder rooms.  A Sunroom with columns was added to the owners suite.  We upgraded the electric throughout the house adding floor outlets, dual switched outlets in each bedroom, and 14 ceiling fans throughout.  We finished the bonus room with a deep blue paint, custom trim, a HD surround sound system fitted for both plasma TV and a ceiling mounted projector.  We then added a wet bar to complete the experience.

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Wood vs. Composite Decks

Wood vs. Composite Decks

What you need to know to choose your decking material

Ann Matesi, Senior Contributing Editor May 1, 2008 Professional Remodeler.com

Wood, composite and PVC decks all offer advantages to the homeowner. Photo by Clark Marten

When it comes to selecting the surface material for their outdoor deck, homeowners’ options are better looking, better performing and easier to install.This includes traditional wood decking materials such as pressure-treated pine, redwood, western red cedar, or imported hardwoods; composites made from a blend of reclaimed and recycled materials that typically contain a percentage of wood fiber designed to mimic natural wood without the maintenance; and the newcomer to the market, vinyl — or PVC — decking products that promise a virtually zero-maintenance deck surface but so far have not been able to replicate the beauty of real wood.

All have their pros and cons in terms of appearance and performance that must be considered carefully job-by-job to give customers results that best suit their lifestyle and budget. For this reason, most deck construction specialists work closely with their clients to determine their needs, then specify, design and build what materials best suit the project rather than using a single material.

Natural Wood Decks Natural wood decks continue to be the benchmark for aesthetics. “I’m still a big fan of all wood decks, and my clients still seem to prefer the look of a wood deck,” says Dave Tibbetts, owner of Cumming, Ga.-based Atlanta Decking and Fence. “But the reality is that a wood deck requires a good deal of effort in terms of cleaning and sealing to keep it beautiful year after year.”

Composite and Vinyl Decks

Decks constructed using composite materials are more expensive than natural wood decks, adding about 35 percent to the total cost of the project. But the extra investment can be a worthwhile tradeoff for homeowners who are looking to quickly boost the market value of their home. When using vinyl decks, customers can expect to pay 5 percent more than composite prices. “These low- or no-maintenance decks can be a very good value if the owner is planning to be in their home for more than five years,” says Tibbetts, who today builds about 20 percent of his projects using composites.

Outdoor kitchens and fireplaces can be installed even on decks when the proper precautions are taken. Photo courtesy of Fiberon

Nearly 80 percent of clients of deck specialist John Burns, owner of American Deck of Winchester in Winchester, Va., opt for a composite deck. “Our typical composite customer has already had a wood deck in the past, is well aware of the maintenance requirements and does not want to deal with those again,” he says. “They come to us requesting composites because they are ready to make the upgrade.”"Composites have come a long way in the past five years,” continues Burns. “There have been tremendous improvements in terms of their performance and aesthetics.”

Composite materials also bring an added element of design flexibility to a project, says Jim Sasko of Teakwood Builders in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., which really pleases his clients with upscale projects. “You can do some really interesting things like bending the deck around trees much more easily using composites.”

Sasko builds about 90 percent of his deck projects using composite materials and reserves all-wood decks for sheltered, undercover applications such as gazebos, screened porches and three-season rooms.

Installation, presentation challenges

All decks — wood, composite or vinyl — are constructed on a pressure-treated wood foundation, but design and installation techniques vary. Experience is the best teacher.

Wood decks still offer unmatched aesthetics, but there’s trade-off in maintenance and longevity. Photo courtesy of Southern Pine Council

“There definitely is a learning curve associated with working with composites and vinyls as you make the changeover from building all-wood decks,” says Burns. The most important thing to keep in mind, he says, is in the planning of the deck: “The spans must be designed correctly depending on the surfacing material that you are using.”"Composites require a slightly beefier substructure to handle the spans,” agrees Eric Kent, president of Archadeck of Charlotte. “Composites require 12-inch on center construction as opposed to 16-inch on center for wood.”

Hidden fastening systems, which eliminate the appearance of screws or other hardware on the deck surface are available for both wood and composite decks and becoming more popular and user-friendly these days, says Burk. “Nobody really wants to look at fasteners.”

“Use of hidden fasteners really takes the appearance of the deck so much further than just the use of colored screw heads, which is what we did in the past,” he says. “Almost all composite manufacturers have developed or improved upon their own hidden fastener solutions these days. Because they are designed to be used with the manufacturer’s pre-grooved deck boards, they can really save a lot of installation time once you are familiar with the product.”

“Do your homework,” advises George Drummond of Casa Decks in Virginia Beach, Va., “particularly when experimenting with new products or materials, including the new hidden fastening systems.” Drummond says that he uses hidden fasteners on about 30 percent of his projects. A simple mistake such as over tightening the screw in the fastener can ruin its integrity.

“The most important thing is to make sure that you read and understand all of the manufacturer’s instructions on how to install any decking product before you start the project because that can make all the difference. Remember, it is your reputation that is on the line as well.”

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Whether it’s composites, wood or PVC, proper installation methods are the key to a successful deck. Photo courtesy of Trex Installation tipsHere are some tips on working with the different types of decking: Wood Decking Minimize the spacing between boards to account for material to shrink with weathering. Use fastening systems that are compatible with the wood species, sealers and preservatives. Consider diagonal installations to minimize splices and add visual interest. Composite and Vinyl/PVC Check code approval in your area. Understand the framing requirements for spans during the design stage of the project. Use only manufacturer-approved fastening systems. Recognize these materials can not be used for structural framing. Consider how you will finish the edges of the deck, treads and risers.

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