Organized outdoor space

Decks create a focus for outdoor living projects

By Jean Feingold

August 6, 2012

Remodelers can transform a dull backyard into an exciting entertainment and play space by designing and installing a new deck. New decking products are easy to install, long-lasting and need little maintenance.

“Decks today are considerably larger and more complex than those of 25 years ago,” says Jim Flickinger of Perennial Wood. “According to the North American Deck and Railing Association, 40 million decks are 20 years old or older, making them prime for replacement.”

Those numbers present a business opportunity for remodelers. Current decks have more decorative features, with multiple decking colors, trellises, pergolas, lighting, post caps and wrought-iron railings.

Real wood enhanced

Consumers often prefer decking that is or looks like wood. Introduced in February 2012, “Perennial Wood decking is real wood that is three times more resistant to the damaging effects of water — like shrinking, swelling, cracking or cupping — than unmodified wood,” says Flickinger.

TruLast Technology, which provides a physical barrier warranted to protect against rot, decay and movement for 25 years, is used to modify the wood without leaving any toxic substances. Perennial Wood has a 25 percent greater surface hardness than unmodified wood. Made from domestic Southern pine processed in the Southeastern U.S., no offshore shipping is used.

Perennial Wood decking comes in 12- and 16-foot lengths in four factory-finished shades: Mahogany, Sierra, Redwood and Cape Cod Gray. The factory finish can be allowed to patina naturally or refinished in another color. Railing posts, balusters, top and bottom rail systems, stair treads and fascia are also available in standard dimensions.

Ecolife Stabilized Weather-Resistant Wood (EL2) from Viance is designed to make wood decks look better for longer.

“Ecolife offers builders and consumers the natural beauty of real wood combined with advanced protection from weathering and improved fastener performance,” says Chris Kollwitz of Viance. “Ecolife’s unique proprietary stabilizer improves the performance of deck surfaces by reducing the cracking, checking and splitting associated with wood in an outdoor environment. During the treating process, the stabilizer in Ecolife is driven deep into the wood to protect all surfaces and to help minimize the weathering effects common to ordinary lumber.”

This helps control the bending, twisting or warping affecting many other treated wood products, making Ecolife particularly desirable for deck framing.

“At a price point that remains 200 to 300 percent less than composite or other decking options, wood decks are more friendly to our environment, last longer, return more value on their investment and offer builders more creative freedom,” Kollwitz notes.

Wood look, no fading

The natural wood look combined with high performance is also offered by capped composites. These decking boards have cores of wood-plastic composite with exterior shells that look like wood. Capped is a good choice for easier cleaning with the most realistic wood looks, notes Edie Kello Wilson of Fiberon.

TimberTech has introduced the Earthwood Evolutions Natural Collection. “Inspired by colors often found in nature the planks come in 12-, 16- and 20-foot lengths in either a square profile or grooved that works well with hidden fasteners,” says Chuck Chura of TimberTech. “Earthwood Evolutions features a flat grain surface that does not trap dirt in its graining pattern and has a more consistent color to achieve a true natural appearance.”

A worldwide shortage of real tropical hardwoods has spurred interest in manmade hardwood lookalikes like Trex Transcend tropical deck boards, notes Adam Zambanini of Trex. Using 95 percent recycled content, they come in Spiced Rum and Lava Rock colors. The complete Trex Transcend line has seven colors of deck boards in 12-, 16- and 20-foot lengths, with square edged or grooved surfaces offered at the same price.

Fiberon’s most popular decking is Horizon, which is capped on four sides and comes in five multi-colored rich tropical, hardwood looks: Ipe, Rosewood, Greystone, Castle Gray and Tudor Brown. Also available are Fiberon’s Outdoor Flooring PVC,
Pro-Tect (capped on three sides) and Professional, which is uncapped. The full line has 17 color options in 12-, 16- and 20-foot lengths, offered in square edge and grooved for use with hidden fasteners.

TimberTech’s new End Cut Paint comes in the same five colors  as the Earthwood Evolutions boards: Cedar, Grey, Rosewood, Teak and Walnut. Cut ends of planks that have not been boxed in with fascia can be easily painted to match the boards’ surface, giving the deck a cleaner look.

Steel underpinning

While the deck itself should look like wood, a steel substructure underneath like Trex Elevations can create a flat decking surface. When the site permits, many consumers are now finishing off the area underneath the deck to get a shaded outdoor area, Zambanini says, noting, “With Trex Elevations, they get longer spans which give more finished area under the deck.”

Trex Rain-Escape goes between deck boards to collect rainwater falling onto the deck, channeling it to a gutter where it can drain to the yard. “Using Trex Rain-Escape with a second story deck lets people build under the deck,” Zambanini says. “They can put an outdoor kitchen there or spend time under the deck when it’s raining.” With a one-story deck three to four feet off the ground, Trex Rain-Escape can be used to create under deck storage.

Lighting, pergolas and railings are popular

Zambanini says 65 percent of top-tier contractors are now putting lighting on decks. After introducing Trex Deck-Lighting in 2011, a line of post cap lights was recently added.

The Western interest in pergolas is moving across the country. “People are putting them in now because of the design aspect,” Zambanini notes. “Many people have vining plants and grow them over pergolas.” As the plants grow, they form a deck “ceiling,” creating shade and a nice environmental effect. Trex pergolas are available as 8-by-8- foot and 8-by-10- foot kits and in custom sizes.

Horizon railing systems from Fiberon offer metal baluster options, acrylic see through panels and color options. The railing comes in 6- and 8-foot lengths in white, black, bronze and brick.

“Horizon Railing is one of the easiest and fastest to install with our patented dagger system,” notes Wilson. Horizon Mission Railing requires only 21 fasteners for each 6- or 8-foot span of railing.

Easier installation

Deck installers working in coastal regions or in areas with high humidity or dramatic temperature swings will benefit from TimberTech’s new 3-inch-long Stainless Steel TOPLoc fasteners. One-half inch longer than conventional fasteners, “the extra length provides additional stability and grip, ensuring the boards are held in place,” says Chura. “TOPLoc’s tri-lobular design reduces compression within the board and the undercut head with its three annular rings helps eliminate undesired mushrooming, spinout and end splitting.” These fasteners come in the same colors as TimberTech’s planks and End Cut paint.

Trex Hideaway Universal fasteners are hidden once installed and come with a pre-set gapping space for easy installation. Designed for use with grooved deckboard, no screws will be visible on top. “Most consumers prefer this for a smooth deck surface,” Zambanini points out.

Fiberon offers Phantom hidden fasteners for a smooth, fastener-free deck surface.

Long term warranties, easy maintenance

You can assure homeowners their new decks will last and be easy to maintain. Twenty- to 25- year scratch, fade and stain warranties for capped composite decking are now common.

“This industry is providing more realistic wood looks that are designed not ever to be stained or painted like wood requires,” Wilson notes.

Chura recommends keeping decks clear of debris. Just soap and water applied with a sponge or hose will clean up typical spills on these new decks, says Zambanini, and cleaning may only be needed once a year.

Talking with homeowners

“Remodelers should consider the homeowners’ lifestyle, their concern for the environment, how the deck will complement the outdoor surroundings and how long homeowners plan to be in their home,” Flickinger says. “All of these factors will influence the type of material specified for a deck.”

During the design process, remodelers should determine consumers’ intended use for the deck. “Is it primarily for entertainment?” Zambanini asks. “Then deck lighting would make a lot of sense. Is it mostly you and your kids and you do a lot of grilling outside? Then you want deckboard with a fade and stain warranty. Do you want more livable space? Then you want a second story deck that’s finished off underneath. Spend enough time upfront with the homeowner finding out what their needs are and then tell them what products are available.” PR

Winterizing your Decking, Pergola, Screens or Fencing

After we finish installing a beautiful new deck, or other structure on your property, you need to start taking care of it.

Morning dew, rainwater and melting ice or snow are quickly absorbed by unprotected wood, causing it to soften and swell. Direct exposure to the sun's heat causes drying, which makes wood shrink. Continuous cycles of wet and dry, swelling and shrinking, cause wood to warp, split, crack and check - all of which lead to premature wood degradation and expensive repairs.

New, unprotected wood is also subject to surface graying caused by constant exposure to the sun's ultra-violet rays. Constant moisture exposure creates conditions for the growth of mildew, mold, algae and other fungal organisms that thrive on wood, eventually spreading across and staining the surface. Termites and other wood boring insects also use wood for a food source, causing ultimate wood rot and decay.
Now don’t let this chore scare you, but after adding such major improvement to your home, and adding to your home’s value, don’t skip on the upkeep. There are plenty of experts specialized in taking care of your deck, or other structure, for you. Or if you are handy, you can buy plenty of fantastic products at your local hardware store, and do it yourself.
If you need a referral in your area, please contact me, and I’d be happy to discuss it with you.

Where Should I Build My Deck?

When building a deck most people build it along the back of their home for easy access to their backyard. After all, that's where most of the fun happens, and nobody likes to miss out.

Decks are especially fun if you have quite a sloped lot. A custom deck can be built to take advantage of a view that maybe wasn't visible from the sloping lot before. And then, all of a sudden you have this "new" incredible view, up in the tree tops perhaps. Decks also make a great "sunning" area for us humans, and even those 4 legged little darlings, they also create a fantastic "eating" area. A perfect way to invite friends over to break in that new patio.

You won't be sorry when you've finally made that big investment to build your deck.

Does a new deck add value/bring buyers?

Nothing improves the appearance and functionality of a house exterior more than an expertly designed and hand-crafted deck construction or patio enclosure. A professional deck contractor such as James at Accent Deck Design can provide you with a custom deck plan sure to enhance the outside of your home; at the same time meeting your individual needs and tastes. So, will having a nice deck on your property bring you buyers in a selling market? Well, deck additions score heavily in increased property values, so the answer is yes. Most buyers looking for a home will enjoy having some extra "entertaining" space outdoors, and if their final choice was between two comparable homes, and one had a beautiful deck, then you know which one they'd pick.

Stripping, staining, and finishing with new technology deck products will also bring new life to any existing deck. So if you already have a deck in "not-so-good" shape, then think about maybe adding to it, and cleaning it up really nice. We have links to some very good deck finishers on our website.

My Deck Designs featured in Womens's Day Magazine Article

Accent Deck Design featured in the latest edition of Women's Day Magazine - Gardening and Deck Design.

Deck with railings

A natural wood and very nice looking....

They rarely split and crack, but when they do...whatch out!... it's like lots of tiny razor blades, and they are very difficult to sand out.

Of course we are talking about Natural Hardwoods

Ipe, (pronounced "ee pay") hardwood decking has recently become a top choice for residential decks due to its low maintenance, attractive color, and very smooth surface. Very resistant to rot, insects, UV exposure, ice, salt, abrasion, splintering, and chemicals, Ipe is a heavy timber, approximately 64 lbs. per cubic foot when dry, and has a Class A fire rating that lasts over 25 years. You may have heard it called "Ironwood" because it is the longest lasting natural wood on the market. There are others, like "Tigerwood" however the life span has yet to be determined.

All hardwoods are very beautiful once installed, but, every type of wood has an advantage, or a disadvantage and unfortunately the disadvantages to owning an Ipe deck, is that it will require a little more maintenance such as annual staining to keep it looking beautiful. That means an extra annual cost to homeowners, also the cost of building with hardwoods are on the upper end of deck prices.

I hope this brief explanation on hardwoods was helpful to you in making your decision whether or not to use them when building your deck. Please call me if you would like me to discuss it further with you.

Latest Trend in Woods

Engineered wood, also called composite wood, "man made wood" , "manufactured wood", or “synthetic wood” includes a range of derivative wood products which are manufactured by binding together the strands, particles, fibers, or veneers of wood, together with adhesives, to form composite materials. These products are engineered to precise design specifications which are tested to meet national or international standards.
Typically, engineered wood products are made from the same hardwoods and softwoods used to manufacture lumber. Sawmill scraps and other wood waste can be used for engineered wood composed of wood particles or fibers, but whole logs are usually used for veneers, such as plywood. Alternatively, it is also possible to manufacture similar engineered cellulosic products from other lignin-containing materials such as rye straw, wheat straw, rice straw, hemp stalks, kenaf stalks, or sugar cane residue, in which case they contain no actual wood but rather vegetable fibers.
Decking built from composite woods have much less maintenance than solid woods.
But like everything else in life, not all composites are equal. I have bee using them at Accent Deck Design for well over 10 years in Austin. I have experienced some problems associated with them from time to time in the past, but I still have faith in composites as they have evolved. Many issues that I had in the past have been corrected by the manufacturers.
If you decide to go with one of the many composite materials out there to construct your deck, I can help you decide which type to use, due to my many years of experience with them, as I do have a list of my favorites, with regard to how they perform.
So please call me if I can assist you.
James McDowell

Find the perfect spot for your deck

When thinking of adding a deck on your home, remember there are several types of deck building ideas to consider:

• Outdoor decks which are usually attached to your home. The most convenient location is off the family room or kitchen. A great addition to enjoy family dinners together.

• Destination decks - these are usually placed in a special place with a great view, for example. They are not connected to the house and you may have to walk through a beautiful garden and winding path to get to it. But when you reach this final destination it generally reveals a place to relax and enjoy.
  

• Connector decks - several decks of any shape or size connected to each other with pathways. A deck that functions like a peninsula, or an island can create a wonderful retreat from stressful daily life.

Small Space Decks

We just completed a great small space deck, with a pergola. This shows how a deck can add an additional living space to an area of your back yard. This deck was built in a small space between the home and a flower bed with a retaining wall. The final effect is fantastic.... a place to barbeque, and enjoy dinner while being protected from the hot sun.

Pergolas/Shade Arbors?

What exactly is the definition of a Pergola? More and more, my customers ask for me to build them a "pergola". It seems like what used to be known as a "shade arbor" is now being referred to as a pergola. I decided to find out the correct meaning.

As Quoted from Wikipedia, free encyclopedia -

A pergola is a garden feature forming a shaded walk or passageway of pillars that support cross beams and a sturdy open lattice, upon which woody vines are trained. As a type of gazebo, it may also be part of a building, as protection for an open terrace. The origin of the word is the Late Latin pergula, referring to a projecting eave.[1] The term was borrowed for English from Italian, mentioned in an Italian context in 1645 and used in an English context in 1675.
Pergolas may link pavilions, may extend from a building's door to an open garden feature such as an isolated terrace or pool, or may be entirely free-standing structures providing shelter and shade to a length of walkway.
Pergolas are more permanent architectural features than the green tunnels of late medieval and early Renaissance gardens, which were often formed of springy "withies"—easily replaced shoots of willow or hazel—bound together at the heads to form a series of arches, then loosely woven with long slats, on which climbers were grown, to make a passage that was both cool and shaded and moderately dry in a shower. At Villa Petraia, inner and outer curving segments of such green walks, the forerunners of pergolas, give structure to the pattern, which can be viewed from the long terrace above it, and provide rare privacy in a teeming household, offering leafy glimpses into an orderly paradise, a formally-planted enclosed orchard that consciously recalled the Garden of Eden before Adam's Fall.
The clearly artificial nature of the pergola made it fall from favor in the naturalistic gardening styles of the 18th and 19th century, but handsome pergolas on brick and stone pillars with powerful cross-beams were a feature of the gardens designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll and epitomize their trademark of firm structure luxuriantly planted.
Modern pergola designs tend to favor wood over stone structures, and are thus more affordable and increasing in popularity. Generally, pergolas are either made from a weather-resistant wood, such as Red Cedar or Redwood, or are painted white.

Latest Trends in Decking

The Latest Trends in Decking
Consumers now have more choices in decking materials that are low-maintenance and environmentally friendly.
By James McDowell, Accent Deck Design
When faced with building a new deck or replacing one, consumers now have more options than they did a few years ago.
One of the latest trends in decking is the use of "composite" materials. Made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood, composite decks offer homeowners a virtually maintenance-free deck.


First introduced on the market about seven years ago, composite materials have the same manipulative characteristics of wood for creating custom deck designs. Just within the last two years, more color choices have emerged leading to an increased popularity. Currently about 25% of homeowners are choosing composites.
While composite materials are not dramatically more expensive, they do run about 20% more than wood. However, the additional investment can pay for itself in about two years as the owner is spared of costly maintenance. Wood decks require annual maintenance to minimize cracking, splintering and splitting - problems that don't come with composites - and keep an attractive appearance.
Cleaning, re-staining and resealing every year-and-a-half by a professional can run up to $600 to $800 for an average sized wood deck, and more expensive if there are intricate railing and detail accents. Do-it-yourselfers will spend at least 2 if not 3 weekends on the job, not to mention the expense of buying buckets of costly sealer.
Moreover, the composite deck materials are expected to hold up many more years over traditional wood deck with minimum care. Wood decks, when properly maintained, can be expected to hold up for about 15 years. The brutally dry heat of Central Texas can be especially unforgiving on outdoor wood, zapping it of its natural protective oils.
However, composite materials are not for everyone. While most people are refreshingly surprised when they see how attractive a composite deck can be, some still prefer the rich, natural look and warm feel of a traditional wood deck.


Others elect to use a combination of materials, building the deck floor only of composite, and using wood for railings, benches and arbors. In these designs, the wood can be easily stained to match the color of the composite floor. This can be a low-maintenance and attractive compromise.

For die-hard wood aficionados, the exciting news is that the latest market trend among lumber companies is the introduction of arsenic-free treated pine lumber. Now available, thanks to the Environmental Protection Agency, the new form of treated wood is free of poisons that can leach into the soil. Consumers now have a very safe alternative with wood, especially with eating areas, children's play areas and garden landscapes.
For those who are thinking of adding a deck to their home life, consulting with a professional deck builder can provide invaluable information about the latest trends. Take the time to gather the facts and carefully plan your deck, and you will by far be much happier with your decision for years to come.

Welcome To Our Blog!

Accent Deck Design is owned and operated by James McDowell, who has 20 plus years of building experience in the greater Austin area, including Oak Hill, Westlake, Bee Cave, Lakeway, and the Lake Travis areas. Visit our website to find out more about us.