St. Louis Decks: Structurally Sound and Stylish

Gorgeous Elevated Deck, photo by Archadeck Outdoor Living

In 2006, the month of May was designated by  NADRA — North American Deck and Railing Association — as Deck Safety Month in response to injuries resulting from older, unsafe decks that have collapsed.

Thus, ‘Deck Safety Month’ is a perfect reminder to schedule a professional deck safety inspection with a reputable contractor this Spring.

Statistically, there are over 40 million aging decks, 20 years old or older, across the United States.

Professionals in the building industry suggest having any deck over 7 years old checked for safety because with age, decks can become a hazard to people, particularly when the deck is raised, elevated or multi-tiered.

New Vinyl Deck and Rails, photo courtesy of TimberTech

Make it a priority this year:  homeowners, everywhere, will benefit from a deck safety inspection in order to ensure that their deck meets or exceeds the current standards of local building codes.

A deck safety inspection, with a deck contractor such as Archadeck, will provide a homeowner with a list of any issues and recommendations for resolving those issues.

Many times a deck can be quickly fixed to successfully extend the life of the structure.  Other times, a deck replacement or re-decking is appropriate.

Deck inspectors evaluate your deck by examining the following criteria:

Beautiful Wood, Two Story Deck, St. Charles County, Mo – designed and built by Archadeck

Deck Boards:

It’s normal for wood decking to show some cracking; however, an inspector can identify when cracks become hazardous.

Hardware Connections and Home Attachment:

Each hardware connection and fastener will be examined, as well as the deck attachment to the house, to ensure complete stability and safety.

Structure, Foundation and Footings:

The deck’s ‘skeleton’ — posts, beams, joists, foundation and footings — will be examined to identify any visible separation, sinking or sagging.

Deck in St. Louis – Safe and Secure Structure, Foundations, Footings, Stairs, Railing – Designed and Built by Archadeck

Railing and Stairs:

Are stairs, ramps, railing, and balusters in good condition, sturdy and properly constructed?

So before you begin to use your backyard deck this summer, be sure to have a deck inspection particularly if your deck is more than 7 years old.

Archadeck of West County and St. Charles County* serves the Greater St. Louis area — St. Louis, St. Louis County, West County, St. Charles, St. Charles County or parts of Illinois.

To reach us call, 636-227-0800 and schedule a deck inspection for your home this season.

Or for more information, visit our website west-county.archadeck.com.

New Hardwood Deck, St. Louis — Superb Structure and Style by Archadeck

*By choosing Archadeck of West County and St. Charles County you’ll have the power behind the Archadeck franchise combined with our local commitment to the community we serve.

Archadeck customers have the assurance of unsurpassed industry knowledge and professionalism with unmatched industry warranties for all of our outdoor living projects.

St. Louis Decks: Cool and curvy deck designs

Curved Platform Deck with Benches, Ipe Hardwood

The sky’s the limit when it comes to adding architectural interest and function for custom deck designs by Archadeck.

But much of the basic deck design will depend on your existing home and your backyard layout.

And that’s where the pros at Archadeck step-in with scads of ‘tricks-up-our-sleeve’ for impressive design features to enhance your outdoor living space.

For example, if your home and backyard are grade-level, a platform or patio deck might be the perfect match.

Vinyl Deck with Curved Railing, St. Louis, Mo

If however, your home is not sitting at grade level, then an elevated or raised deck will be best.

Finally, if your home has multiple floors, a walk out lower level and a sloping lot, then a multi-level or two story deck might be just the ticket.

Nevertheless, our unique ‘design and build’ techniques will optimize your space, add a burst of backyard beauty and bring value to your home, no matter the architectural style.

And just one of our many design ‘tricks’ utilizes curves, or angled curves, which can be a welcomed addition to soften a rectangular yard.

Deck with Level Change, St. Louis, Mo

Examples include:

-add curves, or angled curves, with a series of gentle and appealing deck level changes

-add curves with circular or rounded elements to a deck railing

-add curves or spirals with deck staircase design

-add curves with spiral or basket balusters

-add curves with a shade pergola over a deck

-add curves, or angled curves, with deck benches for seating

Curved Angles Floor Board Design, photo courtesy of Trex

-add curves, or a curved affect, with deck floor board patterns

-add curves with rounded post caps or accent lighting

 

So if you’re looking to enhance your property this season with the addition of an outdoor living space – deck, screened porch, open porch, pergola, gazebo, under deck enclosure, pool and hot tub decking or shade — contact Archadeck.

Curved Pergola, St. Louis, Wildwood

Archadeck of West County and St. Charles County in St. Louis, Missouri proudly serves the Greater St. Louis territory.

You can visit our local website to see hundreds of our completed projects around town, west-county.archadeck.com.

Like us on Facebook for a stream of information, announcements and promotions.

If you live outside of St. Louis, visit archadeck.com for locations, nationwide.

St. Louis Decks: Decks With Railing

Radiance Railing with Composite Deck, photo by TimberTech

Most decks have specific railing requirements in order to meet local safety building codes, unless of course the deck is designed to sit close to the ground such as a platform or patio deck.

But with an elevated, two story or multilevel deck, deck railings are a ‘must-have’ for obvious reasons.

This, however, doesn’t mean that the deck railing is for safety only:  railings are an integral piece in the deck design process.

-Stylish deck railings make a huge statement, providing an abundance of curb appeal with function and fashion.

-Railings set the tone for the characteristics of a deck design.

TimberTech Deck, Rails and Baroque Balusters, St. Louis, Ballwin

-Railing options can express an elegant, contemporary, traditional, or a rustic ‘look’.

-Rails can coordinate with deck boards or contrast with deck boards.  And with balusters, lighting, and post cap options, the design possibilities are endless.

So let Archadeck rim your deck or porch with beautiful railings to provide structurally safe perimeters with loads of style.

If you reside in Greater St. Louis and surrounding areas — St. Louis, St. Louis County, West County, St. Charles County, and parts of Illinois – you can learn more about the design impact of railings for your deck or porch by visiting our website, west-county.archadeck.com.

Tigerwood Deck and Rails with Basket Balusters, St. Louis, Mo

Our local website photo galleries display pictures with rail systems:

wood railings

composite or vinyl railing

railings with or without decorative balusters

solid kneewall rails

tall privacy rails

rails with accent lights, post caps and more

Multilevel Deck with Contrasting Railing, St. Louis, Wildwood

Archadeck will help you narrow down your selection to pair your choice of deck boards with a structurally sound and stylish railing design to accentuate your home and deck.

‘Like’ us on our Facebook page for newsfeed updates, informative articles and seasonal promotions.

White Vinyl Railings with Lights for Cedar Deck, St. Louis West County

If you reside outside metropolitan St. Louis, visit archadeck.com to find other locations across the country.

St. Louis Decks: Decks Without Railing

Patio Deck, Benches, Partial Railing, photo by Archadeck Outdoor Living

Did you know that certain decks don’t necessarily require railing?

Typically a platform or patio deck, with a deck surface low to the ground, is exempt from local building codes that require a railing.

However deck railings, even if not required by municipal codes, provide an opportunity to make your deck ‘pop’ with fashionable style and curb appeal.

A deck with partial decorative railing, or no railings at all, completely flows with a home and backyard.  The deck design flavor is ‘wide open’ and wildly appealing.

Patio Deck with Planters and Bench, photo by Archadeck Outdoor Living

But wait… there’s an alternative design method to simulate deck railings, without the rails for platform and patio decks.

Deck with Built In Benches and Planters, photo by Archadeck Outdoor Living

Deck benches are an alternative to railing and can be an absolutely brilliant way to build-in extra seating.

Deck planters, too, are a design technique to outline a deck’s perimeters while housing plants to blend your deck with your backyard landscaping.

So let Archadeck rim your deck with beautiful built-in benches and planters to define deck perimeters while packing a punch of smart deck design, with plenty of flair.

To learn more about the design impact of railings for your deck, porch or gazebo, visit our website, west-county.archadeck.com if you live in St. Louis, Missouri and the surrounding areas including St. Charles, St. Charles County and parts of Illinois.

Deck with Screened Gazebo, Benches and Partial Deck Railing, photo by Archadeck Outdoor Living

There you’ll see both traditional deck railing options and alternatives to traditional railing systems including:  wood, composite or vinyl railing trimmed with metal pickets or decorative balusters, solid kneewall rails, tall privacy rails, decorative lighting for rails and much more.

Archadeck will help you narrow down your selection to pair your choice of deck boards with a structurally sound and stylish railing system, or no railing at all, to accentuate your home and backyard deck.

You can also ‘like’ us on our new Facebook page for ongoing newsfeed promotions and articles.

Outside of St. Louis, visit archadeck.com to find other locations across the country.

St. Louis AZEK Decking: Deck and porch designs using AZEK

AZEK Decking, Redland Rose, photo by AZEK

AZEK Deck, St. Louis, MO in West County

Among synthetic decking manufacturers is AZEK, one of the leading brands of low maintenance decking materials.

As an alternative to wood or composite building material, synthetic decking by AZEK provides good looks and the ability to withstand damage from every-day deck usage including stains or scratching.

Virtually impervious to insect damage and moisture, AZEK is durable and long-lasting backed by a lifetime warranty for consumer peace-of-mind.

AZEK Deck Colors

And best of all there are color varieties for decks, porches and railing which will complement any home design and every homeowner’s sense of style.

To begin exploring AZEK and other building materials for decks or porches, go to our website, west-county.archadeck.com.

There you’ll see hundreds of examples of low maintenance options for outdoor living spaces: composite, capped composite, vinyl, synthetic, PVC.

On the website homepage, there’s an easy-to-use, online inquiry form to get answers for your initial questions.

AZEK Black Deck Railing with Lighting, photo by AZEK

Or call us, anytime, 636.227.0800 – Archadeck of West County and St. Charles County in St. Louis, Missouri.  We serve the Greater St. Louis area including St. Louis County, St. Louis West County, St. Charles County and parts of Illinois.

Yet another resource, no matter where you reside, is our local Facebook page.  ‘Like’ us on Facebook and receive ongoing articles and promotions from *Archadeck, via your newsfeed.

AZEK Decking, Slate Gray, photo by AZEK

*Archadeck is the nation’s premier builder for outdoor living spaces — decks, screened porches, front porches, screened-in decks, shade pergolas, gazebos and more.

We specialize in custom designs using wood (pressure treated, cedar, Tigerwood, Ipe, other hardwoods) as well as newer generation composite, capped composite, and vinyl materials by AZEK, TimberTech, Fiberon, Tamko, and others.

AZEK Front Porch in St. Louis, Mo

Visit the national website, archadeck.com, to locate other offices across the country.

St. Louis Deck Builder: The upside of low maintenance decking.

Low Maintenance Vinyl Decking, photo by TimberTech

Have you been thinking about adding or upgrading a deck, screened porch or pergola to your home this year?

Are you particularly interested in low maintenance building products that are available in today’s market?

Each year, more and more customers here in St. Louis have expressed a growing interest in low maintenance options for their outdoor living structures.

Low Maintenance Deck and Pergola, St. Charles County

Understandably however, many homeowners are unsure of where to start with an abundance of product choices now available.

Deck in St. Louis, Mo Capped Composite Earthwood Evolutions

And that’s where Archadeck can help you sort it all out.

So here’s some basics about the upside of low maintenance.

Composite, capped composite and vinyl decking technology has successfully emulated the look of real wood with the benefit of lower maintenance requirements.

A deck constructed with quality composites or vinyl becomes a deck that no longer requires labor-intensive maintenance, repeated stainings or time-consuming upkeep.  When compared to some woods, composite and vinyl products are less prone to warping, splitting, insect damage, rot, mold and mildew concerns too.

Low Maintenance Envision Decking, photo by TAMKO

Depending on your personal preferences and lifestyle, low maintenance decking can provide the very best of both worlds – lower maintenance with plenty of style.

Finished projects have the look and graining aesthetics of wood with strength and longevity too.  And best of all, there are solid manufacturer warranties to back it all up, including product-lines from Archadeck’s vendors — AZEK, TimberTech, Trex, Fiberon and others.

AZEK Porch, St. Louis, Mo

So, to learn more about designing and building a low maintenance, outdoor living space that you and your family can enjoy, give us a call 636.227.0800 to schedule a free estimate if you live in the Greater St. Louis, Missouri area.

We’ll begin with a few questions about your personal tastes, wants, needs, lifestyle and budget.

We’ll talk about the different ways to get the look you want for your deck or porch, at a price you can afford.

Then Archadeck can offer suggestions to help achieve your goals.

And from there, we’ll create detailed architectural plans for an outdoor space with our computerized design renderings… all at no cost to you.

Low Maintenance Screened Porch, O’Fallon, Mo

If you prefer, you can visit our website, west-county.archadeck.com, to fill-out a simple, online inquiry form to get the ball rolling.

But another great resource, no matter where you live, is our Facebook page.  ‘Like’ us on Facebook to receive ongoing articles and promotions in your newsfeed from Archadeck.

Archadeck has over 30 years of experience designing and building outdoor structures for any setting and with all material types.

As the nation’s premier builder for outdoor living spaces, we specialize in pressure treated wood, cedar wood, Tigerwood, Ipe, other hardwoods, composites, capped composites, and vinyls.

Deck, St. Louis, Mo – TimberTech Composite

Archadeck of West County and St. Charles County in St. Louis, Missouri serves the Greater St. Louis area including St. Charles County and parts of Illinois. 

Or visit archadeck.com to find an office in your neck of the woods.

St. Louis Decks: Screened in decks offer protected outdoor living space.

Deck in St. Louis, Mo – Before Photo

A homeowner in St. Louis asked us about screening in their existing deck to enhance its comfort and usability while maintaining a sense of cohesiveness with the original architecture.

No sweat.  Archadeck can do that.

The end result is a winning combination:  a cozy, outdoor family room and entertainment area that can be used, nearly year-round.

The screened in deck  is the new ‘hang-out spot’, providing privacy; protection from wind, rain, sun and insects too.

Screened In Deck, St. Louis, Mo – After Photo

So if you have an existing deck, Archadeck can enhance the space with a fresh look:  screen room, open roof, slated shade structure, new railings, privacy wall, lighting and more.

We’ll help you make your backyard, the best it can be… on time and within budget.

Deck design details and decking materials used for renovation, bring endless possibilities for outdoor living spaces this season.  So give Archadeck a call to spruce up your home and yard this Spring with a deck makeover.

If you live in the Greater St. Louis area including St. Louis, St. Louis County, West County, St. Charles, St. Charles County and parts of Illinois, schedule a free, on site estimate - 636.227.0800.

Or visit our website, west-county.archadeck.com, to view hundreds of Archadeck’s completed projects and fill-in our ‘how can we help’ form.

If you use Facebook, ‘like’ our new Facebook page for inspiration, information and monthly promotions.

(Outside of Greater St. Louis, visit archadeck.com to find other offices.)

Deck Ideas for a Small Backyard

There are several reasons why the backyards of today are more compact compared to past generations.

Backyard Deck with Flared Steps and Level Change

As the US population has ballooned, housing demand has increased causing land, everywhere, to increase in value.

And as a result, it has become more cost effective for buyers to purchase a house with a smaller lot.

And beyond budget-friendly criteria, smaller backyards offer conveniences for the busy lifestyle of most people.  Less upkeep and less maintenance equals less time spent on yard work.

Nevertheless, a small backyard can still accommodate a fabulous deck, porch, pergola or gazebo to stretch your home’s square footage from inside to out.

Platform Deck with Benches and Wide Steps

With exceptional design techniques, Archadeck will make the most from limited outdoor space, no matter the size of your yard.

Deck design techniques for a modest backyard include:

-subtle deck level changes, platforms or elevations to define activity areas

-wide deck steps to create an open look with easy backyard access

-built-in benches for extra seating and in lieu of railings for patio/platform decks

-rail and stair lighting for depth, ambiance and safety

-privacy rails for intimacy and warmth

-pergola for shaded comfort with delightful style

-under deck ceiling used to create two outdoor spaces, stacked

Watch the slideshow below to see how we’ve designed and built wonderfully ‘comfy and cozy’ backyard spaces that are sure to please.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

To learn more about Archadeck of West County and St. Charles County in St. Louis, Missouri just click on the link to visit our local website – west-county.archadeck.com.

We serve St. Louis and surroundings areas including St. Louis County, West County, St. Charles and St. Charles County as well as parts of Illinois.

Or call us anytime to schedule a free, onsite estimate 636.227.0800.

If you live outside of St. Louis, visit archadeck.com for a location near you.

St. Louis Decks: TimberTech Terrain

TimberTech Terrain, photo by TimberTech

TimberTech manufactures a number of different decking products including composite decking, capped composite and vinyl decking.

Among the capped composite category in the TimberTech Earthwood Evolutions line is ’Terrain’ which is designed with appearance, durability and value in mind.

(Earthwood Evolutions capped composite has two additional groupings called Tropical and Natural.)

-Terrain reflects the warmth of natural hardwood, complete with authentic graining patterns.

-Terrain is recognized for durability with scratch, stain and fade resistance backed by a 25 year warranty.

TimberTech Terrain Deck – Brown Oak and Silver Maple, photo by TimberTech

-Terrain color choices include Brown Oak or Silver Maple.  Either decking board color can be used alone for a uniform style or can be combined, to create unique floor board patterns. (Tropical colors include Rosewood, Teak and Walnut.  Natural colors include Brick, Brownstone and Slate.)

TimberTech Terrain, Brown Oak and Silver Maple

-Terrain decking planks are manufactured with a composite core and then capped with a protective polymer shell.  Terrain is low maintenance decking at its finest with easy and fast surface cleaning.

Deck in St. Louis West County, TimberTech Terrain Silver Maple

-Hidden fasteners, color matched screws and grooved or solid profile planks are available too.

So if you’re thinking about adding a deck or other outdoor living structure to your home, please consider Archadeck.

We are a leading designer and builder of outdoor living spaces serving metropolitan St. Louis to include St. Louis County, St. Louis West County, St. Charles and St. Charles County and parts of Illinois.

Click the link to visit our website photo galleries, west-county.archadeck.com .  There you’ll find decks of all types:  platform decks, patio decks, raised decks, multilevel decks and two-story decks.

Deck in St. Louis, TimberTech Terrain with Black Radiance Railing

You’ll also find decks designed and built with TimberTech and other decking materials — pressure treated wood, cedar, Tigerwood, IPE, AZEK, EverGrain and more.

Custom deck projects show various  railing and balusters, interesting floor board patterns and stair designs too.

And finally, the website photo galleries show deck designs combined with pergolas, gazebos, screened porch enclosures and other amenities; lighting, privacy walls and more.

To receive ongoing Archadeck information, ‘like’ us on our Facebook page.

*Outside of Greater St. Louis, visit archadeck.com for other locations.

Chesterfield Deck: Cedar Deck with Cedar Pergola by Archadeck

Elevated Cedar Deck and Cedar Pergola, Chesterfield, Mo

The first two decisions for planning a backyard deck include the initial design itself and then, the material selection.

A custom deck design should complement  your existing home structure and your backyard’s space while considering your lifestyle, personal preferences and budget.

Next, primary decking materials can be selected because materials will influence aesthetics, maintenance requirements and price.

Material alternatives are: natural woods and hardwoods or a host of man-made decking materials — composite, capped composite or vinyl.

So let’s look more closely at the logic underlying a deck design, by Archadeck, for a beautiful home located in Chesterfield, Missouri in St. Louis West County.

Cedar Deck with Pergola, St. Louis, Mo

An elevated deck design was selected.  The deck design extends the length of the home, maximizing a breath-taking scenic view.

The deck provides multiple entry points, from inside to out.

A matching shade pergola adjoins the deck, adding cool comfort and style.

Coordinating deck rails create a traditional and uniform look; however, slender black metal balusters add a contemporary touch.

An open-air, bump-out deck space was constructed as an integral part of the deck.  This particular deck space was designed for grilling and sunning.

Cedar Deck, St. Louis – area for grilling

Natural cedar was selected for the deck, pergola and railing as a perfect complement to the setting and architecture of the home.

Cedar has a unique and gorgeous visual appeal; it is naturally durable and resistant to insect damage and rot.  In addition, cedar has ‘stood the test of time’ as a building product for outdoor living spaces.

With its distinctive beauty and moderate price-range, cedar is an unbeatable choice among wood decking and a favorite here in the St. Louis area.

To learn more about adding a deck or other outdoor living structure to your home, give us a call:  Archadeck – 636.227.0800.  We provide service to the Greater St. Louis area including St. Louis County, St. Louis West County, St. Charles and St. Charles County as well as parts of Illinois.

Cedar Deck and Shade Pergola, St. Louis, Chesterfield

Visit our website photo galleries at west-county.archadeck.com to fuel your imagination for deck ideas for your home.

You’ll see decks of all designs and sizes including patio decks, platform decks, elevated decks, multilevel decks and two-story decks.

You’ll see decks designed and built with other types of materials too: pressure treated wood, hardwood, Tigerwood, Ipe, TimberTech, AZEK, EverGrain and more.

Many deck projects are further customized with contrasting railing and balusters, interesting floor board patterns and stair designs.

Our website photo galleries also show deck designs combined with shade structures - slated pergola, solid roof, screened room or gazebo – and other amenities such as lighting, underdecking, privacy walls and more.

For ongoing information about Archadeck of West County and St. Charles County in St. Louis, Missouri ‘like’ us on our Facebook page.

If you live outside of Greater St. Louis, visit archadeck.com for other locations.