Decks in St. Louis, Missouri by Archadeck

Do you live in the St. Louis, Missouri area and are you thinking about adding or replacing a deck?

If so, head on over to our updated website deck gallery to see hundreds of trending, real-life projects by Archadeck of West County for St. Louis homeowners.

Decks by Archadeck of West County

When it comes to decking products, you’ll see plenty of choices whether you prefer wood or composite materials.   You’ll see large and small designs, high-elevation decks and low-to-the-ground structures, decks with a single tier or those with multiple levels, as well as traditional and contemporary styles and everything in-between too.

And while you’re there, be sure to download Archadeck’s free (and oh-so-handy!) online design guide.

But if you’re done looking at pictures and are ready to talk with a local* contractor, just give us a call 636-227-0800. We offer a free design consultation and professional drawings so you can see, first-hand, what your project will look like.

“Archadeck, Better Building by Design”

*Outside of the St. Louis area, visit archadeck.com or call 888-687-3325.

7 Deck Rail Ideas For Your Cedar Deck

Cedar remains a popular option when it comes to adding a deck, screen porch or pergola.  Why?  Because cedar is a time-tested, good-lookin’ outdoor building material with a reasonable price-tag too.

Traditional Cedar Deck, Rails and Balusters, St. Louis County, by Archadeck

And what about the railing for a cedar deck?

Choosing cedar boards doesn’t require you to choose cedar rails.  In fact, different rails are a way to transform the style of a traditional cedar structure with diverse color and material.

Modern Black Rails for Cedar Deck, St. Louis Mo, by Archadeck

Consider seven possibilities… 

Deck Design Ideas: Real Wood vs. Decks That Look Like Wood

A smart and common question among St. Louis homeowners interested in a deck: “Which is better, wood or composite (or vinyl)?”  We hear this on a daily basis!

The answer?  Both are absolutely, positively terrific options.  And when it comes to looks, sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference.

Cedar Deck with Vinyl Rails, Chesterfield Mo by Archadeck

Composite Deck with Vinyl Rails by Archadeck St. Louis Mo

At first glance, wood and composite seem pretty darn close in appearance, however, there ARE differences.

Distinctive features and variations are found in: the manufacturing process; overall price and return-on-investment; material maintenance and warranties.

So today, let’s look at your choices when it comes to ‘real wood’ vs. decking that looks like wood.

Deck Baluster Ideas: How To Choose The Best Baluster Design For Your Deck

In our last two articles, we discussed deck railing and deck stairs — their function, architecture and style possibilities.

So in this week’s post, let’s drill down to the nitty-gritty details and write specifically about the railing balusters — the infill pieces between the rail posts that are mounted from top-to-bottom and side-by-side.

Gray Decking, White Rails, Black Metal Balusters, St. Louis Mo, Project by Archadeck

The primary purpose and consideration for choosing a baluster is always safety.

Local safety and buildings codes — which vary by city and sometimes by neighborhood — will dictate the spacing between each picket, their exact height from the deck’s surface and other installation requirements.

So if you’re tackling deck construction on your own, know your codes!

If, however, you’re using an experienced local deck contractor, no worries.  They’ll be knowledgeable about the permit process and ordinances from town-to-town.

Elevated, Two Story Deck Designed For Safety and Style, by Archadeck, St. Louis Mo

The secondary purpose for choosing a baluster is architectural impact. Rails and balusters dramatically influence the entire look and feel of your outdoor space.  So give them some thought.

And what are the style options?  Boy-oh-boy, today’s consumers are given A LOT of baluster choices — wood to wrought iron, aluminum to steel, and tempered glass to cable or tubing.  Whether simple or lavish, balusters provide infinite possibilities when it comes to your rail design.

Deck Railing Ideas: How To Choose The Best Rail Design for Your Deck

In our October blog post series,  “Your Backyard Is A Blank Canvas” we reviewed various pergola, deck and screened porch designs.  Then in last week’s post, “How To Choose The Best Stair Design” we explained six possibilities for building the stairs for these structures.

Then once you select the type, layout and building site of your new outdoor space, it’s time for the finishing touches. So today let’s talk about choosing rails.

Elegant White Vinyl Rails with Gray Decking, by Archadeck

And what’s the best way to choose?  Well, it begins by narrowing down your rail options among a host of materials and styles.

St. Louis Decks: Your Backyard Is A Blank Canvas

Second in the series “Your Backyard Is A Blank Canvas,” let’s discuss decks.  And not just any-ole-deck design but spectacular design variations — traditional or trendy, classic or contemporary, mainstream or modern– so that your deck can easily be one-of-a-kind and perfect for you.

Custom Decks by Archadeck

Sound expensive?  It doesn’t have to be.

Using a few tricks-of-the-trade, an experienced contractor can jazz-up even a basic deck — all within your budget.

Wood Deck with Elegant Black Basket Balusters, St. Louis Mo, by Archadeck

But how?  Well, the types and costs of deck upgrades can range from simple-to-elaborate and everything-in-between.  For example:

Price-wise, lower-to-middle-of-the-road design enhancements could include interesting rails with contrasting balusters, post covers, lighting, privacy or underdecking.