Decking

Remodeling your kitchen can be a fun and exciting upgrade to your home. It can also be expensive, so you want to be sure your Kitchen Designer is experienced, knowledgeable, and involved beyond simply selling you the products. When interviewing a potential designer, be sure to touch on the following 3 facets of the kitchen planning experience: Experience: A person does not need to have a degree to become a Kitchen Designer. Ideally, however, your designer would have a degree from a National Kitchen & Bath Association accredited program and have or at least be working towards an NKBA Certification in kitchen Design (AKBD or CKD) and have several projects under her belt, but many successful designers learn the trade in the field. A reputable cabinet dealer will have a website with pictures of projects completed by their designer and / or installers. Never assume that because a designer works in the kitchen department at a home store that they’ve been properly trained. Ask to see before and after pictures of their projects. Ask for references. Although it’s nice to have a big-name company backing their employees to ensure that mistakes are corrected, it’s better to avoid the mistakes in the first place by trusting an experienced Kitchen Designer. Product Knowledge: How well does the designer understand the products that they offer? In order to create the best design for your space, the designer should be able to recommend a cabinet line, for example, that has all of the options to meet your needs and current trends. The designer should also be able to speak thoroughly about the cabinet line’s customer service. What happens if a cabinet arrives damaged? What if a hinge breaks 2 years from now? Will the designer help you with any issues that arise? Your designer should be able to give you peace of mind in your investment. Involvement: What will the designer’s role be before and after you’ve made your purchase? This is important for both DIY kitchen remodelers and those hiring a contractor. A Kitchen Designer should be actively involved during the project. Look for a designer who will come to your home and be present when measurements are taken. This is an attribute of an accountable designer. She wants to be sure the measurements are accurate to avoid costly mistakes which she would be responsible for. This will help avoid the delays, caused by reordering product, that keep you out of your kitchen! A kitchen is made up of several components and sometimes it isn’t clear where a piece was meant to go or how it was meant to be used. Will the designer be on site for the installation to guide the installers or at least be available by phone? Your designer should be available to you or your contractor to go over the design before you make your purchase and during the actual installation. A great Kitchen Designer is experienced, knows the products they recommend and sell, and will be there through every phase of your project to make sure that you love the result. In all cases, your choice of deck color is important because composite decking is much longer lasting than natural high maintenance product! Visit our deck gallery and veiw some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule an estimate! #lowmaintenance #longlasting #newdeck #compositedeck #deckresurface #deckcontractor

There are 2 main types of lighting that are commonly used on decks. Low-voltage lighting and Solar lighting. Low-voltage lighting is reliable and consistent. It requires a transformer which plugs into a standard wall outlet (GFCI) and converts your home’s standard 110 volts to the required 12 volt level. Low-voltage lighting can be used with timers or sensors to customize your usage. It’s best to install low-voltage lighting during the construction of the deck so that the wiring can be hidden properly. Solar lighting is simple and cost effective. They require little or no wiring, using a solar panel to collect sunlight and convert it to energy stored in batteries which run the lights. Solar fixtures use a photocell which turns lights on as daylight decreases. Solar lighting is a great option for existing decks. Post Cap Lights are a great way to light the perimeter of your deck and add a bit of flair to your posts! They’re available for wood posts, aluminum posts, and composite posts and will enhance any deck railing. Side Mount Lights add a soft glow down your deck posts. These are a great option for decks that have cocktail handrail or any other handrail that is continuous and doesn’t utilize post caps. Under Rail Lighting is very discreet lighting that accents railings at night with little presence during the day. It can be used continuously around an entire rail or section of railing or placed intermittently for a less dramatic affect. Stair Riser Lighting is both beautiful and practical. Not only does it add interest to the architecture of the deck, it makes stairs more visible and safe to navigate. In all cases, your choice of deck color is important because composite decking is much longer lasting than natural high maintenance product! Visit our deck gallery and veiw some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule an estimate! #decklighting #lowvoltagelighting #postcaplights #sidemountlights #underraillighting #stairriserlighting

There are several ways to make your new backyard deck great for entertaining, but what to do if you really want the wow factor? Here are 5 ways to really take your deck to the next level! Lighting: Lighting is the easiest way to upgrade your decks appearance. It’s best to have lighting added during the construction process to allow the electrical workings to be properly installed and hidden. Deck lighting can include post cap lights, railing lights, riser and fascia lights, and landscape lights. Lighting is a great way to accent your new deck! Inlays: If you’ve chosen to go with a composite deck, such as TREX, you have many color options to choose from. Try using 2 or more colors in your deck design! Accenting with color can be as easy as using a complimentary perimeter board color or it can be even more extraordinary by having your deck designer / builder include a pattern in the boards! Curves: Another unique touch that can be added to your new composite deck is the use of curved boards! TREX makes a Custom Curve machine that allows deck builders who have it the ability to heat up the boards, making them pliable! This allows for some very interesting deck design options! Pergolas: A pergola can add beauty and a bit of shade to a new deck in a sunny location! It can also be used, on a large deck, to create a visual separation between sections by placing the pergola on one area, while allowing the other area to remain open to the sky. Pergolas can be designed as single or double layer protection from the sun and provide an interesting option for placement of privacy block such as lattice or decorative screening. Custom Stairways: A stairway does not have to be straight or plain! A stairway is great place to incorporate one or more of the options listed above! A flared staircase which starts at a given width at the top, opens up to a wider base at the bottom! Curved steps look amazing on a flared staircase! And don’t forget to add riser lights to those treads! If your staircase has to be straight, talk to your deck designer about tread design such as a picture frame tread with an accent color! Your new deck will add function to your backyard. Make sure it also adds beauty! Having a well-designed, unique deck will add aesthetic to be enjoyed for the lifetime of your deck! In all cases, your choice of deck color is important because composite decking is much longer lasting than natural high maintenance product! Visit our deck gallery and veiw some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule an estimate! #postcaplights #stairriserlighting #decklighting #lowvoltagelighting #newdeck #curveddeck

So you’ve decided to build a new deck, or reface your aging deck, with low maintenance composite deck boards! Now, what color(s) should it be?! The deck color that you choose should complement your home and yard. It can be a bold combination of style and color and become the focus of your yard, or it can be simple and classic and blend into the everyday function of your outdoor living space. Choosing between a traditional color scheme and a bold color scheme is a good place to start. If you are not sure which you’d prefer, you should start by looking at the overall design and shape of your deck. A complex design with curved boards, flared stairs, multiple levels, angles, or any combination of these design elements, may be best suited with a simple, single color scheme that works with your siding color by blending in for a stately presence or an accenting single-color selection for a glamorous appearance. A simpler square or rectangular deck could be made elegant by using a two-color scheme with accenting perimeter boards, railings, and center boards, or an inlaid design. Personal preference, of course, is always the final deciding factor. Deck colors for a Tan House: Trying to find a deck color that exactly matches your tan siding just doesn’t work. Alternatively, try choosing colors in a medium brown color. Matching or black railings would look right at home in this color scheme. Deck colors for a White House: A white house will make any color you choose look amazing, but that doesn’t help narrow down your choices! If you’ve got the complex designed deck, try light grey shades or soft neutral browns. If you’re looking to feature your deck as a focal point, reds, rich browns, and golds would do the trick! Dress them up with bright white or two-tone railings! Deck colors for a Grey House: Grey siding has become increasingly popular and those grey tones can range from light to dark and warm to cool. The most popular deck colors for grey houses include soft browns, reds, or more complex colors that vary in grey tones that complement other greys. Black or white railings are good options here. It is always best to see a rendering of your deck in color so that you can visualize the final product in your head and see actual sample boards before you sign any papers. Brochures and internet pictures are not always perfect purveyors of color. Pay attention to the texture of the board as well, especially if looking at accenting colors. If you’re choosing a product with woodgrain embossing, you want to make sure that the embossing is consistent from color to color. In all cases, your choice of deck color is important because composite decking is much longer lasting than natural high maintenance product! Visit our deck gallery and veiw some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule an estimate! #lowmaintenance #longlasting #newdeck #compositedeck #deckresurface #deckcontractor

What do you think of when you think of warm summer nights? Does it include relaxing outdoors, maybe with friends? A backyard BBQ or swimming in the pool? S’mores and laughs around the bonfire? During the winter months it can be hard to imagine that the snow will ever melt! When the weather outside is cold, rainy, dreary, and otherwise not where you’d like to spend time relaxing outside, the last thing on your mind is building a deck! Well, it should be at top of your to-do list! If you want your yard to be ready for outdoor enjoyment come Summer, Spring is the time to have that deck built! Research deck builders early so that you have an idea of which companies you want bidding your project. Take your time looking at pictures of their work and reading reviews. A deck is an investment in your property and you want it done right. If a new deck is what you want for Summer, Spring is the time to start! Visit our deck gallery and veiw some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule an estimate! #decking #newdeck #outdoorliving #springproject

It’s time to spruce up your backyard and get ready for summer! Adding a new custom deck is a great way to bring outdoor living to the next level! some curves! Adding curves to your deck isn’t just for rounded pools (although that looks amazing too!). Curves can be added to staircases for grandeur! Curves can allow the shape of your deck to conform to your existing landscaping without limiting your square footage! Aesthetically, a curved deck looks more organic and elegant! Pro Tip: Some TrexPro Builders (DDT Home Transformations, LLC) have a special oven that allows them to actually custom curve Trex Composite deck boards to a template. Visit our deck gallery and view some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule a free estimate! #curveddeck #decking #compositedeck #outdoorliving

There are many things to consider when deciding to build a deck and it’s important to know what function you hope your deck will serve before you start the building process. Is your deck going to be for entertaining, dining, and aesthetics? Does it need to serve a function such as surround a pool or spa? Consider the following when deciding if you may want to build a new deck this summer! Add lighting, tiki torches, and wicker furniture with tropical patterns for an island feel. Add curves, flared stairs, and complementary deck board colors for architectural elegance. Consider an area for lounge chairs and a low table in an area that receives just the right amount of sun (or shade)! If you want shade, but you have a sunny backyard, consider a pergola! Work closely with your deck building during the design stage to make sure your deck becomes the outdoor haven you’ve always dreamed of! Once you’ve defined the “why” in your decision to build a deck, work with your deck builder to create a design for a valuable, space adding, functional and beautiful deck! Visit our deck gallery and view some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule a free estimate! #newdeck #homeimprovement #outdoorliving #lockport #springproject #deckcontractor #contractor #compositedeck

Your deck may look a bit rough but stil be structurally sound. Consider resurfacing your existing frame with trex comosite decking. Here are 3 reasons why! resurfacing your deck with composite deck boards gives you the opportunity to completely change to look of your deck. During the planning stages, work with your deck builder to come up with a design that fits your yard and your personality. Use contrasting or complementing colors by incorporating a “picture frame” perimeter or if you want to be even more unique, a design inlay such as a diamond pattern! If you want to enlarge your deck, hire a builder who can curve your composite deck boards and handrails to make the deck’s shape more organic and blend it with your landscaping! Adding lighting to your deck is also much easier before the deck boards are installed, so make sure to discuss your options, such as deck rail lights and riser lights, with your builder before the start of the project. It is always a good idea to select a deck builder with experience with the product you’ve chosen. Composite deck brands, such as Trex, have specific installation instructions and a Trex Pro builder is trained and certified to install their product. A builder certified to install your deck is best qualified to ensure that your substructure complies with the product installation guides before resurfacing your existing deck. Visit our deck gallery and view some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule a free estimate! #deck #deckresurface #compositedeck #trex #newdeck #renovation #curvedeck

Contrasting Colors: The easiest way to make your deck stand out is by utilizing contrasting colored deck boards. Use an accent color as a deck perimeter to create a frame or as a design inlay. Use black or white aluminum railings to enhance the color of your deck boards. Choose a contrasting color to be installed vertically below your fascia board as an alternative to lattice or chicken wire to block access to the underside of your deck to pests. Multiple Levels: Building a deck with multiple levels adds architectural interest to your deck. Each level can be defined for it purpose by selecting the appropriate patio furniture. One level could be a space for eating with a patio table and chairs while another level can be for relaxing on an outdoor sofa with cocktail table. A recessed seating area encourages gathering and conversation. Combine Deck Space with Patio Space: Another way to make your backyard more interesting is to use both decking and patio materials such as stone or stamped concrete to create your outdoor living space. A concrete or stone patio is the perfect place to incorporate a built-in fire pit or a home for your bbq grill! Make the design beautiful and interesting by adding curves to the patio and a flare shape to the deck where it steps down onto the patio. Built-In Seating: Have benches built from your decking material added to your deck design to make seating that is convenient and blends seamlessly into the aesthetic of your deck. Benches can be built with or without backs or they can back up to the deck railing. Pergolas: Adding a pergola to your deck design add both beauty and practicality. Choose a design that complements the architecture of your home. Pergolas can have 1 level of shade providing boards or multiple. Be sure that your deck builder installs the boards to optimize the shade provided based on the direction that your home faces. Flower Boxes: Use flower boxes as space defining features between different levels of your deck to add color and softness to your design. Flower boxes, if built tall enough, can also replace sections of railing. Select zone appropriate plants that will add a pop of color or certain herbs that can help deter mosquitoes such as basil or peppermint to make spending time outdoors even more enjoyable! Curves: Adding curves to deck boards and railings is a fun way to make your deck truly unique! Some contractors have the equipment necessary to bend deck boards and railings to make an organic deck design that blends with nature and eliminates harsh corners. Lighting: Don’t forget to add lighting to your deck design! Lighting can be used to accent any aspect of your deck including railings, stair risers, flower boxes, and elevation changes. A deck with proper, well-planned lighting always looks more elegant than a deck with the backyard flood light turned on! Visit our deck gallery and view some great examples on our website! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule a free estimate! #deck #curveddeck #trex #trexdecking #trexrailing #trexcurve #deckcontractor #decking #deckdesign