DDT Home Pros

Decking

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Consider Using a TrexPro for your Deck Project

There are many options for your backyard paradise including concrete or block patios, wood decks, or composite decks. With all of the options available, Trex has made its name as the front runner in composite decking by providing an impressive variety of high-performance, low-maintenance, environmentally conscious products in a well-developed pallet of available colors. The deck builder that you choose to install your Trex deck should be knowledgeable with Trex products and their installation techniques to avoid costly mistakes, deck failures, and voided warranties. This is why it’s important to use a TrexPro to install a Trex deck. In order to become a TrexPro, a builder has to request an application and provide a state contractor’s license and proof of current general liability insurance to state-required levels. The contractor then needs to attend an information session held by a Trex sales representative or Trex distributor. This is essentially a training session. The contractor learns product knowledge and the proper installation techniques that will be covered by Trex’s warranty. Then, the contractor must build three decks, including at least one with railing, in accordance to Trex specifications and have those decks reviewed by a Trex sales representative. This is to ensure that the builder understands and is committed to proper installation. Upon successful completion, the contractor is designated a TrexPro builder. At this point, the TrexPro will be listed on Trex.com to be found by potential clients. On the Trex website, under “Find a Builder”, there are 3 designations of TrexPro deck builders. TrexPro Deck Builders are usually the newest contractors that have gone through the TrexPro designation process or companies who build Trex decks, but not as their primary focus. TrexPro Gold Deck Builders have achieved advanced product and installation training and are more experienced with using Trex products. TrexPro Platinum is the highest level of recognition that Trex designates a deck builder. TrexPro Platinum deck builders are the leading TrexPros in their areas and demonstrate expertise in building beautiful outdoor living spaces ranging from simple to the most complex. TrexPro Platinum designated deck builders are the most experienced with Trex products and installation techniques. TrexPro-designated companies are expertly trained to install Trex products. Trex provides onsite training, literature, videos, and training demonstrations to ensure the contractor is up to date on new products, installation techniques, and Trex specific installation tools. Using a TrexPro for you deck project ensures that your deck will be built correctly and that Trex will back the product for years of enjoyment. 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! #trex #trexdecking #trexcurve #newdeck #compositedeck #contractor

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Deck Railing Options to Give Your Outdoor Living Space its Finishing Touch.

When choosing to build a deck with composite materials such as Trex, there are many features to consider such as size and shape of your deck, color scheme and how it accents or blends with your home, board layouts including inlays and curves, and the finishing touch is selecting a railing style . Trex offers several options to help make your railing beautiful as well as functional. Trex Signature Railing: Made from powder-coated aluminum, it works with traditional and modern deck designs. It is available in neutral tones and carries a 25-year limited warranty. Balusters are available in round and square options. Railings can be custom curved to match the design of your deck. Cocktail rail can be installed as a surface for planters and drinks. Signature railing works well with all Trex decking and lighting! Trex Transcend Railing: This Trex’s highest performing railing option! I will not splinter, peel, warp, or rot and it never needs painting or staining! Transcend railing is a component system meaning that you can mix and match with any Trex railing line and pairs perfectly with Transcend decking! Post sleeves, skirts, and caps are available 4×4 posts in all railing colors and 6×6 posts in white only. Transcend railing is a minimum of 40% recycled material and is backed by Trex’s 25-year limited residential warranty. Trex Select Railing: This is Trex’s most affordable handrail. Rails are available in classic white and can be paired with either white, black, or bronze aluminum balusters. For an upgraded look, mix and match Select railings and balusters with Trex post sleeves, post sleeve caps, and post sleeve skirts in another color to complement or match your deck boards! Trex ADA-Compliant Handrail: Trex offers a heavy-duty aluminum system made with a high quality powder-coated finish that resists fading, chipping, and corrosion. ADA compliant handrail systems are available in Charcoal Black, Bronze, and Classic White. Glass Panel Accessory Kit: If you’re putting in a new deck to enjoy you’re beautiful view and just hate the idea of a railing between you and nature, Trex has a solution for that too! Trex has available, a Glass Panel Accessory Kit which includes glass panel mounting hardware for use between Trex railings. Glass panels are not included. 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 #deckrail #railing #ballusters #newdeck #decking #compositedeck #trex #trexdecking #trexrailing #trexcurve

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6 Popular Color Options to Make Your Deck a Destination

Choosing which color composite decking material to select for your new deck can be a daunting task. Your new deck is an investment that you hope will add elegance and beauty to your back yard. Here are six popular options for combining Trex colors and other materials to create a backyard escape that is more than just a place to put your patio furniture. Make your deck a destination! Coastal: Mix Enhance Beach Dune and Clam Shell deck boards with Transcend railing in white with black aluminum balusters for a deck that would be right at home near the beach. Clam Shell as a cool, dark accent to the neutral tones in Beach Dune creates the feel of a beachside boardwalk, lively and fun. Traditional: Transcend Spiced Rum Decking with accents of Vintage Lantern offer warm, clean lines in complementary colors. Warm, timeless hues blend into your outdoor living space as a comfortable site for entertaining friends at a backyard BBQ. Modern: Enhance Beach Dune deck boards paired with Transcend Charcoal black railing and black aluminum balusters are a modern combination that pairs well with wrought iron patio furniture and colorful planters. Add deck lighting, cocktails, and friends to bring this deck to life at night! Lakeside: Trex Transcend in Gravel Path is a warm grey neutral that’s just right overlooking your lake or surrounding your pool. Add turquois patio furniture cushions or pillows to bring a beach feel to your back yard. TREX TRANSCEND® DECKING IN SPICED RUM AND TRANSCEND® RAILING IN CLASSIC WHITE AND VINTAGE LANTERN Tropical: Transcend decking in Lava Rock with Fire Pit cocktail handrails make potted plants or lush landscaping pop in vibrant greens reminiscent of the jungle floor and canopy. Add pinks, reds, or orange tones to make it feel as though your deck was on another continent. Rustic: Trex Select Saddle and Winchester Grey decking are earthy colors that blend into your backyard space in natural hues reminiscent of a cabin in the woods. Relax and catch a sunrise with a hot cup of coffee on a cool, autumn morning. Visitery and view some great examples on our website then set up your free estimate! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/– or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule! #deck #newdeck #deckingmaterials #compositedeck #compositedecking #deckingmaterial #coloroptions

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4 Major Factors that Drive the Cost of your New Deck

The material that you choose and the size of your deck are the largest contributing factors in determining how much your project is going to cost. Selecting a composite material, such as Trex, which is low maintenance and includes a 25 year limited warranty against material defects, will obviously cost more than a deck constructed of pressure treated wood deck boards. The larger the deck, the more obvious the difference in price will be. Keep in mind when deciding, however, the cost of maintenance on a wood deck. If you invest in a Trex deck up front, you will come out ahead in the long run. Labor and installation costs vary based on the complexity of your design and time required for your project. Are you having a brand new deck built, or are you refacing your existing deck by replacing deck boards and railings? If your existing sub-structure is in good shape or can by with minor repairs, refacing your existing deck may be a more cost-efficient option. Meeting with a deck builder during the budgeting stage is a good way to make sure that you are planning ahead for what you want instead of scaling back to what you can afford quickly. Upgrades such as multiple platforms, integrated patios, lighting packages, pergolas, and railing systems all contribute to the cost of a new deck. Discuss all of your selections with a deck builder during the budgeting stage and ask for additional options or recommendations. Your deck builder may be able to help you find solutions that make your backyard into the paradise you’re imagining without breaking the bank or help you create a realistic budget to get exactly what you want. The season that you decide to build your deck may affect your budget! Some contractors increase labor costs leading up to and during the busy building seasons of spring and summer. Some contractors will build right into the winter months by pouring their concrete footings in the fall before temperatures drop and returning later in the season to complete the build in order to avoid having slow months. Discuss with your contractor when the best time would be to install your new deck. Check out our site for some great examples, then set up your free estimate! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule! #compositedecking #deckingmaterials #deckrail #deck #curveddeck #trex #trexdecking #deckcontractor #decking #compositedeck

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Tips on Avoiding Scam Contractors.. Skip “Chuck in a Truck”

When you’re ready to pull the trigger on that big home remodel project and you’ve scrimped and saved to make sure you really get to do it the way you want, don’t get disappointed by “Chuck in a Truck”! Do your homework, and hire the right company to have the project done right the first time! “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten” – Benjamin Franklin. So how do you spot a “Chuck in a Truck”? Watch for these warning signs! larger down payment such as purchasing new kitchen cabinetry or a Trex Deck, but the down payment should be very transparent as to what it’s covering. Ask your contractor what it’s being used for. A generic 50% down payment may be a red flag. Look for a payment schedule with progress benchmarks that allow for smaller payments during construction to make sure you are comfortable, and that the contractor can move the job forward without either side feeling squeezed. Check out our site to see some of our previous work, then set up your free estimate! https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ – or just phone 630-200-3945 to schedule! #scam #contractor #remodeling #renovation #holidays #kitchen

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How to Properly Maintain Your Trex Deck in Winter

Mild fall days are disappearing fast and at this point in the season, most people have moved to the much warmer and inviting indoors. You probably won’t be thinking much of using your beautiful Trex deck until the arrival of Spring. Here are some tips for maintaining your deck through the harsh winter months so it will be ready to use in the Spring! If you have not yet had your new Trex deck built and would like to wait until Spring, there’s still time to get an estimate and reserve your spot to have your deck built as soon as the weather breaks in Spring! Call DDT Home Transformations at 630-200-3945 or visit our website: https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ to schedule your estimate! #deckingmaterials #deckrail #deckmaintenance #trec #compositedecking

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Winter is a Great Time to Get Your Deck Quote

Why get your deck quote in winter? Great things take time! If you want to be one of the first to enjoy a brand-new deck this Spring, now is the time to get an estimate. Getting your new deck estimate now gives you time to design your deck the way you want to use it, decide on a contractor, and to work out financing BEFORE you start missing out on spring afternoons in the backyard! Have your contractor bring sample boards to you or schedule a visit to his showroom. Take your time selecting a color or a combination of colors and options that fit your needs and budget without feeling rushed. Talk to contractors now and get on the books for early Spring with the company you really want to use instead of whichever company happens to have availability left in their schedule. Knowing the cost of your deck project with all of the options that you really want ahead of time gives you time to plan financially. Getting an estimate now gives you time to save to make sure you get the deck that you really want! Other things to Consider with Your Deck Quote Lighting: Have your contractor quote lighting in your estimate! Lighting can be incorporated in deck rails, stair risers, and can be used to accent areas of interest. It is much easier and less expensive to have lighting installed during the original framing of the deck rather than to retrofit. RainEscape: Trex makes a product called RainEscape which works like a trough and gutter system for raised decks to keep rain, spills and snowmelt from falling between the deck boards and allows for dry usage of the area under the deck, such as a walkout patio. Deck Furniture: Deck furniture is an expense that can be easily overlooked when pricing out your project. Once you decide on a deck size, it would be a good to start shopping deck furniture and incorporate it into your budget. Deck Board Curves and Designs: Ask your contractor how you can incorporate curved deck boards, contrasting colors, pergolas, benches, or flowerboxes into your deck design to ensure that you have an original style that will be the envy of your neighborhood! If you have not yet had your new Trex deck built and would like to wait until Spring, there’s still time to get an estimate and reserve your spot to have your deck built as soon as the weather breaks in Spring! Call DDT Home Transformations at 630-200-3945 or visit our website: https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ to schedule your estimate!

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Deck Resurfacing: A Great Way to Give your Decking the Fresh Look or Upgrade It Needs

Wood decks can be cost-efficient to build initially, but maintenance costs over time add to the final cost of a deck. If you currently have a wood deck, you are probably already aware of the maintenance that they require. As the deck boards age, they dry out, change color due to exposure to the sun and other environmental factors, and the deck will require staining and / or sealing annually to avoid stains from fallen leaves or other debris. Wood deck boards also wear and break down causing cracking and splintering. So, what are the options for renewing your aging wood deck once the boards have reached the end of their usable life? Build a new deck. If the deck was poorly maintained and the substructure is unsafe or doesn’t meet local building code, this may be your best option. You can choose to build a new wood deck for the least relative cost and start the cycle over again, or you could choose to upgrade to a composite decking material. This option would cost more money up front, but you will enjoy years of maintenance free use. A less expensive and faster option is to resurface your existing wood deck with new composite deck boards and railings. This option is great if you are happy with the size and shape of your deck, would like to benefit from the maintenance free properties of composite deck boards and railings, and you have had your deck substructure inspected by a licensed professional. This option also saves you money! Deck resurfacing can be done in a matter of days and often does not require a building permit! Here is how deck it works.. First, your contractor will remove all existing deck boards and handrails. Repairs, if necessary, will be made to ensure your existing substructure is free from damage and meets current building codes. Existing stairs will almost always need to be reframed due to installation requirements of composite decking. For example, Trex requires stair stringers be installed 12” on center as opposed to 16” – 18”on center for pressure treated boards. New wood posts will be installed for the new railing system. Then, the new composite deck boards will be installed over the existing frame. New fascia board will be installed around the perimeter of the deck. Finally, the railing systems will be installed to complete the project. Your renewed deck is now ready to provide years of maintenance free enjoyment! A consideration when having your existing deck resurfaced, is that while the deck boards are removed would be the ideal time to add a lighting package or Trex RainEscape to really upgrade your backyard living space! Lighting can provide accents and safety while RainEscape allows the space under your deck to be usable even during the rain by directing rain water from your deck above to a gutter system below. RainEscape is ideal for 2 nd story decks over a patio or walk out basement entrance. Take advantage of the early break in the weather! Get started today and enjoy the outdoor living season! Call DDT Home Transformations at 630-200-3945 or visit our website: https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ to schedule your estimate!

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Use Curves and Levels When You Design Your New Deck for Maximum Appeal and Best Use of Space

When you think of building a new deck, do you picture it square, rectangular, or maybe it has clipped corners? Or do you picture curves that flow with your landscaping and accentuate your patio furniture? If you want your deck to really stand out in your neighborhood and look progressive and different from the standard, consider adding curves to your deck design! There are several ways to incorporate curves to your design and discussing the options with your contractor is a great place to start! Add a soft curve to the front face of your deck. A simple way to add softness and a few extra square feet to your deck is to curve the entire front face of your deck. Curve the deck corners. Instead of clipped corners, design your deck with curved corners to really differentiate your deck from everyone else’s. Create an organic curved deck line. Use curves to incorporate landscaping and trees into your backyard living space. A classic kidney shaped deck front is much more interesting to look at than a square front and can help maximize and define outdoor living zones such as eating and relaxing by curving to complement your patio furniture. Use curved deck board inlays in your deck board layout. One way to add a real pop of visual interest to your deck is using a contrasting or complementing deck board inlay in your deck board layout. Curving the deck board inlay really makes it stand out as custom and original. Use curves of varying sizes for multi-level decks. Curving each level of your multi-level deck with differing degrees of curvature and sizing can make your deck appear more complex and interesting. You can also use this as a tool to help define spaces. Use a more circular curve for a round patio table and use a broader organic curve for lounge furniture. Curve the deck railings too! Ask your contractor to curve the deck railings to match your decks curves! Curving the deck rails brings attention to the curves and makes them more noticeable when looking at your deck from the ground. Light up your curves! Use landscape and deck lighting to draw more attention to your decks curved features! Deck rail lights accent deck rails, landscape lighting make curved deck faces shine, and deck board up-lighting can draw attention to curved inlays and help define spaces. Get started today and enjoy the outdoor living season! Call DDT Home Transformations at 630-200-3945 or visit our website: https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ to schedule your estimate!

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Stay Safe and Enjoy Your New Deck While Complying With Covid-19 Restrictions

DDT Home Transformations continues to work diligently to complete current projects and keep new projects moving forward. As the coronavirus (COVID-19) has begun to show an increased impact on our communities, our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have been affected. We feel it has become imperative to reach out and share the steps DDT Home Transformations is taking to help keep the health and safety of our customers, employees, and communities a top priority during this rapidly evolving circumstance. At this time, our crews work outdoors only and are encouraged to maintain distance between each other and our clients. Crews are currently restricted to 5 workers. Our crew members are encouraged to stay home if they are not feeling well. Our designer is working from a home office and is in contact via phone and email with our clients and local building departments to continue the permitting and inspection processes. ENJOY YOUR BACKYARD THIS SPRING: With all of the travel restrictions out there, consider stay-cationing in your own backyard! A new deck is a great place to pass the time at home. COORDINATE YOUR NEW DECK WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR HOUSE: Book your estimate online or by phone. Meet with the estimator outdoors and maintain appropriate social distancing or speak to him on the phone from inside your home. Work out the details through email and phone conversations. Pay invoices online through secure channels. SHOP LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES: During this difficult time, choosing a small business to complete your outdoor project helps the local economy and keep small businesses operating. Now is a great time for a new deck project. Get started today and enjoy the outdoor living season! Call DDT Home Transformations at 630-200-3945 or visit our website: https://www.ddthomepros.com/contact/ to schedule your estimate!

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