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An Update on Pandemic Home Improvement Trends and Decking Supply Issues

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COVID-19 has led to an increase in homeowner spending on home renovation projects including building new decks. Construction, in many areas, was exempted from stay-at-home orders as an essential business and with deck building allowing contractors to work outdoors while socially distancing, homeowners seem comfortable moving forward with this type of project. As COVID-19 continues to affect our daily lives and the building season has progressed, price and supply have become issues in getting deck projects completed.Since 2015, lumber prices have been sporadic. Rising and falling with supply and demand. Then the COVID-19 pandemic happened. Loggers curtailed the harvesting of softwood pine in the South anticipating lower demand due to the pandemic. With people placed under various stay-at-home orders, spending on family vacations was put on hold. Families received a check from the government. Stuck at home with a little extra cash and nowhere to go, home improvement projects became a popular way to productively pass the time. While shopping your local big box home improvement store, you may notice empty bays where bunks of lumber would normally be stored and staged for purchase. Due to the loggers slowing the harvest of the trees, lumber supply has become depleted. Although untreated lumber can be provided for purchase rather quickly, lumber was not being provided to treatment facilities in usual quantities, creating a shortage of pressure treated lumber. As a result of the shortage of pressure treated lumber, prices have risen 50% or more! Prices and supply are not expected to recover until winter when the deck season comes to a close. Pressure treated deck boards have become scarce and suppliers are unable to provide replenishment dates. Many homeowners then turn to composite deck boards such as Trex to try to get their deck projects completed. This shift from pressure treated to composite materials is now affecting the availability of composite deck boards. Trex is not able to release trucks of product fast enough to keep suppliers stocked with all of the materials necessary to build a deck in all of the available colors. Contractors are now finding it necessary to adjust building schedules to accommodate projects with materials that are available first, while other homeowners’ projects are being delayed, regardless of who purchased first. It sometimes becomes necessary for a contractor to source materials from multiple suppliers to get everything they need for a deck project. This is even further compounded with the lumber shortage, which is driving pricing and lead times further up and out. Extend your living space into the outdoors! Get started today and give your family a space they’ll love! 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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Planning & Budgeting in the Fall Months Allows Time for Proper Design With Quality Decking Materials

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Fall is here and Winter will be here before you know it! Now is a great time to start thinking about a new deck for Spring! Take into consideration factors such as deck material, size, style, and upgrades when you start planning. Planning and budgeting now and over the winter months will allow time to save for your project so that you can achieve the quality and design that you are looking for when Spring arrives. Your new deck can be a significant investment and well worth it to do it right!The main determining factors when it comes to budgeting for your new deck are the deck design and the materials that you choose to build with. Getting an estimate from a few reputable contractors during the budgeting stage will help keep expectations realistic and may reveal additional expenses that you may not have considered.The main cost drivers for your deck project will be the material that you choose and the size of the deck. Choosing pressure treated deck boards will cost less than composite deck boards. On the installation side, a smaller deck will actually cost more per square foot to install than a larger deck. This is because it does not take much additional labor to install a longer board than a shorter one, bringing the overall cost of installation down. Because square foot pricing can vary so much on the installation portion of an estimate, it would be wise to get estimates from contractors rather than assume a standard square foot price will stay the same from project to project. Installation costs will vary dependent on the scope of the project and how much time the contractor estimates it will take to complete. A smaller deck may cost less to install per square foot than a larger deck. This is simply because there is very little time variance in installing a shorter board vs. a longer one, so installation time does not change exponentially. Other considerations that can drive your deck’s price are upgrades! A flat, single level deck is easier to build and therefore less expensive than a multi-level deck. Prices will vary depending on the railing that you select. A composite railing will cost less than an aluminum railing. Adding lighting is an obvious way to upgrade the look of your deck, but also comes with cost! The season that you decide to purchase and build your deck can also affect your contract price. Some contractors will increase prices during the busy Spring and Summer months, and discount during the fall if they need to stretch work further into the year.Working with a contractor now, while the weather is cool and less people are thinking of installing a new deck, will help you be prepared to be one of the first installed in the Spring! Being prepared now will also allow time to save for the deck that you really want! Get started today and give your family a space they’ll love! 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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Why Adding Budget for a Deck Lighting Package Enhances Your Family’s Outdoor Living Experience

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Deciding to add a beautiful deck to your backyard is an exciting upgrade to your outdoor space! Getting the most out of your deck after the sun goes down help get the most out of your investment! During the planning process or when repairing your existing deck are the best times to add lighting to your deck design. Doing so will dramatically improve the appearance and function of your deck. Enhance your outdoor space by investing in deck lighting! Safety and Security: One of the most practical benefits of adding lighting to your deck is that it will provide enhanced safety and security for yourself, your family, and guests. Riser lights make stair treads more visible and will reduce the likelihood of tripping on the way up or a misstep on the way down a set of stairs. Deck rail lights illuminate the perimeter of your deck either inside the railing, outside, or both, adding security by making your space more well lit and less appealing to anyone wishing to trespass on your property. Entertaining: Your deck is the perfect place to entertain your guests during the warmer months of the year! Social distancing is best done outdoors with room to spread out and fresh air between you and your guests! Adding lighting makes your deck more inviting and interesting and your yard will be the place to come together while staying apart during the COVID 19 pandemic and even more so afterwards! Be creative with your lighting design by incorporating different types of lighting including stair riser lights, deck rail lights, and accent lighting! Get More Use Out of Your Deck Every Day: The most prevalent benefit to adding lighting to your deck is the ability and comfort of being able to continue using your deck after sunset! As the fall days get shorter, your lighting design will become even more important! Get the most out of your deck investment by being able to utilize your outdoor living space morning, afternoon, evening, or after dark! TREX Lighting Solutions: Trex offers many lighting options to meet your lighting design needs! Trex offers post cap lights and for both their composite railing lines and their signature aluminum railing lines! Deck rail lights are also available for both composite and aluminum deck posts! Stair riser lights and recessed deck lights are also available for both safety and aesthetic uses! Trex also offers transformers and all of the necessary wiring and connections to complete your lighting project! Trex lighting uses Energy-efficient CREE LEDs for long-lasting illumination. The lights are dimmable and weather-proof! Lighting can be controlled with via timer and optional dimmer with remote! Adding Lighting to your Deck: If possible, always include a budget for lighting when you are initially building your deck. The best time to run the wiring is during rough framing, before the deck boards are installed. This allows the builder the best access to attach the wiring to the sub-structure, keeping it off the ground and away from critters! If you want to add lighting to your existing deck, try to coordinate the installation with repairs or deck board replacement. For the best results, consult with an experienced deck builder to plan your dream deck with stunning lighting! Get started today and give your family a space they’ll love! 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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How to Properly Care and Maintain Your Trex Composite Decking and Extend the Life of Your Dream Deck

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Protect your investment by learning to properly care for your Trex deck. Below are the recommended cleaning methods provided by Trex to keep your deck looking beautiful! Dirt & Debris: Spray your deck with a hose to remove surface debris. Use warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush to remove dirt and grime from the embossed pattern on the deck boards. Hard Water Staining: Hard water can leave deposits on your deck boards and railings, including lime, silica, and calcium. Keep on top of these unsightly spots by cleaning with white vinegar on the decking surfaces or a Magic Eraser on the railing surfaces. Rinsing your deck is required as basic care for your Trex deck, so if possible, avoid using hard water for this purpose. If hard water cannot be avoided, dry with a cloth or use a blower to dry surfaces. Tannins Due to Debris: Allowing leaves and other yard debris to sit on the deck for a prolonged length of time can result in staining of the deck boards due to natural tannins in the debris. Remove the debris from the deck using a hose or broom. Apply a “brightener” to the deck, once it is dry, as specified by the manufacturer. Brighteners contain oxalic acid, which removes tannins. Oil / Food / Grease: Food spills should be removed from the deck as soon as possible. The surface must be cleaned within seven days to maintain the stain warranty. Spray with a hose, then use warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush to remove spills from the embossed wood pattern. Mold & Mildew: Pollen and dirt that is allowed to sit on the deck surface, biofilm is created, and mold can feed on the biofilm. Use a hose and warm, soapy water with a soft bristle brush to remove biofilm and mold. Pressure Washing: A pressure washer with no greater than 3100 psi that has a fan attachment/adjustment and soap dispenser may be used to remove dirt. Spray deck with soap, then gently scrub each deck board with a soft bristle brush. Spray/rinse each individual deck board using a fan tip no closer than 8″ from the decking surface. RINSE THOROUGHLY. If dirty water from cleaning is left to dry, this will cause a film to remain on the decking surface. Be sure to follow the recommendations given by Trex to ensure your warranty remains valid and your investment is protected. Taking care to properly clean and maintain your Trex deck will keep it looking great for years of enjoyment! Get started today and give your family a space they’ll love! 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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Why Winter is a Great Time to Upgrade Your Existing Deck to Low Maintenance Trex Composite Decking

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Deck building is typically considered a Spring through Fall type of project in the Midwest, where low temperatures and frozen ground can keep a contractor from agreeing to complete your project during the cold winter months. This is certainly true if you need a new deck to be built from scratch which involves digging holes 42” deep into the ground for the pouring of concrete piers to ensure that your deck doesn’t heave with the freeze / thaw cycles that we experience in our area of the country. Digging to this depth is difficult to impossible when the ground is frozen and building inspection cannot be passed without completing this step. However, if you are looking to have your existing deck resurfaced with a composite decking material such as Trex, you may be in luck if your contractor will agree to work in the cold temperatures! Deck resurfacing requires the demolition of your existing deck boards and railings, and possibly some framing repairs before installing new deck boards and railings. Since the deck sub-structure is remaining in place, there is no need to wait for warmer weather which would be required to dig holes and pour the concrete piers that support your deck. If you plan to increase the size of your deck or change the deck layout by, for example, moving the stairs, you may need to wait until Spring as new concrete support piers may be required. A winter deck resurfacing project is most often going to be a deck which will remain the same size and layout as it is currently built. The hardest part will be finding a contractor who will agree to work outside during the cold months! As long as the temperature is safe to work in and no snow is accumulating on the work area, and you have a willing contractor, a deck resurface can be completed during the winter and your deck will be ready to use come Spring! Weather is a major factor in determining if your deck resurfacing project can be completed during the winter months and the length of time it will require to do so. Snow accumulation can cause delays as the work area needs to be clear in order to properly install the materials. Snow can also cause a safety hazard for the contractor and crew. Your contractor may prefer to wait until the work area is clear before proceeding with your project. Air temperature will also be a factor, again for the safety of the contractor and crew. Check with your contractor to see what temperature they may consider to be too cold to have their crew working outdoors. Should you decide to hire a contractor who has agreed to complete your project in winter, be sure to allow for patience with the time required to complete your project, as weather related delays are common and safety is paramount. Show your appreciation with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa! Get started today and give your family a space they’ll love! 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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The Right Contractor is Worth the Wait on Your New Deck or Resurfacing Project

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Spring is coming, even though it is hard to tell with all of this snow, and the deck building season is approaching fast! Everyone is looking forward to spending time outdoors and gathering safely outdoors with family and friends where social distancing is easier. Calls to the most sought after contractors yield the The best deck builders complete estimates all year round. Some even build right through the winter just to keep work from backing up for months at a time. Contractors who build through the winter are working hard to complete jobs booked in the fall so that they are ready for the Spring rush. Plan ahead and secure a place on the contractor’s schedule to ensure you get the most use out of your deck this season. Not all decks are designed to be built the same way. Finding a carpenter to build a typical square wood deck will be easier to find this time of year than a deck builder who installs composite decking such as Trex, has the ability and equipment to create custom curves, and install lighting packages including deck post lights and riser lights. If you are looking for a more unique, higher quality deck, wait for the contractor you really want to hire. Do not settle for the guy who happens to be available. “Chuck in a Truck” contractors will leap at the opportunity to try to build your dream deck. They will make all of the promises, but many will fail to deliver the deck that you are envisioning. The best-case scenario is that you hire someone who is willing to put in the research to learn and understand how to build your deck correctly and how to create an accurate bid. Even this best-case scenario, although well intentioned, means lack of experience. Worst case scenario… the contractor gets himself in over his head and rather than admit he cannot complete your project and risk losing money on the project, takes off with your money leaving you with a partial project if he comes back at all. Do not risk your money or your project. Get on the schedule of a reputable deck builder as soon as possible. There is always a chance that a cancellation comes up and your deck could get moved up on the schedule! Weather is always a factor when a deck builder decides when and how long a project will take. If a project gets done sooner than expected, smaller projects can be added to the schedule. Being flexible with your availability may get your deck done sooner than expected. Get started today and give your family a space they’ll love! 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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Tax Season Refund, a Great Way to Start Your Deck Project With the Upgrades and Materials You Want

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Tax Refund Season is here! There are many worthy uses for that much anticipated check, and home improvements are usually a contender for that top spot on the list! With Spring in the not-so-distant future, many homeowners are looking to outdoor projects while contractors still have room in their schedules! Focusing your attention on your outdoor living space now can help to ensure that your backyard is ready when the sun comes out, the snow melts, and warm temperatures invite people to gather outdoors! Now is the time to get deck estimates and lock in your place in your contractor’s schedule! Here are 3 ways to use your tax refund towards your deck! Build Your Dream Deck! – Building the deck of your dreams for your backyard can be a sizable investment. Getting an estimate now will help you plan financially and also give you an idea of when your project will be feasible. Be sure to include everything that you may want when you have the estimate created such as lighting packages and deck skirting. Using your tax refund to help fund a large home improvement project, such as building a deck, is a great way to ensure your project can start as soon as weather allows and your contractor has availability. The extra financial boost of a tax refund may allow you to transform a basic deck idea to an extraordinary outdoor living space! Resurface Your Existing Deck! – If you already have a wooden deck that is in need of stripping, sanding, repairing, and repainting, you may opt to forego all of that maintenance, and resurface your existing substructure with composite deck boards and railings such as Trex! As long as your existing substructure is sound and meet current code requirements, it can be transformed into a composite deck with a few minor changes! Using Trex as an example, staircases may need to be rebuilt, as Trex requires stringers to be 12” on center which is closer together than what is required with a pressure treated deck. Blocking may need to be installed around the perimeter to accommodate square edge perimeter boards since Trex fascia is installed below the deck boards rather than flush with them. If the substructure needs repair or modification to meet local code, these repairs will take place prior to installing the new deck boards giving years of additional life to your existing deck! Upgrade Your Deck Plans! – If you were already planning to build a new deck for this year, your tax refund could allow you to upgrade your plans to include extras such as a lighting package, deck skirting, and custom curves! Lighting packages add safety, security, and visual appeal! Deck skirting hides your substructure from view and also helps deter critters from making their homes under your deck! Adding custom curves to your deck can help define spaces, help your deck flow with backyard landscaping, and also make your deck stand out in your neighborhood! Not all deck builders have the capability or equipment to bend deck boards, so be sure to qualify the builder you choose to ensure that you get the dream deck that you really want! Get started today and give your family a space they’ll love! 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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The Best Strategy of Choosing the Right Decking Color for Your Home on Your Composite Dream Deck

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Deciding to build a new deck or to resurface your existing deck with composite deck boards is a great way to utilize your backyard to the fullest! Working with a contractor on a design that works within your budget is especially important and once you are ready to move forward with your project, it is time to choose colors! The deck color that you choose should complement the existing colors of your home. You can choose a bold combination of style and colors and your deck will become the focus of your yard, or your deck can be simple and classic and blend into your outdoor living space. Selecting between a traditional, neutral color scheme and a bold multi-color scheme is a good place to start. If you are not sure which is the right choice for your home and yard, you can start by examining the overall design and shape of your dream deck. A custom design with curved boards, flared stairs, multiple levels, clipped corners, or any combination of these design elements, may be best suited for a simple, single-color deck board selection that works with your home’s color by blending in for an elegant presence or accenting with a single-color selection for a more glamorous appearance. A simpler square or rectangular deck could be made more interesting 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 Beige House: Trying to find a deck color that exactly matches your beige siding is all but impossible. You do not want the deck to look as though you tried to match and “missed”. Alternatively, select colors in a medium brown color. Matching or black railings would look be very suitable in this color scheme. Deck colors for a White House: Any color scheme that you prefer will look amazing on a white house, so which do you choose! Should you opt for a deck with a complex design, light grey shades or soft neutral browns will not overpower the architectural interest of your deck. If you are looking to feature your deck as a focal point, then reds, rich browns, and golds would help your deck to stand out! Dress them up with bright white or two-tone railings to tie into the white siding! Deck colors for a Grey House: Grey siding continues to become increasingly popular and those grey tones can range from light to dark and warm taupe greys to cool blue greys. The most popular deck colors for grey houses include soft browns, reds, or multi-tonal options that vary in grey and brown tones that complement the grey siding. Black or white railings are equally impressive 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 as even product lines within the same brand often do not have the same wood-grain patterns. Get started today and give your family a space they’ll love! 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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