Northwest Arkansas
Decks and Patios
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a typical deck cost?
There really isn’t a “typical” deck. Every customer has a different idea or vision for how they want their deck to look. Every deck is different depending on design, square footage, features, etc. We will help you choose exactly the right deck for your budget and maximum outdoor enjoyment. Prices can range from a $3-5,000 to $15,000 or more depending on your wishes and budget.
How long does it take to build a deck?
Based on the size of your deck, an average project may take anywhere from a few days to 2 weeks. Larger projects may take longer.
What types of wood will be best for my project?
We find that a high quality pressure-treated lumber (specifically pine) still makes a very pretty deck. Cedar seems to have had it’s heyday for use as a decking material. Cedar makes a very pretty deck when first complete, however it’s lifespan is about 12 years on average, and many people want better performance. Composite & PVC capped material and use is on the rise. Some of these products have a look and feel of plastic or vinyl. While the decks may be nice and require less maintenance (there is no such thing as ‘maintenance free’), anybody that has had a deck built with this material is never asked, “Is this a wood deck?” There are several manufacturers for these products. Check this out for more information on composite decking. Many of the companies are very new to this industry and boast warranties that they may not be in business long enough to make good on, if necessary.
What types of wood will be best for my project?
We find that a high quality pressure-treated lumber (specifically pine) makes a very pretty deck. Cedar seems to have had it’s heyday for use as a decking material. Cedar makes a very pretty deck when first complete, however it’s lifespan is about 12 years on average, and many people want better performance. Composite & PVC capped material and use is on the rise. Some of these products have a look and feel of plastic or vinyl. While the decks may be nice and require less maintenance (there is no such thing as ‘maintenance free’), anybody that has had a deck built with this material is never asked, “Is this a wood deck?” There are several manufacturers for these products.
How can I make my deck look different than a typical deck?
Unlike other deck companies or home supply retailers, we never uses stock deck designs. Every deck is custom designed and tailored to your unique needs and desires. You can also choose from a variety of design details including different deck shapes and patterns, inlays, unique railing styles including copper, illumination for evening, etc.
How much more does it cost to use composite versus wood?
Typically, you can expect to budget 50 – 100% or more for composite deck material. However, with the current costs of lumber being higher than normal it will usually be around 50% more (depending on the quality of the composite you select).
What is composite made of?
It depends on the manufacturer. Composite materials range from recycled plastic bags and milk jugs to recycled plastics, vinyl and aluminum.
How do I care for my deck after it’s installed?
Shortly after your wood deck is built, (about 90 days in summer, longer in cooler months) you will need to seal the deck with a high quality wood sealer. This can also provide a finish with color for the deck since the stain and sealer are the same color. After that, we recommend staining and sealing your deck on an annual basis. MFG Sealant is a manufacturer of a great deck sealer that we often use and recommend.
What kinds of products do you build?
We design and build custom decks, porches, screened porches, sunrooms, gazebos, pergolas, pool and spa decks, and other outdoor structures.
How many designs do I have to choose from?
Our work is customized to your exact needs, so your design options are virtually endless.
What kinds of wood do you use?
The most common we use is pressure-treated wood. But we can build with all types of wood and are experienced with cedar, redwood, tropical hardwoods, and low-maintenance composites and synthetics. You have a full range of materials to choose from. But most clients choose pressure-treated because of it’s utility and affordability.
Do you have a written contract that I will sign?
Yes. We supply you with a detailed contract to protect you from any misunderstandings.
What type of warranty do you offer?
Our own warranty provides you with protection against defects in materials and workmanship for 12 months; defects in structural fitness for 60 months; and passes through all manufacturer warranties (the most frequent being the lifetime warranty provided by treated wood manufacturers).
Can I get an exact price before I decide to hire your company?
Definitely. First we’ll meet with you for an initial consultation, where we’ll discuss your needs, personal preferences, and budget. After that complimentary meeting, we can decide if it makes sense to proceed to the next step.
What do you charge per square foot?
Since our projects are custom designed and built, square footage pricing will vary. There are so many variables that affect the final price (height off the ground, site conditions, material choices, local code requirements, the complexity of the design, etc.) that a simple square footage price would be misleading.
Are you insured?
Yes, our we carry at least one million dollars of general liability insurance.
I’ve just signed a contract. How long will it take to build my project?
It depends on the size and complexity of your project, the weather, and our workload. Normally, projects can be turned around faster in the fall and winter (as opposed to the spring, which is our busiest season). When we meet for the initial measurements we will always give you our current time-frames.
Do you build with pressure-treated materials and are there any dangers with them?
As of January 1, 2004, wood treated with CCA (chromated copper arsenate), has been phased out for consumer use. ACQ (alkaline copper quat) and CA (copper azole) are the new formulations used for treating wood against termite damage and rot. The EPA has approved all treatment methods for safe usage in residential applications. In addition, wood alternatives and composite decking materials have become consumer favorites. Other popular pressure-treated wood alternatives include cedar and tropical hardwoods.
What type of screen do you use in your screened porches?
Screening materials are typically fiberglass or aluminum, in either silver or charcoal colors. We offer classic hand-stretched, screen panel inserts with aluminum or cedar frames, or a vinyl trim system (known as Screen Tight). There are other options for screening, including a UV option, heavy-duty pet screen, or very fine weave “no-see-um” screening to keep out the tiniest of bugs.