Replacing an Old Deck with Help from Local Deck Contractors
No matter how well built a deck may be, all decks will eventually need replacement. After a few decades of wear and tear, is your backyard ready for an upgrade? Here at Structurally Speaking, we can help. We are local deck contractors who specialize in building custom decks your family can enjoy for years to come.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Deck
Decks can last anywhere from just a few years (if the structure is poorly built) to several decades. How can you know when it is time to replace your deck? Here are a few warning signs:
- You see or feel structural damage, such as several loose boards, rotting wood, and warped planks.
- The deck is sinking on one side or in multiple directions and doesn’t seem stable.
- Pieces of the deck are missing (boards, railing, stairs, etc.).
- Mold and mildew that doesn’t clear up with some simple deck maintenance.
- Tree roots and/or vines are overtaking the deck.
- You think your deck might be unsafe in any other way.
You could also choose to replace your deck simply because you don’t like it. Many families never use their deck because it is not well-designed for how they want to enjoy their backyard living space. A custom deck builder like Structurally Speaking can design an outdoor area that you actually use and enjoy!
Why a Custom Deck is the Right Choice
Along with being a design you actually love to use, a custom deck has a few other benefits. Here’s why we recommend upgrading to a custom deck:
- Decks add value to your home. You’ll get the most value or return on investment (ROI) if the deck looks like it was designed as part of the home, rather than just being a tacked-on square of wood. Custom decks flow with the design of your home.
- When a deck isn’t customized to your backyard, it doesn’t take full advantage of the space. We maximize your views, take the sun’s position into consideration, and make sure you still have plenty of grassy space. If it’s a concern, we can even build around trees.
- We can add custom features to make your deck more functional, such as outdoor kitchens, built-in seating, fire pits, water features, pergolas, and more.
Custom doesn’t have to mean expensive. We start by talking to you about your deck budget so we can make sure we land at a price that feels comfortable for you. Our decks don’t suddenly inflate in price during the construction process. The price we quote is the price you get.
Best Material for Your New Deck
Another awesome reason to choose a custom deck is that you get to pick custom decking materials. Most decks here in North Carolina are made with pressure-treated pine. While pine is a good option due to its low cost and ease of use, it is far from the only option out there. We offer a variety of other types of decking material, so you can choose what makes the most sense for your backyard. The three most common alternative choices are exotic hardwoods, cedar, and composite.
Exotic Hardwoods
Exotic hardwoods include options such as cumaru, tigerwood, Ipe, and garapa. Each type of exotic hardwood has its own pros and cons, but in general, these woods are insect- and mold-resistant and durable. Most people seek these kinds of woods because of their unique colors and grains. So, it’s common to simply seal the wood instead of stain or paint it, which cuts down on maintenance costs and time.
Cedar
Cedar is another decking material that is resistant to insects and rot. It is less expensive than some of the exotic hardwoods we offer, but it is also a softer wood. This means it needs more maintenance and is prone to scratches. You can read more about cedar here.
Composite
If you want a deck that will last as long as possible and requires less maintenance, composite is the way to go. Composite decking manufacturers make planks using a combination of plastic and wood. The boards come in a variety of colors and finishes, which are resistant to fading and stains.
Working with Local Deck Contractors: The Structurally Speaking Design Process
If you’re interested in building a new deck, your first step is to give us a call or send us a message. We’ll schedule a no-obligation free consultation so we can talk about your project. If we’re not the right local deck contractors for you, there are no strings attached! However, if you’d like to work with us for your new custom deck, we’ll get to work designing some options for you.
Next, we’ll meet with you again for a design presentation. We’ll show you multiple deck design options so we can narrow down the perfect deck for your backyard. You can make any changes you want at this point. We don’t start construction until you are completely happy with your design.
The construction process is simple and we do our best to keep disruption to a minimum. Our owner overseas every project, and our in-house building team is happy to answer any questions you may have. We take pride in getting things done right the first time and providing excellent customer service.
FAQs About Building a New Deck
We can answer any questions you have about your deck project, but here are a few frequently asked questions as a start. Call us today to set up your free in-person consultation!
What can I do to make my deck more inviting?
When we design a deck, we think about your backyard as a whole. Our goal is to make sure this is an inviting space for however you plan to use it – relaxing, entertaining, playing with your kids, etc. This article has more tips to help you create an inviting backyard, complete with your new deck.
Can I build a deck if I have a small backyard?
Small backyards can be a challenge. However, we have experience building beautiful decks even if you don’t have a lot of space. Our designs help you streamline your space to make the most of your backyard.
How do I hire the best local deck contractors?
It can be a challenge to find the best team for you. We invite you to read our real customer reviews to get a sense for what to expect when you work with our team. Here are a few recent reviews:
“Very happy with the results of our new deck and porch replacing our old deck which was destroyed by a fallen tree. Want to say that communication about the details from design to estimate to implementation was fantastic. Jim Brennan (and his staff) took the time to answer all our questions before, during, and after the project was completed. Would recommend Structurally Speaking to anyone wanting a new deck and or porch.” – Todd Jacobs
“Jim and the crew of Structurally Speaking were fantastic. Jim’s ideas for the design worked much better than the ones we had in mind. The work was done quickly and professionally. Our porch looks amazing and our family (especially our kids) spend most of their time there.” – Ofri Leitner
Read more reviews here, and then contact us to set up an appointment with our team.