Top Deck Recommendations from Backyard Contractors Near Me
Hiring backyard contractors near me is always the best route to go if you’re planning a new deck for your outdoor living space. While some big box stores sell “kits” to build your own deck, these DIY decks typically leave homeowners disappointed. When you hire professionals instead, you benefit not only from our building skills, but also our decades of deck design experience. The Structurally Speaking team can make recommendations to turn your backyard into a true oasis. Instead of a boring wood platform, our decks truly give you an additional outdoor room for your home.
To start, let’s talk about some of our best deck tips and tricks, as well as what might work best for your home.
Best Materials for Decks
First, no matter what shape and size you want for your deck, it’s important to determine the best material option for your backyard renovation. We work with many different manufacturers to provide top quality decking at reasonable prices. Here are the most popular options:
- Pressure-Treated Pine
- Cedar
- Exotic Hardwoods
- Composite
- PVC
Each decking material has its own pros and cons. In most cases, pressure-treated pine is the most affordable option, so if you are building a very large deck or have a strict budget, this is the way to go. However, other wood and plastic decking options typically last longer. Additionally, materials such as exotic hardwoods are resistant to mildew and insects, while you don’t need to constantly refresh materials like composite and PVC with new coats of paint or stain.
If you’re not sure which material is best, don’t worry. We can help you choose the right material, taking into consideration the look of your home, your stated budget, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do over the years. You can read more about decking materials here, and contact us with other questions you may have.
How Big Should Your Deck Be?
We are often asked about the proper size for a deck. The truth is, there is no one right answer. Yes, it does depend on the size of your yard. However, some families make sure of grassy areas or gardening space more than others, so even your lot size isn’t a good indication of the proper size for your deck.
What we recommend is talking to a member of our team about how you plan to use the space. Here are a few things to consider:
- You can build up instead of out. If your backyard is small and you don’t want to devote too much of it to a deck or porch, consider a second-story deck with an enclosed porch or covered deck underneath. Building up instead of out might also be better for your budget, depending on your specific circumstances.
- A backyard deck or porch isn’t your only option. You can also add a wrap-around porch or deck, which gives you more choices for the size without gobbling up too much of your yard.
- If you only have space for a small deck, it might make sense to choose a covered deck or enclosed porch instead. Many families find them more versatile than a deck alone.
The square footage of your deck isn’t as important as the deck design. A smaller deck can actually feel much bigger if you configure the space in the best possible way. That’s why hiring a custom deck contractor makes so much sense. We’ll customize every inch so your new deck is perfect for your needs.
Adding More Value with Your Deck
A new deck can add a ton of value to your home. In fact, it’s one of the top projects you can do to add value. The 2023 Cost vs. Value report from Remodeling magazine estimates that wood decks, on average, add at least 50% value to the home. Meaning that if you build a deck, you’ll not only get the value of enjoying it, but your home will also be worth more.
Other outdoor projects that rank high on the list include garage door replacement, new vinyl or fiber-cement siding, refreshing your front door/entry, window replacement, and roof replacement. These projects far exceed the return on investment (ROI) of most interior projects.
If you want to add the most value possible, it’s important to stick to a budget that makes sense for your home and neighborhood. We have experience helping homeowners make the best decisions for a high ROI on their deck construction.
FAQs About Hiring Backyard Contractors Near Me
With so many choices, it can be hard to pick the best backyard contractors near me for your new deck. We offer a no-strings-attached free consultation so you can meet with us and ask any questions you have. It’s important to us that you feel completely comfortable hiring us as your deck contractor. Here are a few frequently asked questions to get you started, but again, feel free to ask us anything.
Can you build the type of deck I want?
At Structurally Speaking, we specialize in turning your deck dreams into reality! We always like to say, if you can dream it, we can build it. During our initial meeting, we’d love to discuss what you envision for your new outdoor living space.
Is a wood deck really the best choice for me?
Wood isn’t the best choice for everyone. However, beyond material, a deck itself might not be the best choice. Maybe, instead, your outdoor living space would be better suited with a screened porch, for example. We can help you pick the best option for your space: deck or porch.
How can I be sure you’re the right contractors for the job?
We’d love to show you examples of our past work (you can see some online here). You can also click here to read reviews. Meeting with us is free, so you have nothing to lose! Contact us today to learn more about why we are the best option when you’re searching for backyard contractors near me in the NC Triangle.