David Lyons was raised in the home improvement industry. He started working with his father in general contracting as a teenager, followed by employment in a hardware business which then transitioned into working for other companies in the industry. However, Lyons couldn't shake the itch of breaking out onto his own. Decks have been something he enjoyed designing and building, so it was only natural for him to launch Archadeck of Delaware. Operating since 1980, Archadeck is a trusted and reliable custom deck, patio and porch builder, serving Delaware since 2017 with their expertise and knowledge in the decking industry and providing the best materials and design that can turn your dream outdoor living space into reality.

House & Home spoke with Lyons about how deck preferences have changed and why Archadeck stands apart from the rest.

What makes Archadeck stand out from its competitors?
We strive to build at a higher standard. We build above and beyond the code, and we aim to excel in customer service and communication. From the initial phone call in the beginning until the project is finishing up, we're going to be spending a lot of time with our clients. I've had several people tell me they were surprised we showed up for the appointment. Everyone has those nightmare stories. While other companies use subcontractors, they can be hit or miss. Our crews are employees, high-quality people with benefits and workers' compensation. With us, customers can expect professionalism, a clean job site and honesty.

How have you seen decking trends evolve over the years?
More people are getting away from wood, although some still go with pressure-treated wood, but there has been a big increase in costs for it at the moment. Composite is the preferred choice because it's maintenance free and comes in a variety of colors.

For a time curved decks were popular but we don't do many of those anymore. I like doing two tones such as having the frame in a different color than the boards or trying a parting board in a different color. You can change the design of it just by changing the colors of the deck boards. I also see more people who want a screened-in porch or sunroom, not just a deck.

Many people are starting to think about having a deck built for this summer. What would you say about their timeline?
People should pull the trigger fast. Right now, it would be June or July before we could start on it because we are booked so far out. With summer fast approaching, that wait time will only get longer. If you would like to have a new outdoor living space in time to enjoy for the summer, don't wait. But, with all of the features available, decks can be enjoyed well into fall, so there is still plenty of time in the year to get use out of it.

What final words of advice would you have for homeowners as they research companies for their deck project?
I would make sure the company is insured and has workers' compensation insurance. You might save a couple thousand up front by going with a company that cuts corners, but if someone gets hurt on your property it could cost you tens of thousands of dollars or more. Look for the best value—typically the best value is not the lowest price. Check out the company's workmanship and professionalism. We seek to build something for our customers that they can enjoy knowing that it is installed correctly and we can be proud of building it.

Archadeck of Delaware
Newark, Del.
(302) 455-2426 | Delaware.Archadeck.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 21, Issue 7 (March 2021). 
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