If you’re thinking about having a deck designed and built, then you’re likely looking for tips and ideas. We’ve rounded up lots of advice from local experts who can help guide you to building the deck of your dreams.

Start with Your Wants and Needs
“Deciding on what size, shape and type of deck you want starts with asking some important questions. What do you want the deck to do for you? Do you want a private retreat for your immediate family or an oasis for extended family and neighborhood parties? This will dictate where to begin.”
Omar Stoltzfus, director of sales and marketing
Deck Craft Plus, LLC
Honey Brook, Pa.
(610) 273-3317
DeckCraftPlus.com

Think Shade
“Customers today ask for many options beyond just a plain deck—often including a shade option on their deck. In many cases this means a roof over the deck or a pergola with customized ‘retractable shades’ to provide solid shade when it’s needed. Both of these options make existing or new decks much more usable. Thus, we end up installing these options both over existing structures as well as brand-new decks. Both of these options also add some architectural interest to what is otherwise a plain, flat surface.”
Juan Cardona, owner
Archadeck of Chester County
(610) 696-3340
Chester-County.Archadeck.com

Find the Ideal Size and Shape
“The size of your new deck depends on a lot of factors. In my opinion, the house and yard both dictate everything. The deck size should never overpower the house. It should be in proportion—and its shape should match the surroundings. If your yard is sloped, a bi-level deck would enhance that; or, if you have bay windows, an octagonal bump-out would look perfect. A deck should be constructed in a way as to enhance all of the features of both the house and the landscape. Grill bump-outs and octagonal bump-outs don’t add a lot of square footage to the project and can really set a deck off. The grill bump-outs tuck the grill in to keep it away from children running around on the deck and it keeps your useable space wide open.”
Mike Jerminski, owner
Get Decked
Serving Delaware and Pa.
(302) 897-0302
GetDeckedInc.com

Consider Composite
“Composite decking is the most popular deck material today. It is made of durable, long-lasting material that is stain-resistant and will hold up well to harsh weather— as well as natural wear and tear for up to 50 years. Composite decking won’t splinter, rot or become susceptible to insect damage. Additionally, most composite decking won’t fade or lighten as much as natural decking would over time.”
Chris Novak
Keystone Custom Decks
Lancaster County, Pa.
(717) 355-0592
KeystoneCustomDecks.com

Materials Matter
“The Trex Transcend product line is the material I like to work with most. The available colors with the Trex Transcend product line seem to be a perfect match to our customers’ palette. The durability is the No. 1 reason we like the Transcend line. Decks we have built several years ago still look like they were completed yesterday.”
Ed Fulmer, sales
Amazing Decks
Ambler, Pa.
Flemington, N.J.
(800) 220-3275
AnotherAmazingDeck.com

For No Regrets, Find a Reputable Builder
“My best advice in finding a reputable deck builder would be to choose wisely. A reputable deck builder will have proof of insurance, acquire permits and handle inspections, demonstrate excellent customer service and have numerous references and reviews to confirm their quality of work. They may not be the cheapest, but the job will be done right the first time with enduring quality for many years to come.”
David Lyons, project designer
Archadeck of Delaware/DNA Roofing & Siding
Hockessin, Del.
(302) 455-2426
Delaware.Archadeck.com 

Select imagery courtesy of Deck Craft Plus, LLC, Archadeck of Chester County, Get Decked, Keystone Custom Decks, Amazing Decks, and Archadeck of Delaware.

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 20, Issue 9 (March 2020). 
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