Doylestown, PA 18901
Composite Two-level Deck with Waterproof Cabana-style Lounge
Project #011
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PROJECT SPECS:
Location: Doylestown, PA 18901
Size: 17’ x 18’ (300 sf. Deck + 300 sf. Lounge)
Planning: 3 weeks
Construction: 3 weeks
Structure: Two-level deck with pool lounge
Framing: Pressure-treated lumber (LVL beams)
Lounge Ceiling: Cedar Planks
Decking: Trex Enhance Naturals
Main Color: Rocky Harbor
Railings: White Vinyl Rails – Black Balusters
Maintenance Level: Low
FULL DESIGN & BUILD
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New Concrete Patio
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Trex Enhance Decking
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Vinyl, Two-tone Railings
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Waterproof Lounge
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Recessed Lighting & Ceiling Fan
“Dexteriors truly delivered a high-end deck with all the details well thought out. Additionally, they were thorough in communications as they troubleshooted some unanticipated challenges and were flexible as the scope of the project changed. We are thrilled with the final product and would highly recommend.”
-The Homeowner
BACKSTORY
The last thing you want to learn about your back deck is the foundation isn’t holding up…and needs to be completely replaced. This was the unfortunate news we had to deliver to a homeowner looking to replace their deck boards and railings. The existing deck was in need of an upgrade, but our decking technician noticed something else.
We received a call from someone looking for a top-rated deck builder in Doylestown PA. Upon visiting the property in in Bucks County, which was close to Kid’s Castle Park and the Doylestown Hospital, we noticed a problem. The dated wood deck was splitting and rotting in places. This created an issue for the small children in the home, so it was time to replace. But an initial call to replace deck boards & railings yielded an estimate that required a full replacement, including the ground-level patio that acted as the foundation of the deck. Our Deck-Tech noticed a support beam leaning and split, which led him to investigate a faulty footing that was a result of shallow footings and a thin concrete pad supporting the structure.
Needless to say, the homeowner was not pleased. Our quote was 30-50% higher than competition for one main reason; no one else noticed (or called-out) the real issue. Fortunately, we received a call and learned we were sitting at the bottom of the pile. Our suggestion was another consultation, and after speaking with a friend in the engineering field, the homeowner understood the severity.
After removing the concrete pad, it was apparent there was a larger issue at hand and our persistence was rewarded. This homeowner was now able to rest assured that a lurking foundation issue could have spoiled the new $60,000+ deck build should we not have pressed the importance of foundation work.
Work Scope
Develop deck plans. Obtain permit approval
Demo existing structure including concrete pad
Layout & install footings
*Footing Inspection
Pour new concrete pad
Set beam and complete deck framing
*Framing Inspection
Complete all electrical wiring
Apply Trex RainEscape to all joists
Finish gutter work and test system
Decking & railing installation
Cedar ceiling installation
Hang ceiling fan & complete punch list
*Final Inspection
CONSIDER This
Waterproofing a deck requires two amin considerations prior to getting started;
Some townships consider a deck to impervious ground which means ground that doesn’t allow water to seep through, such as concrete, asphalt, or compacted soil. Each township has a different impervious ground coverage based on the zoning classification of your home. If you use 35% of the lot for imperious ground, your home, additional buildings, driveway etc. will total your used ground. If you have usable space, there won’t be an issue building and waterproofing a deck. If your township doesn’t consider a deck to be impervious, there may be a problem. If your land is nearing the total allowable impervious ground, waterproofing the deck space may exceed the allowance. Connect with our deck builders in Doylestown PA to learn about your zoning.
Your property’s water management can be affected by waterproofing your deck or patio space. Decking allows water to move through the spacing between boards which would ultimately make it through to the ground, somewhat evenly, as normal. Once the waterproofing system in installed and directing water to one, possibly two outlets, it will saturate that space without diverting the water properly away from the home and effected area. Consider underground water drainage to disburse water to a less saturated area.
Ready to get started?
Our team of experienced deck builders in Doylestown PA will help you create the backyard of your dreams. Connect with us today to start your home improvement journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permits for a new deck?
Generally speaking, the answer is yes. Every township is going to require a permit for a new build. This is because you are creating a new structure that could impede property line offsets. For that, the township is concerned with the zoning elements. To ensure all its citizens are safe, project inspections are conducted throughout the construction to inspect the footings & foundation, framing, and overall quality of the build. We build to the most recent standards set by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Learn more about the UCC here.
How long does it take to build a new deck?
Smaller builds like Project #031 take about 5 weeks in total. 2-3 weeks are reserved for design and permitting. A simple design could be created, submitted and approved within 3 weeks. Then, any demolition and all construction would last about two weeks.
For a medium-scale design like Project #007 or Project #019, the full process would span 8-12 weeks. These designs include more detail which requires more drafts to get it just right. The design and permitting would take 4-8 weeks to create the design renderings, coordinate the subcontractors, get the permits approved, and order materials. After breaking ground, you can expect the construction to last between 5-8 weeks.
Full Backyard makeovers require the efforts of our full design team and generally require electrical, plumbing, gas & other specialties. The coordination increases tremendously so we always require our customers to allow anywhere from 6-12 months for these improvements. Design 2-3 months. Zoning & Permitting up to 2 months. Preparation 2-4 weeks. Construction 3-4 months.
Can I reuse my current deck framing?
Easy answer: No. In our experience, we have not had success with utilizing existing structures for new deck designs. The main issue in attempting to use old framing is it shifts, twists and changes over time. It may dry out or become waterlogged based on your area. Additionally, ground-contact framing lumber has a limited life expectancy when not properly treated. Composite decking last for 25-50 years which will outlast the framing left over from your current deck. For this, we always build new, including the concrete post footings.
If you’re looking to replace your deck boards and railings with the exact same layout you currently have, that could be possible. But we expect framing improvements due to updated building codes over the years.
Can you build a deck in the winter?
Yes, we can build in colder temperatures. There are some limitations based on snow coverage and ground saturation. Generally speaking, the colder months do not inhibit our ability to elevate your outdoors. If you do not want to build your new deck during the winter, then it’s a great time to plan your spring project. Experienced builders begin to backlog their installations starting April-May through the summer season.
Do you build outdoor kitchens?
Yes, we offer a full array of outdoor living & entertaining services, including kitchen surrounds, custom bar areas, media centers and more. If you are looking to do more than host an average 4th of July party, Dexteriors can help you set the stage. Our kitchen designs can include commercial gas grills including pizza ovens, sinks & drain, dishwasher, vent hood, refrigerators, and more. We’ll consider all details!
What are the best decking brands in my area?
Our customer request Trex Company more than any other decking products. This is generally due to marketing exposure along with great products and customer service. Other desired brands and manufacturers we like to install are Timbertech, Fiberon, MoistureShield, and Deckorators.
How long will my new deck last?
Almost all decking products come with a minimum warranty of 20-25 years. The higher-quality offerings can range from 35 up to 50 years! When we polled all of our decking experts, the average we came up with an average 20-22 years of uninterrupted enjoyment.
Do you offer warranties on your labor and the materials?
Dexteriors offers a Craftsmanship Guarantee on all their new construction for a period of three years that covers any installation defect. We can also help you connect with the manufacturer for any material defects that occur.
What is the cost to build a deck?
We have Project Gallery that breaks down the work scope, timeline and budget of different projects we have completed in the past. Smaller projects start from $30,000 up to $50,000. Medium sized builds that start incorporating fire/water features, cooking, roof coverings etc land between $60,000 to $100,000. And if you want to make the neighbors jealous, we can help you create the backyard makeover of your dreams with a final ticket price between $150,000 to $500,000. Pool, cabana, firepits, commercial kitchens; your home becomes the entertaining district of your neighborhood.
Will my new deck require annual maintenance?
Yes, and “how much” depends on the type of deck.
Lumber decks are the most time consuming. A pressure-treated deck should be sanded and treated with all-weather sealant every 2-3 years. Light powerwashing annually will be helpful in removing moss & mold.
Composite decking like Trex & TimberTech is most desirable for it’s low maintenance requirements. A light brush and mild soap will clean the surface to maintain the products warranty over the years. Light pressure washing every few seasons will help maintain the coloring and finish of your deck products.
Any lighting features should be checked when opening and closing the deck for the season.