Today’s decks offer a plethora of choices in a wide variety of areas. If you haven’t built a deck in 20 years, or if you’ve never built a deck before, you’re in for some fun surprises. With all of the new materials available, like composite decking, your deck will not only look better, it will be weather resistant and practically maintenance free. At Creative Concepts & Design, we’ve been building decks in Kansas City for years. Wait until you see all of your choices when it comes to decking, railing, pergolas, privacy walls, and even financing. Let us build the deck of your dreams and stay within your budget.
Composite Decking
When composite decking first came out, I’ll admit, I wasn’t a fan of the look. But today’s composite decking is beautiful. Between the real wood grain look, the variety of rich colors, the durability, and no maintenance, I think it’s the best material on the market.
Durability
Because wood is susceptible to temperature, moisture, and insects, wood decks have a shorter lifespan. Composite decking resists splintering, rotting, cracking, insects and decay. For durability, my favorite decking is capped composite. This material combines a composite core with a PVC cap laminated to 3 or 4 sides, making it highly resistant to fading, staining, mildew, and mold. The material’s low thermal expansion and contraction rate make it ideal for Kansas City’s four-season climate. I call it “set-it-and-forget-it” decking. Even though composite decks cost more up front to build, they are actually more economical in the long run.
Beauty
When it comes to aesthetics, the best composite decking for beauty is Envision decking. Envision decking is different from anything on the market. Its EverGrain Core™ ensures your decking is highly resistant to everything Mother Nature can throw at it. These decks will look great for decades. Envision uses Compress Technology™ which creates a best-in-class bond between the cap and core. I absolutely love the deep grain and since they make their board in a mold, the grain pattern is different for a full 20 feet. Some of the most beautiful decks I have built have been with their Spiced Teak and Rustic Walnut planks.
Colors
Designer decking collections
include grays, browns, reds, and even golden yellows that when combined create one-of-a-kind deck designs that really bring the wow.
Add a contrasting color around the border of a deck really defines the shape and draws the eye to the edge. When applied on steps or multi-level decks, the effect is stunning.
Another great option is using contrasting colors to add interest to long expanses of deck. If your deck is long and narrow, break up the boring by adding darker or lighter planks to create sections that let the eye rest and appreciate the pattern. The result is a big visual impact without adding much more to the cost.
Low-Maintenance
From replacing damaged boards to staining or painting, the average wood deck needs a lot of maintenance. Composite decks, however, clean up nicely with soap and water or a mild cleaner for a high-end look that lasts.
Beyond Composite Decking to Design Features
At Creative Concepts and Design our favorite thing to do is show you how we can create a backyard oasis on a budget. We do this through value engineering. We have been building decks long enough to know what features our customers really like and how to incorporate them into the plan affordably. Here are three of our favorite features.
Patios
Patios are one of the most affordable ways to expand your outdoor living space. Patios offer a cost-effective solution compared to decks, with basic brush-finish concrete patios costing roughly 20% of what a deck might cost per square foot. Patios provide additional living space, shade and comfort, storage solutions and they are low maintenance. If you’re on a tight budget, consider reducing the size of your deck and adding a patio for nearly double the usable space at a fraction of the price.
Pergolas
Compared to fully roofed structures, pergolas are much more affordable due to their simple design and lower material requirements. A basic pergola with a fabric roof provides a welcome oasis from the sun without exceeding your budget. A pergola creates a functional area for entertaining, dining, lounging, or even working from home.
Privacy walls
Privacy walls, or architectural screen walls, are increasingly popular for their practicality and visual appeal. Privacy walls provide a visual barrier, block the sun, and shield against wind, making your outdoor space more comfortable in all seasons. They’re perfect for creating intimate settings for relaxation or entertaining. Whether you prefer a solid wall for complete privacy or a more open design like lattice or woven patterns, we can help you find the perfect privacy wall for you!
Railing Choices
When it comes to deck railing, you’ll find there are many styles, colors, price points and materials to choose from. Wood, steel, aluminum, composite, glass, hog panel, and cable railing are all options. I like to approach deck railing selections based on three things: the style of the home, the view from the deck, and ROI (return on investment).
Cedar
Cedar is an excellent choice for wood handrail. Since cedar is kiln dried, shrinking, twisting, warping, and cupping is minimal. Be aware that the handrail is the most labor intensive part of deck maintenance. Many of our customers will go with cedar posts, but add aluminum or metal deck railing between the cedar posts.
Metal
Metal deck railing is by far the most common deck railing in the Kansas City metro area. Fortress Fe26 deck railing is the most popular model and comes in at a good price. Fortress Fe26 is basically the same price as cedar handrail with black metal balusters. But it outperforms the cedar with metal balusters across the board.
Aluminum
Aluminum deck railing is very popular and for good reason. Aluminum doesn’t rust and high heat dissipation means it doesn’t get as hot to the touch as other metals. While it won’t rust, all paint oxidizes from UV exposure over time.
Hog Panel
A hog-panel railing system consists of a cedar post, cedar top & bottom plate, and a hog panel. The hog panel is typically a galvanized heavy gauge wire panel with 4” x 4” square openings. It gives off a very contemporary craftsman architectural vibe.
Composite
Composite deck railing is a large profile handrail that can be very substantial looking. Most composite railing systems come with a composite sleeve that goes over a wood post. These composite systems can be very expensive, and labor intensive to install. However, they can be absolutely beautiful. If you want the railing to be a focal point, and have the budget, this is a good way to go.
Glass Deck Railing
If the view is important, glass railing is the best choice. Many people think glass railing requires constant cleaning, but that’s not true. You only have to clean it as often as you clean your exterior windows. There are multiple styles and manufacturers of glass deck railing. Westbury and Fortress both offer a reasonable rail system.
Cable Deck Railing
Cable railing comes in both vertical and horizontal systems. Vertical rails are typically more economical and have less thermal expansion and contraction than horizontal rails. I love the look of the horizontal rail systems but I dread the maintenance of tightening and loosening the cables to prevent sag in the summer and pulling posts out of plumb in the winter. That being said, it’s very elegant and offers the cleanest lines.
As you can see, today’s decks are nothing like the deck your father built. There are so many options when it comes to materials available. Give us a call and we can help you choose the right materials to build your new deck in Kansas City. Let us use our value engineering to give you the backyard you’ve dreamed of.
Financing
At Creative Concepts & Design, we know that building a deck is an investment. With today’s materials ensuring that you’ll get decades of enjoyment out of your deck, we want to make sure that you get the deck you really want. Our easy deck financing lets you enjoy your deck while you pay.
At Creative Concepts & Design, we specialize in budget-friendly deck ideas like patios, pergolas, and privacy walls, that add value, beauty, and functionality to your home. Let us help you create your dream backyard oasis with our expertise in design and construction. Schedule your free deck design consultation today and get a free quote. With our budget-friendly deck ideas, we can help you plan your perfect backyard escape and stay on budget!
Ready to build the deck of your dreams? Let our licensed and insured experts turn your vision into reality. Call us today at (816) 301-0275 or contact us online to schedule a deck design meeting and get a free quote.
