All Things Decking

Exploring Trex's New Colors: Finding the Perfect Match for Your Home with Decks by DAK Construction

At Decks by DAK, we believe that your deck is more than just a structure – it's a place where memories are made and moments are cherished. That's why we're excited to announce our latest initiative: Deck Check by DAK. Deck Check by DAK is a comprehensive 10-point inspection program designed to help homeowners like you better understand the health and condition of your deck. Our team of experts will conduct a thorough examination, covering everything from split or decaying wood to loose or corroded fasteners, to ensure that your deck is safe, secure, and ready for enjoyment. Here's what you can expect from our Deck Check inspection: Split or Decaying Wood: We'll inspect various areas of your deck to assess the condition of the wood, paying special attention to any signs of decay or deterioration. Railings and Banisters: Ensuring that your railings and banisters are secure is essential for the safety of your deck, especially if it's elevated. Cleaning and Maintenance: We'll provide recommendations for cleaning and maintenance to keep your deck looking its best and prevent issues like mildew and decay. Lighting and Electrical: Our inspection includes checking the functionality of all lighting and electrical components on your deck to ensure safety and compliance with codes. Outdoor Furniture and Storage: We'll assess the condition of your outdoor furniture and storage solutions, ensuring they're sturdy and safe for use. Surrounding Trees: If your deck is surrounded by trees, we'll evaluate the potential risks associated with overhanging limbs and falling debris. Loose or Corroded Fasteners: Loose or corroded fasteners can compromise the integrity of your deck, so we'll inspect and address any issues we find. Grills, Fire Pits, Chimneys, Heaters, and Candles: Safety is paramount when it comes to fire-related features on your deck, and we'll ensure they're positioned and maintained properly. Flashing: Proper flashing helps prevent moisture damage, so we'll check for any areas where flashing may need repair or replacement. Stairs: Finally, we'll inspect your deck stairs for stability, ensuring that handrails, risers, and stringers are securely attached. Deck Check by DAK is more than just an inspection – it's a commitment to your safety and peace of mind. Best of all, our inspection comes with no obligation to purchase our services. Our goal is simply to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your deck's maintenance and care. To schedule your Deck Check inspection or learn more about our services, contact us today. Your deck deserves the best, and with Deck Check by DAK, that's exactly what it'll get. Warm regards,

How to maintain your new deck

Your deck is an extension of your home—a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors. But before you can start enjoying your deck, you must design and build it. Once it's complete, you've got to stay ahead of regular maintenance to guarantee its ongoing form and functionality. If you're looking for inspiration along these lines, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll share some of our best deck expertise to help you create an outdoor oasis that's both beautiful and functional.

The exterior of modern homes is far more than a perfectly manicured lawn and a few flower pots to boost curb appeal. No, contemporary homes are finding innovative ways to create dynamic outdoor living spaces to help increase the functional square footage of the property and provide homeowners with a breath of fresh air and change of scenery. With that said, not every outdoor living space is created equally, with poorly designed spaces often more trouble than they are worth. To help avoid this scenario, keep reading for 5 pro tips on how to create a functional and stylish outdoor living space! Make Sure Rooftop Areas Can Carry the Load Rooftop decks are an emerging trend among homeowners looking to maximize every square inch of exterior space possible. They are especially prevalent in areas that do not have a ton of adjacent land, as they provide some stunning views and a wonderful interior/exterior transition area when entertaining guests. However, before laying down rooftop flooring tiles to complete the space, it is critical to test the rooftop and see what kind of load it can handle. Do not build a rooftop deck on a roof whose beams and rafters are not in top condition. Furthermore, it is a great idea to lay down structural b decking on top of these substrate materials to further support the load. B decking helps provide shear support that transfers vertical loads horizontally to the frame. It can allow flat roofs to accommodate substantially more weight than it could without b decking and limits the risk of acute damage to the roof. Use Low Profile Railing To Guarantee Deck Views According to Remodeling Magazine , a deck addition is one of the most value-adding projects a homeowner can undertake, boosting home value by 40-50% of project costs for most applications. However, much of this value is contingent on the deck functioning as intended. For example, buyers aren’t going to pay extra for a home with a deck if it doesn’t enhance views and allow them to enjoy a change of scenery. Therefore, when building a deck, look into hog wire and other types of welded wire deck railing to secure the perimeter of the deck without inhibiting views. Choose the Right Materials for a Deck Project Deck projects are one of the most popular for DIY enthusiasts. To this end, there are many types of products, such as innovative fasteners for deck ledger board installation and lock-in-place composite deck boards, that can facilitate deck projects for non-professionals and guarantee that DIY deck projects are up to code. With that said, be sure to choose the right type of materials for your project. Make sure they will be able to accommodate the amount of furniture and traffic you plan on using on your deck. If you can’t resist the timeless beauty of a natural cedar deck, be sure to treat it with the right type of polyurethane to improve its moisture and fire resistance. Incorporate Some Sun Protection Exterior spaces will be far from popular if inhabitants are left to bake in the sun. Nobody will want to spend hours outside if they are sweating, squinting, and having to remember to re-apply sunscreen every 90 minutes. With that said, there are a number of ways to add a little shade to an exterior space. Some ideas include: Portable awnings and porch umbrellas Rustic porch ceilings Decorative pergolas for both attached and stand-alone structures Not only will providing shade make them more desirable areas for people to hang out, but the right shading mechanisms can add some style and character that ties the aesthetics of the exterior together. Lower Maintenance Requirements As Much As Possible Not only will run-down exteriors detract from curb appeal, but they will be extremely uninviting as gathering spots. Nobody wants to hang out on a deck that is sagging, a lawn overgrown with weeds, or a patio with standing water. As such, it is critical to look into adding as many low-maintenance features to your exterior as possible. Composite decking boards are increasing in popularity because they can withstand UV and moisture damage without having to be regularly treated. Stone landscaping pavers with built-in drainage features are providing a strong option in place of traditional concrete. Artificial turf is gaining attention for homeowners looking for that lush green aspect without having to continually water, trim, and fertilize. Get Started Today Toward a More Functional and Stylish Exterior Creating a functional and stylish exterior living space is critical for maximizing the value of a contemporary home. For most applications, the most straightforward way to accomplish this is through the installation of a high-quality deck. For more information on building the perfect deck, contact Decks By Dak today for a consultation! Roger Marx is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on the latest trending building and design products. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on backyard projects in his spare time. Roger’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor , a new construction industry resource site.

This blog post will help you get your head around the decision of choosing between composite or wood decks. So, read on!

In this blog post, we'll break down the four things you need to keep in mind when choosing your decking material. Read more!

You'll see why having a screen porch is such an upgrade to your house

This blog listed some tips to design your next composite deck and there are many features and materials you can use to minimize your investment. Read more!