FAQs

While some commercial and residential decks look similar, they have major differences between projects. Commercial decking will need to meet commercial building codes and safety regulations. For a homeowner who does not need ADA-compliant accessories, their deck may not include ramps or railings. However, commercial decking is required to have both options to accommodate different users. 

Residential decks may also see less foot traffic, allowing them to be crafted with different materials or materials with a shorter lifespan. Commercial builds can also utilize these materials, but they may require more frequent repairs and maintenance.

Yes! Pet urine, food grease, and debris are no match for Trex composite decking. While you may need to clean your deck every so often, the stain won’t sink deep into the material like it would with a wood deck. 

Compared to wood, composite decking can last 20 to 30 years even through consistent use. They have resistance to pests, stains, mold, and rot, allowing them to avoid the need for repair and replacement for much longer. Our composite decking is built to last for many years and through different kinds of use, so you don’t have to worry about damage to the materials or potential injury to family and friends. 

You should never sand your decking materials, composite or wood as this can compromise their integrity and void your warranty. Composite materials can be pressure washed but must be done at the proper PSI if you want to avoid striping or damage. It is best to hire a professional pressure washer to clean your decking if you think it could use it. Removing debris and stains with typical household cleaners or sweeping should be enough to keep your deck looking pristine.

Most home additions will require a permit, including the installation of a deck. If a deck is attached to a home and is over around 30 inches, it will need a permit that ensures safety and code compliance. Each state and local building department will have different requirements, so it is important to check with local authorities or work with a professional contractor. Even other types of decks may need an exemption if you want to avoid fees or legal ramifications for installing a deck. 

Licensed and insured contractors will ensure that any build is code-compliant. No matter if they are installing a deck, building a home, or updating a commercial space, they will need to adhere to building codes to ensure the build is safe and operational. While you should be able to trust contractors, customers should ensure that they obtain proper permits before the project begins. 

The complexity of your cover and deck construction will impact the installation time. Up to 5 days is typically average for simple covers like slanted roofs or covers attached to your roofing. Longer projects, like a large screened-in porch, can take a few weeks. Delays with permits, materials, and contractor availability will all come into play when determining the length of your project. 

Yes! Deck covers or pergolas, add value to a home because it adds visual interest and are an investment put into the space by the current homeowners. Any home improvements, furniture, or additions that are left with the home when selling will increase its appraised value. When working with Elevated Deck and Fence, our team can help you choose materials and finishes that are in style and match the appearance of your home. Adding a cover that compliments the home will make it more attractive for future buyers and for your guests. 

Lighting, ceiling fans, speakers, sun screens, heaters, and more can all be added to your pergola. These can be installed after installation or during the initial pergola/deck process. You can decorate around and under your pergola with different plants and furniture as well, allowing you to fully customize the entertainment space, making it comfortable for all visitors. When attaching accessories, make sure that safety precautions are taken for yourself and for the pergola. Complex accessories like lights, speakers, and heaters are best installed by a professional if you want to avoid accidents or fire hazards.

Typically, yes. Pergolas need to be anchored somewhere in order to remain stable through storms. Even if you have a freestanding pergola, anchoring it into your yard will prevent damage to it or other structures. Anchoring the pergola to your deck may involve industrial screws or bolts that can hold it in place, no matter how much pressure is put on it. 

The right choice for decking material will depend on your priorities and climate. Composite decking may be best suited for homeowners who want virtually no maintenance after a deck is installed. Redwood offers natural beauty and superior strength, but it does require regular sealing and maintenance. 

Redwood also has a lower upfront cost compared to composite materials, which may be appealing to homeowners on a budget. It can also stay cooler in the sun, making it more enjoyable during the summer for backyard hangouts.

Costs of all lumber vary widely depending on the grade, location, or length of the slab. Redwood lumber can vary between $2 to $10 per board foot. Decking typically runs between $20 to $50 per square foot. Common construction grades will have lower costs than knot-free heartwood. Construction common is the lowest cost and grade of redwood that can be used for deck construction.

Any decking material will need similar cleaning to your flooring, like sweeping or mopping using water and soap. Redwood will also need to be sealed to protect the natural color and limit environmental deterioration. Every 1-3 years, sealing and staining should be completed to lower the maintenance required on a daily basis. A deep cleaning with a wood brightener can be completed once a year to enhance the beauty of your decking. This wood brightener can be used before a wood stain to prepare the wood to soak up the color. Homeowners should avoid using harsh chemicals to maintain their decks or using metal brushes during cleaning.

They can, but it will depend on the height and materials used for the deck. Ensuring proper drainage and making repairs quickly are essential for a raised deck if you want to avoid injury, falls, or discoloration. Elevated builds will be crafted with the same materials as ground-level decks, so any maintenance that is required for those materials will carry over to a raised option. If you have large poles or pillars, you may need to stain or seal those as well. 

Yes! Elevated Deck & Fence can offer a printed design, virtual mock-up, or a 3D view of your proposed project before we begin. This will allow you to have a clear vision of what you are paying for and how it will blend into your home. Once you see the mock-up, you can make changes or adjustments before we even break ground. We believe a customer should have a clear picture of their build beforehand in order to ensure overall project success.