Kansas City Deck and Patio

Cedar Decking Grades

2011-02-12T12:00:00.002-08:00

One thing that is important to consider when building a cedar deck is the grade of lumber the deck builder will be using. There are two basic types of cedar that will typically be used in decking applications.

Members of the Western Red Cedar Association have created a guide to distinguish the variations in cedar decking.

Architect Clear

This is the ultimate in cedar decking in both performance and visual satisfaction. Usually this will need to be special orded from the lumber yard.

Custom Clear

Very durable and clean. Typically used in high end residential woodworking projects.

Architect Knotty

Few knotts can create a charming or rustic look.

Custom Knotty

Hole free knotty manufactured to high standards to provide a more economical option for cedar decking.

Clear Cedar Decking

Knotty Cedar Decking

On average, there is about a $4 per sf price increase to go with the clear cedar instead of the knotty cedar. Aside from looking better, clear cedar will also outlast knotty cedar. A quality Kansas City Deck Builder should be able to keep their labor consistant no matter what type of cedar you choose for your project.

Hidden Fastner Decking Systems

2011-01-26T17:52:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite upgrades to incorporate on any deck we build, is the addition of a hidden fastner system. For many, seeing a row of screws every 16" is something that they have just gotten use to. You have to screw the deck down somehow, Right? When I tell people about the various screwless fastner systems available, many people are foreign to the idea. Any of the top Olathe Deck Builders will tell you, A deck with no screws is the way to go.

There are several types of systems we use to achieve the desired look of clean decking. Some systems mount from the side of the decking and some mount from underneath the deck. Many factors such as the height of the deck and the type of decking you use will determine which system is best for your new deck. We recommend Fastenmaster.

KC Deck and Patio

Overland Park Deck Builder

Evergrain Decks

2010-11-15T14:56:00.000-08:00

Evergrain Decking has a deep, lasting, wood-like grain and has a beautiful natural look created by multiple grain pattern. It is available in seven natural colors. The Vibrance Decking Collection features color highlights that emulate the textures and natural color variations of real wood. This brand also offers coordinating extruded skirting without color highlights that provides a professional finished look. Because it does not require painting or staining, Epoch Evergrain’s low maintenance decking material saves time and money.

As an Overland Park Deck Builder, we install a lot of composite decks in the Kansas City area. We are yet to have any complaints or claims with this product. There are many similar composite decking materials that do have many issues that are widely available through various forums around the web.

Here is a picture that we took in September of 2011, This is by an Olathe Deck builder, KC Deck and Patio.

KC Deck and Patio 913 432 5015
http://www.kcdeckandpatio.com

Vast Composite Pavers

2010-01-12T10:19:00.000-08:00

Composite Paver
Overview

VAST® Composite Pavers are breaking the traditional mentality that landscape pavers must be made from concrete or clay. Made from up to 95% recycled materials, patented VAST Composite Pavers are the first socially responsible paver alternatives in the industry.

Composite Paver
3"x6" Redwood Paver
11.8"x11.8" Grid

Applications

Driveways
Parking Lots
Patios

Sidewalks
Pool Areas
Rooftop Patios

Highlights

Highly engineered composite material made from up to 95% recycled materials
Contributes more LEED™ credits in Green Building projects—more than all other traditional pavers
One-third the weight of concrete pavers
Innovative grid system dramatically reduces labor expense and improves installation quality
Excellent slip resistance in both wet and dry conditions and meets OSHA and ADA requirements for accessible, flat areas
Easy to work with (e.g. cuts with wood saws) and allows for design flexibility
Available in a variety of fade-resistant, natural colors
Currently available in 3"x6" (11.8"x11.8" grids)
Backed by a 10-year limited warranty and a LIFETIME warranty against cracking

For installation in Olathe and Overland Park Ks

Visit our suppliers website for more information and pricing: http://www.elements-of-green.com/VAST-Pavers.html

KC Deck and Patio
http://www.kcdeckandpatio.com

Sustainable Decking Options from Natural Home

2009-09-29T20:42:00.001-07:00

How to stay green on your Decking Project

DON'T contribute to deforestation by building a deck made of wood harvested from old-growth forests.

DO consider using sustainably harvested wood certified by the Forest Steward- ship Council or recycled decking.

Adding a deck can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and add another room without building walls. Unfortunately, much of the wood used to construct these additions comes from harmful logging practices that destroy the very nature we want to enjoy. For an eco-friendly alternative, consider wood that’s been responsibly harvested and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)—or look into non-wood decking made from recycled plastic.

FSC-certified wood comes from a forest that’s being managed according to sustainable and environmentally conscious guidelines set forth by the FSC, considered the global standard setter for responsible forestry practices. Distributors must also be certified by the FSC before they can sell FSC-certified wood.

However, there’s growing concern about U.S. lumber companies that are certified to sell FSC wood but never actually stock it. “People are being fooled,” says Larry Percivalle, sales and marketing director for EarthSource Forest Prod ucts (ESFP), a certified-wood supplier that specializes in deck woods. “Customers see the FSC logo on company letterhead and assume the products are certified.” Other companies may claim different certification, hoping that when customers see the word “certified” they’ll think the wood is sustainable. According to Percivalle, “the FSC certification is the only one that’s credible.”

You can find FSC-certified suppliers on the organization’s website, but the only way to know for certain if a store carries certified lumber is to ask. Then, check your invoice. “A customer in voice should show a line item that says ‘FSC certified,’” says Dan Harrington of EcoTimber a certified wood company specializing in interior floors. “If the invoice doesn’t show those words, the wood isn’t certified.”

Deck it out

For wood to perform its best outdoors, it has to be water and bug resistant. Pressure-treated wood—usually pine—has always been the easiest product to find that meets these prerequisites. The pressure-treatment industry has phased out CCA-treated wood (containing copper, chromium, and arsenic)—in favor of arsenic-free treatments such as ACQ (ammonium copper quaternary), but safety concerns remain.

Most hardwood decking products are naturally resistant to dry rot and insects because of the wood’s density and the oil present in it. Redwood and cedar are the most common types grown and harvested in the United States, though it’s very difficult to find FSC-certified cedar these days, says Percivalle.

FSC-certified tropical hardwoods are the wood of choice for many green building professionals and environmentalists. “If you can find FSC-certified tropical hardwood decking—which is selectively cut—you’re helping create an economic value for a standing forest in the Amazon, thereby preventing it from being cleared for agriculture or for cattle grazing,” Harrington says. Michael Washburn, Ph.D., FSC’s VP of forestry and marketing, says, “When local people see value in forests being forests, they keep the ecosystem in place.” Washburn adds that while the availability of FSC-certified hardwoods is still limited, it’s growing quickly.
Request a bid from an Olathe Deck Builder

Ipê is a tropical hardwood that’s become a popular decking material over the last few years and is grown and harvested in South America. Harrington cautions, however, that ipê may not be the best choice. “Ipê is rarely available certified, and the noncertified wood is coming from the clear cutting of pristine Amazonian jungle.”

One wood that’s just starting to make its way into U.S. markets is tauari (pronounced “toe-are-ee”), also called Brazilian oak. It may not be widely available to consumers yet, but both Har rington and Percivalle tout its durable performance and creamy, light-brown beauty as a great alternative to ipê. Tauari retails for significantly less than ipê, which has gone up in price by 15 percent since 2003, according to Percivalle. As of press time, one-by-six-certified ipê decking from EarthSource sells for about $2.70 a linear foot compared to $1.75 a foot for tauari. The same size redwood board runs roughly $1.80 a foot.

Other tropical woods such as massaranduba, Santa Maria, and machiche are harder to find FSC certified but are also good choices. Remember, shipping costs can be substantial and hardwoods can be difficult to work with.

Recycled plastic or composite decking is also an option (see “Lumber Without Logging,” this page). While some consider this a more environmentally sound alternative than wood, there are concerns. As with other decisions, the best choice is the one you can live with.

What's on deck?

Bamboo Deck Tiles

2009-09-25T12:52:00.001-07:00

If you are looking for an easy and quick remodeling project and an incredible addition to your home, the Interlocking Bamboo Tile is the product to enjoy for years. With a natural bamboo color, the Interlocking Bamboo Tile instantly provides a unique floor for your basement floors, balconies, decks, patios or next to a pool or spa without using nails, glue, or hammer.

A close-up look at natural bamboo finish

The Interlocking Bamboo Tile is a do-it-yourself product designed for the average homeowner. No hassles of building a deck or a hardwood floor in the conventional way. Most importantly, it is economically reusable - just simply snap and un-snap the tiles on one floor and re-snap them on another floor. You can build your floor within a matter of hours - not days - and enjoy it immediately.

Interlocking Bamboo Tiles are easily snapped together via a uniqe plastic interlocking system

Benefits of Bamboo

Tougher, hardier, and denser than most of of hardwoods
Well known for long-lasting beauty
Pre-sealed, pre-stained, and expertly kiln-dried
Environmentally friendly and harvested from certified forests

Design Features

Indoor/outdoor covering for basement floors, patios, decks, balconies, porches, walkways, surrounding pools and hot tubs
Backed with unique plastic interlocking grid for easy installation
Fast snap-together installation with no nails, staples or glue
Easy to remove, re-arrange and re-lay tiles
Interchangeable styles to create patterns
Bamboo slats permit water to flow through
Plastic feet elevate for drying airflow
High-quality hardware fittings
Detailed craftsmanship

Specification

Box coverage: approximately 20 square feet
Each box includes twenty (22) 12' x 12' tiles
Pattern: four straight slats per tile
Weight: 3 lbs per square foot

The tiles are pretreated with multiple layers of oil sealer and protector to work in normal circumstances. In harsh environments (i.e., in areas where there is a lot of rain and snow), it is recommended to apply another coat of deck sealer or deck protector that you can find in many local stores.

Bamboo Decking

2009-09-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

CaliBamboo is proud to introduce the ultimate in outdoor bamboo decking product: BamDeck. Building on the same innovative technology as CaliBamboo's award winning Fossilized Flooring line and new proprietary technology, BamDeck has density, strength and durability characteristics comparable to Brazilian IPE decking but is instead made from 100% bamboo, the strongest most rapidly renewable wood on Earth. BamDeck is the Green choice in outdoor decking.

Compared to other deck materials such as cedar, redwood, or pressure treated, BamDeck is stronger and more durable without sacrificing beauty or functionality. CaliBamboo decking is resistant to mold and extreme weather, impervious to insects, completely green and priced similarly to standard decking options.

http://www.calibamboo.com/bamboodecking.html

Click on the thumbnails below to view larger photo

Sustainable Decking Product Explored

2009-09-21T22:05:00.000-07:00

TimberTech products help create a more sustainable
world – one piece at a time.

TimberTech has the perfect balance of quality and sustainability. Our decking, railing and fencing products are an attractive, low-maintenance alternative to wood and a one-time purchase for most homeowners. Since TimberTech products will not splinter or warp and don’t require any staining or sealing, the wasteful cycle of repair and replacement typical of wood is dramatically reduced.

TimberTech creates products with the environment in mind:

No trees are cut down for the purpose of making TimberTech products.
Our wood flour is recycled from the woodworking industry and keeps more than 100 million pounds of wood waste out of landfills each year.
More than 28 million pounds of scrap product is reclaimed and put back into our manufacturing process each year, which saves even more wood and plastic waste from reaching landfills.
Our DeckLites® lighting system utilizes low-voltage bulbs, which are more energy efficient than regular bulbs.

TimberTech strives to act responsibly in our daily operations:

Our product brochures are printed on paper with 30% recycled fibers using soy-based inks.
Product cartons are made with 25% recycled material.
The water in our manufacturing facilities is recycled using a closed loop water system. Reusing the water in our plants saves over 140,000 gallons every day.
We use natural light and energy-efficient bulbs to save energy.
We ship many products by railcar. One railcar carries a load equivalent to four tractor-trailer trucks, which in turn keeps about 500 trucks off the road each year.
We recycle our skids and corrugate.

TimberTech is a proud member of the U.S. Green Building Council. This coalition of leaders from the building industry works to transform the way communities are built and strives to create a socially responsible environment that improves quality of life.

http://www.timbertech.com/why-timbertech/sustainable-living/default.aspx

Green Deck Building

2009-09-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

A green deck is an environmentally sound construction that takes into account the need to observe ecological responsibility. Building a green deck involves the use of recycled waste products that do not rot and last for a long time. There is pleasure in knowing that not only is the deck durable, it is also a direct contribution to the preservation of the environment for generations to come. The most ideal materials to use when embarking on a green deck design are derived from technical resources. These are typically recyclable and they can be used frequently. They are also designed to be rot resistant.

The use of natural materials when constructing decks is a commendable trend. Designing a green deck is a fun endeavor because it is such a worthwhile undertaking. Apart from using natural materials, it is also important to make use of eco-sealers that will preserve the quality of the deck. These types of sealers are safer to use because they do not contain a high level of toxic chemicals.

Deck building has not been left out of the building industry's focus on green 'behavior'. Green decks have longer life spans and they make a significant impact on the survival of the earth. They consist of a sustainable design that is gradually being considered to be more satisfactory. It is built in a resource efficient way that initially costs more than a conventional deck design. These costs prove to be worthwhile in the end because the deck will not require costly maintenance in future.

Successfully designing a green deck incorporates a number of aspects. The landscape on which the deck is built should be worked on in its natural state. The materials used to build the deck should exhibit low toxicity, durability and be recyclable. The amount of building materials used should also be reduced as an element of resource efficiency. During construction, minimal space should be used so as to facilitate further recycling efforts. The less space used, the less waste is likely to be generated.

In terms of lighting, natural light or solar lighting are the best green options. During the day the deck will be exposed to natural design, if its placement is well thought out. During the night, the light can be generated from light produced from solar power during the day. If solar power is not sufficient or feasible, efforts should be made to use energy saving light systems that come with dimming facilitation. All in all, green deck building is a rewarding venture. As one sits back and enjoys a cool drink on their deck, they can also enjoy the fact that they have actively preserved the environment's resources.

Sustainable Drainage, Patio and Rooftop Solutions!

2009-09-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

Composite Landscape Pavers

VAST pavers are available in permeable and non-permeable versions. The Permeable Composite Paver is perfect for stormwater management projects requiring a pervious surface. The Composite Paver is a superior alternative to conventional concrete pavers.


Permeable Composite Paver 3"x6" Redwood Paver 11.8"x11.8" Grid	Composite Paver 3"x6" Boardwalk Paver 11.8"x11.8" Grid

Applications

Driveways
Parking Lots
Patios
Sidewalks

Pool Areas
Rooftop Patios
Stormwater Management
Other Light Use Vehicular Applications

Highlights

Highly engineered composite material made from up to 95% recycled materials
Contributes more LEED™ credits in Green Building projects—more than all other traditional pavers
One-third the weight of concrete pavers
Innovative grid system dramatically reduces labor expense and improves installation quality
Excellent slip resistance in both wet and dry conditions and meets OSHA and ADA requirements for accessible, flat areas
Easy to work with (e.g. cuts with wood saws) and allows for design flexibility
Available in a variety of fade-resistant, natural colors
Currently available in 3"x6" (11.8"x11.8" grids)
Backed by a 10-year limited warranty and a LIFETIME warranty against cracking

Can You Afford to Finish Your Basement?

2009-09-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

Can We Afford To Do This?

Money of course will play a big part in your basement finishing project.

Instead of asking "How much will it cost?" ask yourself "How much can we afford?"

It will take some digging to get the answer, but ultimately you'll have a number that you can be confident giving to a lender, aremodeling contractor or design professional when the time is right.

The financial parameters or budget of your project should be determined early in the process.

Setting a budget from the start helps avoid the disappointment of having to scale back on your remodeling dreams or covering burgeoning costs you didn't anticipate. Having a contractor that can foresee problems before they arise will also keep you on budget.

Curious What To Expect After The Contract Has Been Signed?

2009-09-17T14:27:00.000-07:00

What Should We Expect After The Contract Has Been Signed?

Actual construction is ready to begin. Having your home remodeled is uniquely different from having a new home built.

With remodeling, your home becomes the work site.

The demolition of existing spaces (when necessary) will begin. Once all demolition has been completed, the new construction will start. During construction, the remodeling contractor will organize the various trades (electrical, heating and air conditioning, plumbing, etc.) so that they come in at the right times to perform their work.

A successful remodeling project will depend upon mutual trust and consistent communication between you and our staff.

Consistent and open communication between you and our staff will enhance your understanding of the process, provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and ultimately help to make the experience a positive one for everyone involved.

And finally --- expect to be pleased by the end result. You'll find that our well-planned, well-executed remodeling project will make you smile for years to come.

Contract Between You & the Contractor: What Should It Say?

2009-09-17T14:26:00.002-07:00

What Should A Fair Contract Include?

Once the plans, specifications and budget are agreed upon, it is time to execute the construction contract. Because every remodeling project is different, KC Basement Finishing has a standard contract agreement that will be modified to clearly define the requirements of your project. This agreement has several purposes.

It will provide a written definition of your project, including all details.

Beyond the legal ramifications, a contract formally expresses terms mutually agreed upon concerning scope of work, responsibilities, price, and materials as well as other items.

It specifies how payments or draws will be scheduled, invoiced and paid.

It addresses how change orders are to be handled. It assigns responsibility for providing particular items and specifying which items are not included in the scope of work.

The contract should make you, the client, and your contractors responsibilities clear for both parties.

Is the bid you were given fair?

2009-09-17T14:26:00.001-07:00

How Do We Know If A Bid Is Right?

When purchasing a new car, you're pricing a product that you can see what it looks like and you can test drive it to see how it feels. When a homeowner purchases remodeling services, he or she is buying a concept and process and won't see the finished product until well after the contract is signed.

This is the reason that bid shopping works for automobiles but not for remodeling projects.

You can ask three dealers to price a specific make and model car, and be fairly certain you are comparing like products. But with remodeling, the products could differ significantly.

There can be many reasons for a low bid including inferior materials, poor craftsmanship, inadequate safety precautions, and lack of insurance and licensing.

Or if you're lucky, the bid may just be from an inexperienced Remodeler who's never done a job like yours before.

Many factors other than price need to be considered before the best contractor for the specific project is found.

How Do you Select Your Contractor?

2009-09-17T14:25:00.001-07:00

How Do You Select Your Contractor?

What Do We Look For In A Contractor?

You must be comfortable with the Remodeler and able to easily communicate.

They will be spending many hours in your home, so it's important you feel comfortable with him from the first meeting.

They will provide written specifications and a contract that lays out the scope of the work, including when it will start and approximately when it will end.

You should be able to work together, combining your ideas and his expertise to turn your vision into reality.

2009-09-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

Contractors

Find your local basement finishing and deck contractor for local missouri and kansas home owners. As with mostmajor additions, a new deck is a project in which you should get multiple bids from prescreened contractors. It is well worth your time to get more than one bid.
Some of the kansas city, Mo and Ks contractors and manufactures are offering eco-friendly products. Some of the new decking available is made from a recycled material. Ask your local deck builder what is available in your neighborhood.
What is considered to be a typical price to build a deck? Usually the labor on a deck is anywhere from $6-$9 sq ft. This will vary with conditions such as deck height, decking options, lighting options, rail options, and landscaping. This is what you could expect to pay if you are an Overland Park, Shawnee, Lenexa, Leawood, Olathe, Johnson County, are any other resident in the Kansas City area.