Are you looking for the right Austin deck and patio builder for your project? What’s all the fuss? Isn’t building a deck or patio more than just selecting the materials, pointing at a spot, and building the structure? Well, yes and no. At its core, this project is about creating and curating a space that can grow and change with you over time. Five years from now, your style, your needs, and even the size of your family can change dramatically, but the structure will remain the same. You want to be able to use it just as well then as you do now, and accomplishing that task requires planning and intentionality. 

No one can predict the future, but experts in Austin deck and patio construction can use their knowledge and experience to help you navigate the process, avoid potential pitfalls, and maximize your budget. For example, building your deck in an area that affects your home or damages your utilities like water piping or external electrical wiring. These mistakes can be costly, and you may be unaware of them until it’s too late. By working with professionals, who know what to look for and what to avoid, you can dodge major headaches and get to your goal much faster.

A big part of getting the most out of your budget is working with your space… And using it to its full potential. Whether large or small, there are ways that you can optimize your area to meet your needs and requirements. 

Start by considering how you will use the space – will this be a major thoroughfare or a laid-back lounge area? Do you plan to host parties where you plan to develop, or is it for more private occasions? Think about these things and create the space based on that understanding. Remember: you are trying to build the ‘perfect’ deck and patio space for your needs.

Irrespective of the style or the theme of your decor that you select, your deck or patio should be able to meld with your existing space. When building a deck or patio you want to keep the specific elements you enjoy at the front of your mind. The space is yours and should reflect the style and comfort features you enjoy. 

There are a few things to keep in mind when decorating your outdoor space. The style of your deck should complement the style of your home. Don’t make it too different or it will clash with the rest of your decor. If you want your deck to be a hosting area, make sure you have plenty of seating or even consider built-in seating for a more natural look. You don’t need to have a massive area to enjoy a hosting space. If you have a small space, you can still make it work by carefully selecting your furniture and using space-saving techniques. Talk with your Austin deck and patio builder, and see what unique ideas you can come up with to maximize the space and its usability. 

No matter what your “look” is, there are many ways to match your deck or patio decor with it. So get creative and have fun with it! After all, it’s your outdoor living area, and you deserve to have it look exactly the way that you want.

There is a wide range of materials that can be used in the building of your deck space. Choosing the right materials can feel like a daunting task, especially when faced with the multitude of options that have been designed over the years. Ranging from wood to composite to full PVC decking, there are plenty of options to choose from. Often your contractor will be able to help guide you towards the style that is best suited for your needs and climate. However, it is always a good idea to come in with at least some knowledge and understanding ahead of time. To help you get ahead, we have compiled a list of the most popular materials and given a summary of their strengths and potential uses, so that you can go into your new project with confidence.

The most obvious and still today one of the most popular options for decking. Whether it is heat-treated wood materials that have been treated to make them more durable and rot resistant, premium hardwood decking, or even old-fashioned cedar decking, the benefits of a wooden deck lie with its mix of visual appeal and quiet sturdiness. 

For starters, wooden decking is often one of the cheapest materials to use. Both heat-treated woods and cedar are easy to source and cheap to purchase and can come in a variety of color and stain options. The notable exception to this is hardwoods, which can run at a premium depending on the exact materials being used. Every type of wood that is sold for outdoor decking will be at least somewhat rot-resistant and exceptionally long-lasting. 

These decks are built for longevity but will require some maintenance in the form of refinishing power washing, or even regular oilings. Especially in the case of hardwoods. Additionally, as they age the wood may also shift in color or tone. Cedar is particularly known for developing more grey hues as time goes on. If you are someone who can dedicate themselves to maintaining the wood and caring for your outdoor space properly, wood may be just the right material for you. It is a classic choice for a reason and can give your deck or patio space a timeless aesthetic that everyone can enjoy.

At the complete opposite end of the spectrum is PVC decking. Made up of high-quality, tough plastic materials, PVC deckings are the definition of sturdy. Requiring almost no maintenance, this decking material is resilient to weather and comes in a variety of styles and colors. The only real downside is the cost. PVC decking can come at a wide variety of price points, but the best quality comes at a premium. Even so, the upsides of PVC, with its long wear and durable countenance make it a favorite amongst clients. 

As the name implies, composite decking is created by combining many different materials to create a newer, ideally better product. In this case, often it is a combination of wood and polycarbon, amongst others. The materials themselves can vary widely, but when combined they create a substance that is easy to maintain, long-lasting, and resistant to all kinds of weather. Like PVC, composite decking comes in a wide variety of styles and colors. Also like PVC, composite decking can vary widely in pricing but is generally cheaper than PVC decking. Additionally, because of its nature composite decking is often made out of recycled materials, meaning it has a lower carbon footprint than alternatives like PVC and hardwood.