Deck Idea Center

Merry Christmas to All

The end of the year is upon us. It’s been a wonderful year, and we’re looking forward to all the new decks in Omaha for 2019. We want to thank all of our customers and let everyone know that we’re year-round custom deck builders. That’s right; we build decks in the cold of winter. In fact, Winter is one of the best times of the year to get your elite custom deck built. Spring and Summer get very busy in the construction industry, but in Winter it nearly shuts down. So when you decide to get your deck built in the Winter, we can likely get it done a little faster.

We’ve mastered the art of year-round deck building. We’ve been successfully installing low-maintenance decks in the cold for nearly four decades!

Does Temperature Matter?

Yes, it does. Different materials require different specifications at different temperatures. As certified installers of Trex, TemberTech, Azek and Deckorators products, we know and understand how to build any time of the year. We live for building decks, and take pride in our ability to build any time of the year. If we weren’t building decks, we really wouldn’t know what to do with ourselves.

Winter Deck Building Advantages

Start Fast – In Winter, most construction slows down or stops. Our schedule does become more flexible, and we’re able to get the job done faster because our crews can focus on fewer projects. When you get your custom deck built in the Winter, you can start faster and finish sooner.

Lower Humidity – Low humidity can help a structure settle properly. Omaha gets a little humid in the Summer months as we know.

Ready for Warm Weather – The nice thing about having your deck completed before nice weather comes is it will be ready to use when nice weather does arrive. While other homeowners are watching the construction crew build their decks, you’ll be BBQing and enjoying time with your friends and family as soon as the weather turns nice.

Custom Decks in Omaha

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Omaha! Give us a call if you want to get a jump on your custom deck and have it ready for Spring. (402) 690-1050

Make Your Deck a Wow Deck

Deck designs can be as simple or complex as the human imagination will allow. Some people prefer a more modest deck, while others want an elite deck design that stands out and has an abundance of attention-grabbing wow factors built in. Wow decks can be accomplished in a variety of different ways, and you can even create one on a more conservative budget. After years of building custom decks in Omaha we’ve learned a few ways to turn ordinary decks into Wow Decks. Let’s go over some options here.

Simple Wow Factors

If you’re on a tighter budget, some affordable wow factors can be done to get you closer to a wow deck. When you’re on a budget your focus should be on materials vs. layout. By adjusting a few areas on this TimberTech deck with aluminum rails we were able to make it stand out. A simple flooring pattern adds a unique twist. Flat top rails in order to hold your drinks or plants are easy enough. Beveled front corners of the deck vs. traditional square 90 degrees. Simple can have just as much “wow” factor.

Grey Custom Deck with Custom Pattern

More Elite Wow Factors

If your vision has no budget restrictions you can create a Wow Deck with multiple tiers/levels, dedicated spaces, or exotic staircases. Dramatic, multi-level decks help define spaces into distinct, usable areas. Enjoy your view with built-in elevated seating, or step down into a hot tub and lounge area. Including built-in lighting on your staircase brings it to life in a magical and functional way.

Omaha Custom Deck Builders

These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to making your deck a Wow Deck. Drop by our showroom, and we can show you person all of the options available that will fit your budget and will work seamlessly with your home.

Visit us at:
1205 Applewood Drive
Papillion, NE 68046

Or call now if you want to ask some questions (402) 690-1050

Spring Deck Time is Here

Thinking about finally getting that custom deck for your Omaha home for next Spring? Believe it not now is the time to plan, purchase, and schedule your deck. If you wait until Spring arrives you will be clumped into the Spring rush of people wanting a new deck. Locking down your elite custom built deck now ensures that you will not only have it when you want it, but you will beat the annual price increases by decking material manufacturers like Trex, TimberTech & Azek.

Planning Takes Time

A durable great looking deck takes planning. It’s not something you want to rush into. There are several factors you need to carefully consider. The big two are design and materials. A deck is like an extension to your home. Getting the design exactly how you want it from a functional and aesthetic standpoint is critical. Then there are the materials. Choosing the colors, textures, and actual decking takes time and careful consideration. If you’re not sure about what you want stop by our showroom and we can show you first hand all of the design options and materials available. The entire process of deciding on final design and materials may take weeks. A new deck you’re going to love is never an impulse buy.

Scheduling Takes Time

Want to have your deck ready for graduation season? Or just outdoor weather season? Now is the time to start scheduling. Building permits can take up to two months to get! Deck builders are busy building pre-scheduled decks come Springtime. Get your deck construction schedule now and once Spring comes you won’t be scrambling like everyone else who waited.

Lock in Good a Good Price

The end of the year is always the best time to get the best price on nearly any good or service. The same goes for custom decking. All manufacturers like Trex, TimberTech & Axek raise their prices in the New Year. Not only will you beat the crowds and get your deck built on time, but you will also save money by getting it now.

Your Omaha Custom Deck Builder

We’ve been doing this for a long time. We appreciate our customers and want to give them the most value we possibly can. Getting your Spring deck plans in order now is the best way to save money and get what you want when you want it. Come into our showroom next chance you get and we’ll be happy to discuss design and materials options for your elite custom deck. You know, the one you want ready for next Spring. See you soon!

Don’t Be Afraid of Low-Maintenance Decking & Railing

Believe it or not, low-maintenance composite decks have been around since the mid-1990s. When they first hit the market the colors and textures were limited, but like all technology, they’ve evolved. In fact, low-maintenance decking and railing have evolved into a billion-dollar industry. You can now get practically any color or texture you want, and the quality of the decking materials are more elite than anyone ever imagined 30 years ago.

Our company knows pretty much everything there is to know about custom deck building with these materials because we were one of the early adopters. If you come across a custom deck in Omaha made from Trex, TimberTech or Azek low-maintenance decking and railing there’s a good chance we built it!

Superior Materials = Superior Decks

Don’t let the dinosaur deck builders scare you away from all the benefits of low-maintenance decking & railing. Despite its longevity, many deck builders are reluctant to shift over from wood simply because they don’t understand how Trex, TimberTech or Azek materials work or how to install them properly. Trex, the originator of composite decking material has been around since 1996.

No Fading or Staining – Many composites offer fade and stain warranties so they won’t change color over time. Left alone, wood turns grey.
No Warping, Cracking, or Splitting – Over time natural wood deteriorates no matter how many coats of stain you apply. Composite decking companies like Trex and Azek boast a 25-year to limited life warranties to back up their promise.
Termite Resistant – You’ll never receive damage to your composite deck from termite pressure, unlike wood decks which are under constant threat from the wood loving insects.
Mold & Mildew Resistant – Wood rots and breaks down in nature, and when it’s attached to your house as a deck. Composite decking is more immune to mold and mildew attacks which are known to exploit the vulnerabilities of wood decking.
No Splinters – What fun is being on the deck if you keep picking up splinters in your feet? Composite decking is a true splinter free decking experience.
Longer Boards – Composite decking boards are as long as 20ft which means a more seamless finish with fewer joints.
Low Maintenance – They don’t call it low maintenance decking for nothing. A simple application of soap and water gets your deck looking brand new in no time.

Nobody builds a custom deck so they can spend lots of time taking care of it. Stop by our showroom and see in person how great the materials we use in our Omaha elite custom decks really are. We offer all the top brands including Trex, TimberTech, and Azek for our low maintenance decking & railing. You have to see it to believe it. Touching it helps too. See you soon!

Papillion Based Elite Custom Deck Builders

If you’re one of our regular blog readers, you’ll know we talk about Omaha a lot. Building custom decks in Omaha and for people who live in and around Omaha is our business. We’ve been doing for nearly 40 years! And although we love Omaha and serving our Omaha clients we’re actually based in Papillion – a suburb of Omaha. If you’ve ever visited our showroom, you’ll have found yourself in Papillion.

If you have not visited our showroom you really should. Nothing better demonstrates what an elite custom deck can feel and look like than seeing it in person.

Come by and see for yourself:

1205 Applewood Drive
Papillion, NE 68046

We’re a family owned and operated business. Not only has our business been in Papillion for nearly forty years, but many of us grew up in and still live in Papillion. Over the decades we have seen the area grow substantially.

Papillion was named after the creek of the same name which flows through the center. The name Papillion is a French term for butterfly. According to local tradition, the early French explorers named the creek Papillion because of the many butterflies that were found along its grassy banks.

When you come down our way to visit our showroom and learn about all the custom deck options you can make an afternoon of it and visit some Papillion highlights. If it’s a particularly hot day make a stop at the Papio Bay Aquatic Center. The kids will love it. If you love swinging clubs at small white balls, try out the beautifully maintained Eagle & Tara Golf Courses. Both are 18-hole championship rated facilities. Papillion offers outdoor lovers a number of parks, trails, and recreation areas to enjoy as well.

We love our hometown of Papillion and just wanted to share with our readers. Please do come by our Papillion showroom and enjoy our lovely city for the day.

And remember: When you need an elite custom deck in Omaha, Papillion, or any other area surrounding Omaha there’s only one choice that is guaranteed to not disappoint. Call us today and we’d be more than happy to answer any questions you have. (402) 690-1050

5 Big Benefits of LED Deck Lighting

If you’ve ever thought of adding deck lighting to your Papillion custom deck, low-voltage LED lights offer several advantages that are hard to beat. Not only do they offer big savings but the quality and range of the lighting is unmatched. We’ve been building custom decks in Papillion for a long time now, and always recommend LED lighting for our customers. If you’re looking for elite level deck lighting that doesn’t break the bank, consider the benefits of low-voltage LED deck lighting.

Long Life

One of the biggest benefits of using LED deck lights is the amount of time they last. Some LED lights can last around 100,000 operating hours. Unlike other bulbs, LED lights never really burn out, they will gradually dull overtime, so you will never be unexpectedly left in the dark. Nor will you be replacing bulbs frequently.

Energy Efficient

Getting LED lights installed on your deck ends up saving you money in the long run. Because they are so energy efficient you will actually see a reduction on your utility bill verses using traditional lighting. In addition, they can work on photocells to turn off and on based on the sun, so they’re never on when they shouldn’t be. You don’t have to feel guilty about using them, and you can always have your deck looking great at night if you choose to.

More Durable

The durability of LED deck lights is second to none. They’re made from very resilient components that are designed for outdoor use. They can withstand the elements, standing up to rain, wind and snow. They’re perfect for taking on everything Papillion weather can dish out.

Hot or Cold Weather Operation

Unlike other light types, LED lights work regardless of temperature allowing you to enjoy your deck year-round. Even the coldest or hottest of days won’t affect their operation, making them ideal for use in climates like Papillion that get big temperature swings and extreme temperature indexes.

Low Voltage

Because LED deck lights are low voltage bulbs, they can be integrated into any power source easily. You do not need to increase energy capacity or have special wiring done to accommodate their installation.

Nothing quite brings your Papillion deck to life like custom LED lighting. Not only do they look great, but they add a big safety element to your deck steps with the illumination they provide. With all of the advantages upgrading your deck with LED is an easy decision.

Give us a call today and we’d be happy to discuss your options for new custom LED lighting for your Papillion custom deck. (402) 690-1050

We’re Not a Franchise

More than a few times we’ve been mistaken for a franchise. Our logo and graphics and exposure around Omaha has led many to think we’re franchised. Although we take it as a compliment, the truth is we’re not a franchise. We’re simply a locally owned and operated family business that puts everything we have into working hard and conveying a professional appearance. We don’t report to corporate, we report to you – our customer. Our name is always on the line. Taking pride in our craft is what has lead us to be considered the go-to company for custom decks in Omaha. When you work with a family owned business you get a different type of service than can be offered by a franchise. Some might call it an elite service.

Chemistry

Family businesses like ours employ a number of family members that have already developed a long-standing chemistry. Our non-family employees quickly take notice and effectively become part of the family. The workplace tends to be less formal, more hands on and more personable. When we’re on a job we’re all on the same page and can effectively communicate with one another and play our individual roles to reach our full potential. We hold each other accountable and encourage each other to get better every day.

Speed & Accuracy of Service

We know that our names and personal reputation are on the line whenever we interact with a customer or accept a job. Because there are no “higher ups” to run ideas by, we think of and then implement new ideas within a matter of hours. We don’t have to wade through any bureaucracy. It makes us more efficient and helps us to constantly fine tune our skills an innovate freely.

Cohesive Values

Everyone wants to work with a business they know they can trust. It can be difficult to find a business that resonates with your values across the board. Family-owned businesses have a leg up on franchises when it comes to trust because the names of their brands are directly associated with their family legacies. Family-owned businesses are known for their dedication to values and traditions. Family business owners have the opportunity to teach and pass along their business and personal values to the next generation. Family members take pride in upholding these family values and build them into their day-to-day work and personal activities. The work culture is often a reflection of these family values.

If you’re looking to get your new deck installed by experts who work like a family unit give us a call today. Our name is behind every job we do.

Avoid the DIY Deck Building Trap

If you have the time and energy a do it yourself project can be very rewarding. Whether it’s changing the brakes on your vehicles instead of taking it to a mechanic, or designing and building your own garden, it feels great to do things yourself. The sense of accomplishment is immense, especially when you succeed. We don’t want to knock people who take a do it yourself approach, in fact we encourage it, but not when it comes to building a deck. Building a deck in many ways is like building a miniature house. Maybe because it’s an extension of your house. The skills, tools, and knowledge needed to get the job done correctly, efficiently, and in a cost effective way takes years of experience. We’ve been building elite custom decks in Omaha for a long time now, and want to emphasize the importance of working with professionals when it comes to deck building in Omaha.

Mastery Takes Time

Your deck is literally an extension of your home. Would you attempt to build your own home? Maybe you would if you had mastered the skills of homebuilding. But would you build your home as a DIY project if you had no to little experience as a builder? Probably not. The same goes for decks. Although a deck may look simple at first glance they are a compilation of master planning, elite carpentry skills, and experience. Decks are not simply boards and nails, if they’re any good.

High Tech Materials

When you decide to build a deck yourself your excluding yourself from using the best materials on the market. You’re stuck with low-grade materials like the ones from box stores or pressure treated decking and railing from the local lumber yard. You can certainly build a deck with these materials, but it’s going to be of lesser quality, require more maintenance, and the life will be short. When you work with a professional deck builder you get the most up to date decking materials that are designed to last multiple years and require little to no maintenance.

Design Matters

Designing a functional aesthetically pleasing deck that’s going to last is not easy. It takes skill and know how that you can only get through multiple years of experience. Knowing the angles and weight distributions and all the geometric complexities that go into deck design is not something you master on the weekend. Even if you could source the best materials possible, being able to design a deck that takes in all the variable necessary to make it work and last is nearly impossible for the average DIY project.

Don’t let your next deck project last the entire summer and end up a disappointment. Work with Omaha’s elite master deck builders and get the deck you want in a time and cost efficient manner. And rest assured knowing it’s going to last years with minimal maintenance. Call us today and let’s talk about your vision for the deck you’ve been dreaming about. (402) 690-1050

Is Your Deck Ready for Spring?

There’s no doubt that Spring means more time out on the deck enjoying the warmer weather. There’s a few things your Omaha master deck builders have learned about Spring deck prep over the years after building countless custom decks for our Omaha customers. Nothing captures the good life like enjoying Spring on a custom built deck.

Your Deck Represents You

A custom deck is as unique as its owner. It’s in many ways a reflection of your personality and should be designed to meet your outdoor space wishes and desires. Decks are often located in a homeowner’s backyard – a place to enjoy beautiful views, entertain guests, or just relax. It is commonly said you should love the inside of your home, but the same goes for your outside space. After the cold winter months have passed, the sun is shinning longer and harder, and it’s the perfect time to emerge, and start enjoying your outdoor spaces again. The deck is the natural place to start this transition back into outdoor living. Make sure it is as comfortable and meaningful as your favorite room in your house.

First Things First – Deck Inspection

The amount of work necessary to get your deck in the best shape possible for Spring depends on the materials that were used to build it. If your deck is wooden, preparing it after Winter may include applying fresh paint or stain, replacing rotted wood planks, or hiring a professional deck builder for major repairs. If your deck is composite, and built with material like Trex decking material, minimal work and upkeep are necessary, so chances are your deck is nearly ready for Springtime enjoyment.

Spring Deck Prep

Before setting out any stored furniture or plants make sure your deck is spic and span. A lot of homeowners use a high-power leaf blower to remove any dead leaves, dirt, or debris that have accumulated over Winter. After removing all of the dry materials use a power washer to get rid of mold or rotting wood thoroughly.

If you have left barbeques, pots, or planters, over the winter, make sure you wash them as well, as they may have been damaged during the Winter months.

Give all of your deck furniture a good washing. A spray bottle and sponge can usually take care of the job well enough. Make sure the furniture properly dries – especially seat cushions.

Springtime is Deck Building Time

Spring is the perfect time of the year for a new deck. If you’re looking to add some more functionality and personality to your outdoor living space, consider working with an elite custom deck builder. We can easily remove your old deck and get you set up with a deck you’re going to love, and that will last for years.

If you’re thinking of replacing your old deck, don’t have a deck, or just have deck related questions please give us a call. (402) 690-1050

Aluminum Deck Rails and Why We Love Them

Your favorite Omaha custom deck company is going to take you on the journey of aluminum deck railing. One of the little-discussed aspects of decks is the railing system. Aluminum deck rails avoid the bulk of fatter more obscure railing. Aluminum is thin, opens up the deck, and allows for higher visibility. But there’s more…

Highly Resistant

Aluminum is a non-ferrous metal. This translates to there being no need to worry about corrosion and rust. Aluminum is considered to be one of the most weather-resistant materials on the market. It can easily stand up to rain, snow, and UV rays.

Low Maintenance

Aluminum deck railing is generally a very low maintenance system. It requires the minimum in maintenance tasks, such as an occasional repainting. However, if you choose powder coated aluminum railing, you get a completely maintenance-free system that needs only occasional sprucing up.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Nobody wants to admit it, but everybody is concerned about appearance as much as function. Aluminum deck railing comes in a variety of designs, colors, and patterns that will be sure to match your style. It looks great but also blends seamlessly into the design so you can put other aspects of your deck center stage. There’s nothing worse than big bulky railing that looks out of place and obscures views.

Affordable

Aluminum is much more price friendly than wrought iron or steel. It does cost more than wood, but it doesn’t require any of the costly and time-consuming maintenance tasks that wood railing systems demand. Aluminum is a one-time investment without the additional costs and maintenance of other rail systems making it the most versatile of railing options.

Aluminum vs. Steel

Most aluminum deck railing available nowadays is powder coated which allows them to last for years with never having to repaint. Steel, on the other hand, will need a new paint job every few years. Aluminum is lighter and more flexible than steel making it easier to transport and faster to install.

Aluminum vs. Wood

The most important difference between aluminum and wood railing is that aluminum will not rot. Further, if aluminum is properly powder coated, it does not require any maintenance during its entire life cycle. On the other hand, wood will need to be repainted every two years and sealed with chemical treatments.

Aluminum vs. Vinyl

Aluminum has a great quality of having a low expansion and shrinkage index. An aluminum deck rail maintains its shape and dimension throughout extreme cold or heat. Vinyl is severely affected by extreme temperatures, and shrinks and expands excessively. Repeated shrinking and expanding can deteriorate vinyl railings after only a few years. Vinyl also fades and cracks due to UV radiation. UV rays have a minimal negative effect on powder coated aluminum.

We’re sure you’re now wondering where you can get yourself a deck with aluminum railing. Give us a call or come in the shop and we’ll give you a free quote on a deck you’re going to love. (402) 690 – 1050