Avoid the DIY Deck Trap

DIY decking materials from large box stores are tempting because of their low price point compared to the high-grade warranty-backed materials used by the professional deck companies. While the brand name is recognizable, the reality is the manufacturers have produced watered-down versions for the DIY box store customer. The result is you save more now and pay more later.

Adding a deck to your home should be viewed as an investment in your home. Good investments take the long view. Hiring a custom deck builder is the safest and wisest way to add a custom deck to your home. We’re going to take a closer look at the risks of DIY decks and how they actually cost you more than using professional-grade materials and professional deck construction companies.

DIY Decks – What Could Go Wrong?

The deck is one of the most common DIY projects. However, many things can and do go wrong with decks. There’s the footings, lack of permits, the height, quality of materials, clearance from property lines, and lot more. One of the biggest issues comes with that attachment to your home. If it’s not attached correctly, you may find yourself dealing with water infiltration and costly damage to doors, window, flooring, and sub-flooring.

Deck Design and Planning

Before you start sourcing your materials, you first need to design and plan your deck. Where do you want it? Is where you want it feasible? How large will it be? How tall? What kind of railing, lights, and stairs will your deck have? If you’re already overwhelmed, don’t feel bad. Designing and planning a deck is difficult. There are more variables to consider than most people realize. When you go with a professional deck builder, you know you’re getting a deck that’s going to work from a structure and aesthetic standpoint with your home. Professional deck building companies have software that can render an accurate picture of what your deck will look like, and give you an accurate number of material costs and time to complete the project.

DIY Deck Construction

Putting all the materials together correctly to build a functional and aesthetically pleasing deck will require a massive time investment if you’re not trained in the deck building. Everyone’s time is worth something. If you want to turn your building a deck into a several month project and chip away at it after work and on the weekends, you can. However, for most people, the time commitment in fixing mistakes, making repeated trips to the hardware store, and getting people to help aren’t worth the extra resource costs that come with DIY deck construction. You will save money on materials, but spend more on everything else, and your deck will not be the same quality as a professionally built deck.

Omaha Custom Deck Builders

Give us a call today and schedule your deck build. If you’re not sure what you want, come by our showroom and see what we can offer in person. One of our deck building experts can walk you through all of your options and give you a free quote.

(402) 690-1050

TimberTech’s Multi-Width Deck Boards

Traditionally decking boards have been 5.5-6″ wide. TimberTech has changed this with the launch of its multi-width decking boards. Now you can mix up sizes and colors and add unique patterns to make your deck a true one of a kind. TimberTech’s multi-deck boards take custom deck building design to the next level.  We’ve been building custom decks in Omaha for a long time now, and TimberTech’s Multi-Width deck designs are without a doubt eye-catchers. Let’s take a closer look at what this lineup has to offer for your Omaha custom deck.

All About Custom Deck Design

For this series, it’s all about design flexibility and versatility. TimberTech AZEK Vintage Collection gives you flexibility with dimensions, styles, and patterns. Vintage styles range from Cypress, Dark Hickory, and Mahogany to Coastline, English Walnut, and Weathered Teak.

Multi-Width Deck Boards

TimberTech’s gives you three different widths to design your deck with. The narrow board is 3.5″ wide and available in square shoulder only. The standard is 5.5″ wide and available in both square shoulder and grooved. The wide is 7.25″ in width, and is available in square shoulder only. Combine all three cut at different lengths and color combinations to make a one of a kind design. 

Why Choose TimberTech Multi-Width Decking?

TimberTech is an industry leader in composite low-maintenance decking materials.  The company continually innovates as we see here with the multi-width deck boards. The options for a truly custom designed deck are unmatched. In addition, they offer a number of strong guarantees and warranties for their customers.

  • 50-Year Fade Warranty – TimberTech is engineered to hold its color over time. They back this promise by offering up to a 50-Year Limited Fade & Stain Warranty.
  • Seamless Design Integration – With the ability to choose from three different board widths and mix and match colors, the design options are limitless.
  • Natural Look – TimberTech offers a natural, hardwood look, even though it’s a composite material. The grain finishes are diverse, offering intricate, wire-brushed textures and more.
  • Superior Protection – Alloy Armour technology provides a protective cap to prevent fading, staining, and weathering.
  • Carefree Enjoyment – Durable capping keeps TimberTech’s boards beautiful and scratch-free, dent-free, and shield insects from causing damage.

 Happy Holidays!

 Thanks for following us in 2019. We look forward to serving Omaha and surrounding areas in 2020 with more elite custom decks. If you want to get a jump start on your 2020 deck, stop by our showroom and get some ideas. Seeing the materials and designs in person really gives you a sense of what a custom deck can do for your home and outdoor space.

Trex Custom Built Decks

Are you thinking about transforming your Omaha outdoor space with an elite, custom-built deck? We’ve been deck building in Omaha for nearly forty years and have found Trex® materials to be some of the most outstanding low maintenance decking available. Let’s take a more in-depth look into what makesTrex® an excellent choice for your Omaha custom deck.  

What is a Trex® Built Deck?

Trex® has been an industry leader for low maintenance composite decks since 1996. There are four highlight features theTrex® brand is famous for. 

  • Protective shell – Nobody likes a deck with scratches.
  • Deep Wood Grain – The texture of wood grain is deep and looks authentic.
  • Eco-Friendly -Trex® decks are made with 95% recycled materials.
  • Dozens of Rich Colors and Textures – An expansive catalog of colors and textures ensure you get precisely what you want.

An Industry Leading Warranty

A Trex® deck will not rot, warp, crack or be eaten by termites. AllTrex® products come with a 25-year  limited residential warranty against material defects, fading, and stains.Trex® can offer such an extended warranty because they make a product that surpasses the warranty. It’s that good. 

Trex® vs. Wood

A low maintenance custom deck made withTrex® comes loaded with benefits that make it a superior choice to wood decking. First off, it’s stain and fade resistant. It’s not going to warp, rot, crack, or split like wood. Mold and mildew is never a problem. Termites are never going to make a meal out of it. It’s splinter-free so the kids can run freely without you worrying. It’s easy to clean – just use some soap and water. 

Trex® Composite Decking Lineup 

Trex® decking has options for all aesthetic tastes and budgets.  

  • The TrexTransend® line has elevated aesthetics paired with the highest level of performance. It comes in earth and tropical tones. Some Tropical tone favorites include Havana Gold, Spiced Rum, and Island Mist. If you’re looking for a more earthy tone try Gravel Path, Fire Pit, or Vintage Lantern.
  • The TrexSelect® line is the perfect pairing of price and minimal maintenance. This lineup comes in some stunning earth tone colors that include Pebble Grey, Saddle, and Woodland Brown.
  • The TrexEnhance® lineup offers an authentic wood-grain appearance for the beauty of wood with the ease of composite. The Enhance color lineup includes natural colors like Coastal Bluff, Foggy Wharf, and Toasted Sand.

More than Decking

Trex® offers more than just decks. Their same low-maintenance innovations are available inTrex® railing and outdoor lighting. When you get your custom deck through us, we can put together a complete package that includes the deck, railing, steps, and an®y exterior lighting. Everything is custom-designed to your liking.  If you’re not sure which combinations of railing and lighting are best, we can show you what all your options would look like.

SeeTrex® Decking in Person

If you’re sold onTrex® or on the fence, we recommend you come to see it in person to truly appreciate this state of the art low maintenance decking material. Everyone is amazed at the engineering and beauty once they hold a piece ofTrex® decking material in their hands. When you come to our showroom, you get to see up close how a custom-built deck can transform your outdoor space and become an additional living room for you and your family.

Spring is Around the Corner

Although it feels like warm weather is far away with all the freezing temps and snow Spring will be here soon. Now people are hustling with planning. Home shows are already beginning. Outdoor events are getting placed on calendars. The new year is in full swing. If you’re still thinking about finally getting that custom deck built it’s not too late. A custom deck in Omaha can be enjoyed for most of the year, and with cover year round. 

4 Reasons to Build a Deck Structure this Spring

A Deck Increases Your Home’s Value

Like a remodel or any home upgrade, adding an outdoor living area adds immense value to your home. You’ll get back everything you spend or more with the additional curb appeal. It will also increase your chances of selling, when and if you do sell.

Decks Built for Parties

If you enjoy having friends and family an elite custom built deck is the perfect way to add functional space where people can gather and enjoy one another. Decks are open and in the fresh air – so much better than a claustrophobic crowded room. Clean up is easy on a deck, and everybody loves a good barbecue. 

Modern Decks are Amazing

Far from porches of the past, modern decks offer designs and functionality that have to be seen in person to believe. They’re low to almost no maintenance. The longevity of a custom built deck can be 20-30 years based on materials used.

New Decks Offer New Looks

Not only are modern decks durable and functional, but they also come in nearly any look and structure style you can imagine. Using state of the art materials, you can have an exotic hardwood look to rustic pine, and more.

Omaha Custom Deck Builders

Give us a call today and schedule your deck build. If you’re not sure what you want come by our showroom and see what we can offer in person. One of our deck building experts can walk you through all of your options and give you a free quote.

The Good Life Just Got Better with Fiberon Decking

To keep a reputation as one of the most trusted elite custom deck builders in Omaha, we have to stay current and only work with the best materials on the market. Everything Fiberon produces is made in the USA at either their North Carolina or Idaho facility. They introduced the industry’s first 25-year stain and fade warranty.

Fiberon Good Life Decking

Fiberon offers a vast lineup of composite decking options. They’re latest roll-out is called “Good Life Decking.” It offers all of the low maintenance benefits of composite at a price that’s closer to wood. Fiberon Good Life Decking is capped on three sides with a durable protective finish that resists staining and fading.

Fiberon Good Life Decking is available in three multi-chromatic colors as well as original solid shades.  

New Colors:

  • Beach House
  • Bungalow
  • Tuscan Villa

Original Solid Shades resemble traditional painted wood:

  • Cabin
  • Cottage

Fiberon Decking Benefits

  • Maintenance Free – Say goodbye to staining and waterproofing.
  • Industry Best Warranty – 25-year stain and fade performance warranty.
  • Environment-Friendly – Made from recycled materials, composites are toxin free and produced sustainably.
  • Cost Effective – With a long life span and low maintenance composites are hands down the more affordable option.
  • Safe – Composites don’t splinter or crack keeping bare feet big and small protected.

Industry Recognized

Fiberon has built an excellent reputation over the years and has been recognized for its quality products. A few of the accolades include:

  • Most Valuable Product for Building Industry Professionals – (Building Products Magazine)
  • Top Product – (Professional Builder magazine and Residential Design and Build Magazine)
  • 2015 Eco-Leader (Green Builder)
  • Houzz Influencer and Best of Houzz Design

Are You Ready for the Good Life?

There’s no better time than now to get your new deck underway. Beat the Spring rush and have your deck ready for first days of deck weather. We carry all the leading composite deck brands and can help you choose which brands and designs will work best for your unique home and style. Come visit our showroom in person to get the full composite deck experience. You have to see it to believe it. See you soon!

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