“When we first met with our outdoor deck builder, I tried to stress to him how busy and active our 3 kids are,” said Roy. “But then our dog Wilson came bounding up to introduce himself. Did I mention that Wilson is a Saint Bernard? That’s when the builder laughed and said, “We’ll have to build you an extra sturdy deck!”
When families are active, especially when they have pets, the outdoor deck can see a lot of use. For this reason, the best outdoor deck builders will recommend using a composite decking material. This composite material is more durable than wood, and requires less maintenance. “If your kids ride skateboards or you’re not hyper-vigilant about getting your dog’s nails clipped,” Roy said, “a wood deck might not necessarily last that long. Ask me how I know.”
When a family is very active and frequently on the go, special attention must be paid to porch stair design. “Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve got big feet,” Roy said. “I hate it when you go up the stairs and you have to turn your foot so it fits on the step properly. My son’s feet are 2 sizes bigger than mine already – and he’s only 12!” Custom deck design allows homeowners to have what they want – in Roy’s case, wider than average porch stairs. “The railings are built to stand up to a lot of wear and tear,” Roy added, grabbing onto the porch railing and pulling hard. “Which is good, because we need this deck to last for a while.”
The other issue that concerns busy families when it comes to their decks is maintenance. As outdoor deck builders, we’re often asked which type of deck is the easiest to keep clean. Composite decking and PVC decking are top choice for easy maintenance deck: a good power washing periodically is all you need!