Deck Building in Kansas City
Expand living space and increase property value with a customized deck
Decks are a great way to expand your space and gently blend your indoor and outdoor living areas. A deck is there to help you unwind at the end of the day. It serves as the perfect meeting spot for friends and families to enjoy the outdoors and share lovely moments together.
When it comes to designing your deck, you will find plenty of materials and styles to choose from. Depending on your home style, the available space, and how you plan on using your deck, you will find the right deck material and design for your home.
Here at Total Home Fence and Deck in Lenexa, Kansas, we strive to give our customers the best quality in terms of materials, choices, and craftsmanship. Once we have built your deck, you will love to sit there, take in the views, and spend quality time with your loved ones.
High-Quality Deck Materials
There are several materials we can use to build your deck. Your choice depends on your budget, the style of your deck—which usually follows the overall design of your home—and the amount of maintenance you want to do every year to keep your deck in pristine condition.
Wood
The most common material for a deck is simple wood. Wood gives that warm and cozy look to decks that many customers like.
Wooden decks, however, require regular maintenance to prevent them from splintering and warping. Stain insulates the wood and stops moisture from entering the wood fibers. Wooden decks must be re-stained every two to three years to help them withstand moisture, rain, and snow, as well as harsh sunlight.
Wooden decks are budget-friendly because they use types of wood that are commonly available.
Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressured-treated wooden decks are usually made from southern yellow pine, which is a softwood. Even so, pressure-treated wood is more lasting than simple wood because it has undergone a treatment with chemicals to make it more resistant to moisture and insects.
Pressure-treated decks require less maintenance than simple wooden decks but should be stained on a regular basis. Specifically, you should refinish your deck every three to four years.
Such decks can be stained and painted, so pressure-treated wood is a good choice if you want a particular color for your deck.
Pressure-treated wood is fairly affordable as it uses pine wood, which is readily available.
Cedar
Cedar is a hardwood that is a great option for a wooden deck because its tannins, by their very nature, repel moisture and insects. In addition, cedar’s reddish hues appeal to many homeowners because of its natural and earthy look.
Cedar decks can be stained but not painted. Most customers who choose cedar for their decks do so for the natural hues and grain of this wood and want to show it off in their deck. Remember, however, that with time, cedar will take a natural grayish tone and lose some of its more vibrant reddish hues.
Cedar requires maintenance but not as regularly as wood or pressure-treated wood. You should refinish your cedar deck every three to four years and stain it every year.
Because cedar is not abundant in the United States, a cedar deck costs more than simple or pressure-treated wood.
Have Questions About Your Deck Project?
Speak with one of our qualified deck representatives today!
Hardwoods
Besides cedar, there are several other choices of hardwoods, including tropical woods such as ipe, balau, ironwood, tigerwood, and cumaru.
Tropical hardwoods are famed for their hardiness and longevity. They are less prone to rot and insect decay because they are very dense. They also crack and splinter less than more common woods. With proper maintenance, such decks can last for 30 or 50 years.
Ipe is more brownish while cumaru has redder hues. Balau is more yellow, while tigerwood gets its name from its characteristic orange and red stripes that are reminiscent of tigers.
Due to their hardness, these hardwoods require special equipment and tools to install. This, and the fact that they are imported from tropical areas and are not that common, makes them the most expensive types of wood for your deck. On the other hand, they last longer and look great even after years of use.
Composite
Composite decks are made of plastic and waste wood fibers, hence their name. Because of the plastic content, they don’t splinter and are UV-resistant. You don’t need to refinish, stain, or paint them. Technology has ensured that composite decks have natural-looking hues and grain patterns that perfectly mimic wood.
Composite decks come in several colors from manufacturers, so you can’t repaint them in a color of your choice. On the other hand, there are so many choices available that you’re bound to find the color that matches your house or style.
Composite decks should be scrubbed once or twice a year to keep them clean and eliminate the presence of mildew.
These decks can be more expensive than wood or pressure-treated decks because they require extra manufacturing and treatment. However, they last much longer and require minimum maintenance.
Plastic (PVC)
Plastic (PVC) or vinyl decks are made entirely of plastic. They deliver a uniform look since they are man-made rather than nature-made. As a bonus, they are completely resistant to rot, insects, moisture, mildew, splintering, and cracking.
Plastic decks come in a wide selection of colors to choose from but you can’t paint over them. They will last a lifetime since the only thing they require is cleaning them from time to time to eliminate dust and stains.
Another positive feature of plastic decks is that they are lightweight, which is handy for some deck constructions. In addition, there is no need to ever stain them or refinish them.
Plastic decks cost more than decks made with composite, pressure-treated, or simple wood—but last longer and require far less maintenance.
Customized Deck Styles
Your deck style depends on the available space and overall architectural design of your home. Don’t try to squeeze a large deck into a small space: it will likely look out of place and appear awkward to the eye.
Attached Deck
The attached deck is the most common deck design we are asked to build here in Lenexa, Kansas.
Attached decks are similar to patios since they are connected to the main house. The difference is that patios are covered and built on the ground, whereas an attached deck is usually slightly raised and has no roof.
Most attached decks are attached to the back of U-shaped and L-shaped homes, as an expansion of the living space.
Wraparound Deck
As its name suggests, a wraparound deck is found around a house. Unlike porches, wraparound decks can have uneven shapes: they can be wider in some places and narrower in others. They tend to be larger than porches and can be elevated to add grandeur and better visual contact with the landscape.
Wraparound decks are a great way to expand the living space of your home. You can enjoy your deck from most areas of your home, such as the living room, kitchen, or bedrooms. A deck lets the outdoors gently blend with your indoors, especially if you open the windows.
Multi-Tiered Deck
A multi-tiered deck is great if you want to take advantage of uneven land and slight elevations. Different levels of the deck are connected with a pathway or steps made from the same material.
Yards and gardens with rocky areas, small hills, and slopes can benefit greatly from multi-tiered decks that make the most of the terrain and enhance the landscape.
Each level can be used in a different way: cooking and BBQ on one level, games for the children on another, and sofas and tables on yet another level. It is easy to create distinct spaces thanks to the multiple levels, thus providing everyone in the family with their own private layer of space.
Detached Deck
A detached deck stands alone, away from the main building. It can be in the middle of the property or on one side. A detached deck is accessed through a path or steps.
Detached decks add visual appeal to your landscape. Many customers of Total Home Fence and Deck use detached decks to utilize parts of the property that are tricky to use otherwise. For example, rocky or uneven terrain, poor drainage, or other limitations can make planting a garden difficult. A deck bypasses these problems and creates a beautiful spot to rest and enjoy the views.
Swimming Pool Deck
It is great to take in the sun on a swimming pool deck. These decks surround the swimming pool and add visual space to the pool itself. They can be on the pool level or raised: many parents opt for raised swimming pool decks to have better supervision of their children playing in the pool.
Entryway Deck
An entryway deck leads to the entrance of your home. Sometimes, our customers here at Lenexa, Kansas, mistake an entryway deck for a porch. The difference is that an entryway deck is not covered and its main purpose is to bring people to the house in a visually appealing way.
Don’t Forget the Railings
Most decks are elevated so you will need railings for safety. These can be made from various materials.
Wood Railing
The most affordable railing is made of wood. It is cost-effective but requires regular maintenance, staining, and refinishing to prevent splinters and cracking. Remember that people will place their hands on the railing, so it must be smooth and safe.
Most wooden railings are made of pine but you can also find oak, maple, and cypress wooden railings.
Composite Railing
Just like there are composite decks, you can find composite railings. These are sturdier than wood and require less maintenance thanks to their mixed plastic content. They are more resistant to moisture, rain, and snow, which makes them slightly more expensive than wood railings.
Plastic (Vinyl) Railing
Plastic and vinyl railings are weather-resistant. They require very little maintenance aside from regular cleaning and offer a smooth surface that is pleasing to the touch.
Metal Railing
Metal railings can be made of stainless steel or wrought iron. You can also find powder-coated aluminum railings.
Metal railings add a touch of modernity and sophistication to your deck. Wrought iron can be morphed into any shape you want but is susceptible to rust. You must paint these railings regularly, or rain and snow will slowly destroy them. The positive aspect is that you can paint them any color that matches the rest of the deck and your home.
Aluminum railings are sturdy and don’t rust but are more expensive. However, you will avoid the need for regular maintenance.
Glass Railing
Glass panels are great because they are unobtrusive and offer an uninterrupted view. If you have an elevated deck or would like to create a seamless vista, glass panels are a great choice.
Glass railings require little maintenance but you will need to clean your glass panels regularly, especially after rain or if you live near the sea. The panels are made of tempered glass and are nearly unbreakable.
Glass panels are sophisticated and deliver transparency and elegance to your deck.
Cable Railing
Cable railings are usually made of stainless steel or aluminum so they require very little maintenance. They add modernity and refinement to your deck and offer uninterrupted views because they are so thin.
On the other hand, cable railings can be dangerous if you have young children. Cable railings are horizontal, so toddlers and young children can easily climb on them. If your deck is elevated, this could be dangerous.
Don’t Forget the Railings
Most decks are elevated so you will need railings for safety. These can be made from various materials.
Get a New Deck in 5 Steps
When you work with us, you can rest assured that quality is our priority.
Fence
Assessment
step 1
To give you a better expectation of costs and materials we will assess the area.
Sign
Contract
step 2
A contract will be signed including a drawing of the fence with measurements.
Style
Approval
step 3
We will send you a photo example of the deck style and document the current deck if one exists.
Construction
Begins
step 4
Our team of hard-working deck engineers will get to work on your new investment.
Enjoy
Your Deck
step 5
You will receive the finial touches and nothing is left but to enjoy your new exterior.
5-Year Post & Workmanship Warranty
Our Deck Projects Are Built To Last
We are confident in our work because we use industry-best standards that ensures your deck will last with minimum upkeep.
You can feel confident too with our 5-year warranty.
Testimonials & Gallery
Don’t just take our word for it, hear is what clients say:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – “Crew was awesome”
“Brian was great to work with. He always returned calls quickly and answered all my questions. Our project was delayed by concrete removal company. Brian stayed connected and patient about starting our project. Once started, the crew was awesome. They finished in a timely manner even working around winter storms. We love our new deck and have gotten many compliments on it. They did such a nice job, we’re going to do another one!”
Kat Steckler
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – “Courteous and very knowledgeable”
“Brian from Total Home & Deck came out on time and was very helpful to our needs. He was courteous and very knowledgeable about the process. I would definitely encourage others to reach out to this company.”
Sylvia Williams
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – “I highly recommend this company!”
“We just had our new 6’ privacy fence put in these past couple days. Brian, the owner is awesome! Very kind and professional! The crew that came out ranged from four different guys, two that came daily! They were awesome! We reviewed my contract before they started and did a walk thru upon completion today! I have wanted this fence for nearly 24 years and today it is finished! 3 sides, 1 people gate, and 12’ double gate! No more dog distractions, complete privacy and I can’t wait to add some more personal touches to my yard and outdoor living space! The price compared to others was also awesome! Thank you Dustin (crew lead) and Brian so much! I highly recommend this company!”
Ange Rush
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – “Great work would definitely use them again.”
“The Total Home Fence and Deck crew did a great job in a timely manner facing multiple rain days and the heat. They built a set of stairs from my existing deck and screened in our porch. Great work would definitely use them again.”