Backyard​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Renovations in Weldon Spring Heights, MO – What We Learned From Our Neighbors

 

Living in the St Charles neighborhood of Deck Builder In Weldon Spring Heights, MO, you may already be aware that we, locals, have some pretty backyard challenges around these parts. Each yard is different with varying characteristics of the soil, terrain, and other external factors, which lead to diverse yard problems. We have a great history of collaborating with neighbors on all sorts of backyard projects, and we have learned a lot. Today is a good day to share the gist of these, which hopefully will help you have a better and smoother time with your outdoor endeavors, maybe even a lot more fun!

Know what you’re up against in Weldon Spring Heights before you build a deck

We initially noticed that a lot of homeowners start a deck construction without reflecting enough on if or how their local environment is going to challenge the new structure. This town of Weldon Spring Heights is predominantly made up of two types of properties—a few completely level ones and most with gentle slopes that sometimes hide drainage problems. After the first heavy rain, you might even become aware of how drainage issues affect your yard. Throw in a few hot, humid Missouri summers and sub-zero winter nights and you will get an instant picture of why some decks deteriorate faster than others or why some people are forever invested in maintenance rather than enjoying time on their decks.

How weather dictates the condition of your deck – the duality of hot summers and cold winters

Many neighbors share their concerns about whether their deck will be able to withstand the weather here. In fact, it is almost like the sun is your constant summer companion, whereas the winters only occasionally want to remind you of their presence with snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. One neighbor couple whose house was stabilized by us witnessed their pressure-treated wood deck break up and peel after just a few years of facing Missouri weather. They then began to understand the extent to which their choice of material significantly determined the degree to which their deck would be a source of long-term delight or not.

Apart from major interventions, the little ones count too; for example, creating shade with a pergola or an awning does not only improve the comfort of your deck when hosting family get-togethers but also prolong the deck’s life. Residents undervalue the effect of the sun and hot weather on deck materials and a few design alterations can do wonders.

Sloping Yards and Drainage Difficulties

Not flat as a pancake? Understandably, you would have run into the problem of water running around or pooling in an unexpected location whenever it rains. In Weldon Spring Heights, it is very common for the backyard to be slightly sloped toward the house, as a result of which, there arise headaches associated with drainage. We have seen numerous cases where a neighbor installs a deck on a sloping surface without giving much thought to the drainage issue, and understandably, the outcome is only frustration. The water gets trapped in the low areas, the wood becomes rotten quicker, and patios or outdoor furniture are constantly exposed to dampness.

One of the families had a backyard to the rear that sloped in their direction just a bit, and the spot to effectively become a little area of water storage after a heavy downpour. What we did was combine the construction of a slightly raised deck with a solution for water drainage that directed the water from the deck to the area that was not a problem. We could hardly believe how a such a simple change not only fixed the drainage issue but also made the outdoor area more functional.

Neighborhood Look and Feel and HOA Rules

Weldon Spring Heights is a lovely community with a distinctive neighborhood style. The biggest number of the residents have certain restrictions such as limiting deck height, railing styles, and even materials, and it is easy to overlook such details. To avoid any later inconveniences, it is always better to check HOA guidelines before initiating the project, that’s a tip coming from us.

Besides the HOA, it’s also socially wise to think of the whole neighborhood setting. A deck that has very modern features might stand out in a street of classic brick houses as if it’s from another planet. However, if the layout is harmonious with the surroundings, people will rarely notice the difference, and the backyard will appear as an extension of the house.

Real-life examples from homeowners - learning from what others have gone through

Nothing gives such a deep understanding of what works or not than when the project is unveiled right before your eyes. Even if left to their own devices, some people might manage to solve the problems of their backyards on each occasion; still, in our experience, if families open up and let us know of their wants and needs, we can usually come up with a better solution.

Making a Deck out of a Sloping Yard

The steeply sloping backyard of a certain neighbor not only made their lives difficult but also hampered the social aspect of the family. For kids to have a safe place for their play and the adults to have an area suitable for entertaining, socializing was one of the desires of these neighbors. They got a multi-level deck that perfectly followed the natural slope. Different spaces were demarcated by different levels: the lower one for leisure, the upper one for barbeque and a small landing gifted with a staircase for potted plants. From a problem yard, it became one hardly credibly spacious and social with the children.

Getting rid of Water without Major Yard Changes

The low area corner of another homeowner’s yard basically became a double victim—besides being so low, water would also collect here after every storm. Doing a full yard regrade is out of the question because it is costly and disruptive. With a slightly raised deck and a French drain underneath, both the water problem and the needs of the family were met, allowing them to enjoy the outdoor space without soggy feet.

Making the Best Material Choice for Weldon Spring Heights Homes

The level of impact that the choice of the right material can have means that a lot of debate among homeowners is centered on it. True, there is a lot of arguing between those arguing in favor of composite decking vs. those supporting traditional wood. Whether or not a material suits the geographical conditions of Missouri, the amount of exposure of the yard to the sun, and the willingness of the homeowner to be engaged in maintenance are some of the factors that will ultimately determine the decision.

Composite vs. Wood Decking

It is not hard to understand why people fancy composite decking—it has high moisture resistance, splintering is not common, generally speaking, it requires less maintenance than wood. However, while it is under the sun, it heats up quite a bit and some of the homeowners love the traditional wood look and feel. Our usual advice to neighbors is not to compromise between these two aspects but to weigh both of them. A nicely done wooden deck is a feast to the eye but is not without staining, sealing, and the accumulation of minor repairs.

Features of the Deck That Endure

Other deck components include railings, stairs, and lighting, and the list of the guests who are going to be affected by the Missouri seasons can quite possibly be extended. From our experience, the simplest and most durable materials are always a safe choice, especially if the goal is a deck that does not require much attention. To locals, small things such as fasteners, brackets, or the type of posts do not come first in their minds; nevertheless, over time, these little aspects work ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌miracles.