What​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ homeowners in the St. Charles area are discovering about building the right deck the first time

 

If you get enough time to chat with homeowners in the St. Charles and Lake St. Louis areas, you’ll quickly realize that decks are a major component of how people enjoy their homes here. Between the summer barbeques, family get-togethers, and the relaxing evenings outside after a day’s work, a backyard deck often turns out to be the very spot where a lot of life happens.

Still, through the years, we have also heard so many neighbors’ stories that go like, “If we could do this one more time, we would make some different choices.”

Sometimes it’s about size. Sometimes it’s about the materials. And sometimes it’s just about how the space is actually used.

As a Custom Deck Builder in Lake St. Louis, MO, we have had many great talks with local homeowners planning to get a new deck or remodeling an existing one. And we’ve noticed that the very same issues come up time and time again, even more so with the unique characteristics of the homes and the changing weather of St. Charles County.

So here are some revelations from those discussions.

Reasons why deck projects are so frequent in the St. Charles & Lake St. Louis area

Take a drive around the neighborhoods in St. Charles or Lake St. Louis during the summer and the first thing you’ll notice is that the majority of homes have some type of outdoor living space. Decks, patios, pergolas, you name it.

There’s actually a good reason behind this.

Missouri summers, although they can be hot, provide a great opportunity to enjoy outdoor living. Families barbeque outside, children play in the yard, and neighbors meet for evening get-togethers. Being able to relax in a comfortable outdoor environment definitely enhances these moments.

Our Four-Season Climate and How It Affects Deck

DesignOne outdoor factor that many homeowners simply don’t realize right away is just how much the weather in the Midwest affects decks over time.

Living in St. Charles, we experience:

1. Very hot and humid summers

2. Storms moving quickly

3. Very cold winters

4. Springtime rain and big swings in temperature

Due to all these climatic elements, outdoor structures are subjected to a lot of swelling, shrinking and moisture exposure. This explains why the choice of materials is really important. A deck which appeals to us only at first summer should still be going strong after multiple Missouri winters.

Backyard Layouts in Local Neighborhoods

Another remarkable thing one can notice all over St. Charles County is how different are backyards from neighborhood to neighborhood.

Some houses are situated on gently sloping lots, others are outfitted with walkout basements and some of the newly-built developments are very compact, necessitating an efficient use of space.

This diversity ultimately influences how decks are designed. Homeowners may be compelled to add a set of steps to access the yard. In other cases a multi-leveled construction assisting in effectively utilizing the space emerged as a wise choice felt by homeowners.

Chat That We Frequently Have With Local Homeowners Before a Deck Project

When we start talking with most homeowners, the dialogue usually runs something along these lines:

“We are fond of our backyard; however, the deck is not functioning the way we had hoped.”

Sometimes it’s a deck that was built many years ago. Sometimes it was an existing deck that came with the house which was designed catering to needs of the previous owner.

Anyway, there are several scenarios that tend to repeat themselves most often.

“Increasing the size would have been a wiser decision”

Being honest, this is the #1 issue that we come across.

Most decks were planned for a small grill and just a couple of chairs initially. At some point, though, families continue using the space more – adding outdoor furniture, inviting friends over, or setting up a small dining area outside.

In no time their original deck starts to feel a bit tight.

One of the best rules of thumb that people often mention afterwards is to visualize a regular gathering. Figure out where the seating areas are, where the grill is, and how people move the space. This will provide a way better estimate of the right size than just measuring the floor area.

Maintenance Dilemmas With Existing Wood Decks

An additional aspect that may strike homeowners is the level of maintenance that a traditional wood deck requires.

Wood indeed can be stunning but Missouri’s climate makes it vulnerable. Sun, humidity, and wet winters can result in:

1. Sun damage, fading, and discoloration

2. Warped boards

3. Splinters

4. Re-staining or sealing very often

Hence some homeowners need regular weekend work for two consecutive years just to maintain their decks.

Experience In The Industry: What a Custom Deck Builder in Lake St. Louis, MO Has to Say

In time, you discover which design decisions make homeowners truly happy even years after they get their decks done.

The vast majority of those decisions simply require additional planning and thinking about the future.

Picking Out Deck Materials That Are More Suitable To The St. Louis Climate

Due to Missouri’s very volatile weather conditions, it is imperative to make durability the top priority.

There are still some homeowners who appreciate the traditional and natural look of wood. However, the majority opts for composite materials that are more resistant to the effects caused by moisture and temperature variations.

What really matters is a thorough understanding of the maintenance and durability requirements throughout the material’s lifecycle before making any decisions.

Rebuilding a deck is not something the average homeowner would want to do every ten years, so matching one’s own maintenance capabilities to the selected quality of materials is a good idea.

Composing Family-Oriented Yard Utilization Responsible Deck Design

Merely being aesthetically pleasing on paper a deck still needs to be functional in real life.

Some families are big fans of cookouts and hosting parties. Others want to have a place to enjoy their morning coffee in peace. Some families will need enough space for outdoor dining tables while others will prefer lounge seating.

Homeowners who concentrate on their actual lifestyle rather than only on the appearance of the deck produce designs that satisfy them for years to come.

Looking Into The Future Rather Than The First Summer Only

It’s very tempting to focus only on the visual appeal of a deck right after installation.

Nevertheless, many experienced homeowners end up saying the very same thing: the first year is important but the fifth year will be critical.

Will the materials still look good?Can they be kept up with?Will the layout still suit the needs of the family as it grows?

Meeting those questions at the planning stage can certainly bring about a lot of wise measures.

Minor Architectural Details that Make a Big Impact

Sometimes, it’s the tiniest of details that end up having the greatest impact on the overall ambiance of a deck.

Incorporated Seating and Multi-Tiered Designs

Cabinet-like benches can create compact and natural areas where people can gather. Additionally, they also help cut down the need for bringing in other furniture.

Multi-tiered decks are yet another thing that a lot of people are happy to have, especially when the yard is on a slope. Having a distinct grilling and/or seating area helps not only in the organization of space but also makes the overall feeling more spacious.

Railing,Lighting and Safety Features

Among the finishing details, railings stand out as elements that contribute not only to the safety of the deck but also the overall look.

Lighting is the component that many homeowners come to wish for after it is already too late to add. Dimmable deck lights set along the stairs or around the rails can make a sumptuous merry making in the evening and it also greatly reduces the chances of stumbling and falling.

Often being overlooked during the very first design phase, such features end up being among the most cherished ones when the project is completed.

What Homeowners in St. Charles County Couldn’t Anticipate

Occasionally, that’s when a homeowner realizes that permits and HOA regulations can have an impact on their projects such as decks.

For different parts of the neighborhoods, the homeowner associations may have some rules regarding:

1. Deck size

2. Railing types

3. Colors and materials

Also, there are local building codes that require permits and inspection.

Usually it is not difficult but it is the one detail that many people completely ignore until they have already drawn up their plans.

Some of the most important things we have shared with neighbors before starting a deck project

Working years with homeowners around St. Charles and Lake St. Louis, there are a few things that keep popping up as advice.

First, think about the actual use of the space

Don’t just jump straight to materials or styles. Instead, start by deciding what the deck is for.

Is it for having barbecues?Having guests over?Just chilling in the evenings?

The answer to these questions will be the one that leads the entire project forward.

Take into account Missouri’s Weather

We have all experienced how the change of the seasons can wreak havoc on outdoor spaces. By considering durability during the planning phase, one can avert subsequent issues.

Allow space for the development of other backyard ideas later

Some homeowners will, at some point, want to include such things as a fire pit, patio, or an outdoor kitchen.

Therefore, a well-planned deck that would easily integrate with any future additions to the backyard will undoubtedly be a wise move much later on.

Why outdoor spaces are so valuable to families in St. Charles County

If one thing we will never forget is the local community’s love for outdoor living spaces, it is that and more.

In fact, decks play host for birthday parties, summer dinners, and leisurely weekend mornings. They become the spot where children are playing in the yard while their parents are nearby and relaxing. At the same time, these are the environments where neighbors meet for conversations as the sun goes down.

That is, however, possible to achieve thanks to the thoughtful design of the space.

For the majority of homeowners located in and around St. Charles and Lake St. Louis the deck does not merely remain part of the backyard; rather, it becomes integrated with daily ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌life.