Often, clients call Archadeck of Chicagoland to inquire about building a larger or completely different outdoor living design. This was not the case for this Winfield IL deck.
These homeowners had an existing wood deck, which had neared its usable life’s end. Overall, the family wished to update their deck. Our Naperville deck design team got to work to create a new and improved outdoor living space, albeit the same shape and size of the existing deck. At Archadeck of Chicagoland, we know that it doesn’t take a total backyard revision to vastly improve our clients’ outdoor living. Here are three great ways that we were able to improve upon this Winfield IL deck.
BEFORE Existing Winfield IL wood deck
1. New, safer deck
The average lifespan of an all-wood deck is between 10 and 15 years. In harsh climates, like those with a lot of snow, the usability of a wood deck can be at the lower end of that estimate. While we do offer re-decking at Archadeck of Chicagoland, this Winfield deck called for an all-new structure, which we provided. How do you know if your existing deck still has good life left in it? We follow the ‘BESAFER’ model to determine deck safety.
- Are BOARDS badly warping, splitting, or splintering?
- Is EVERY connection secured with proper fasteners that are not in disrepair?
- Is the STRUCTURE noticeably drooping or sagging?
- Was the ATTACHMENT of the deck to the home done with proper fastenings? Does it include flashing to allay water damage?
- Are FOOTINGS sinking or causing a disconnect between the columns and the deck structure?
- Do EXITS with stairs have stringers, risers, and treads that remain in good condition?
- Do deck and stair RAILS have strong posts and attachments to the deck? Are picket spacings no more than 4”?
AFTER Winfield IL TimberTech deck
What’s on top of the new deck structure and footings is pretty special too! For this project, we installed TimberTech AZEK Vintage Collection® decking in Coastline finish. Not only is this capped polymer decking beautiful, with the look of authentic wood, it is ultimately low-maintenance. This means these homeowners will simply need to spray or wipe their deck down when needed, rather than sanding and re-staining periodically. This custom deck design includes TimberTech’s RadianceRail Express®, a low-maintenance composite railing with a milled wood aesthetic. We used two colors for a custom look, with the top rail and frame in Kona® and black pickets. This new low-maintenance deck offers slip, dent, scratch, and fade resistance over its wood counterparts. TimberTech’s capped polymer decking boards will also remain up to 30°F cooler to the touch, which is important on full-sun days. Perhaps the best part is that TimberTech AZEK Vintage Collection decking comes 50-year fade/stain and limited lifetime warranties. Decades of low-maintenance deck living!
AFTER Elevated TimberTech deck in Winfield IL
3. Useful deck stair upgrade
We replicated the original stair for this second-story deck using TimberTech AZEK decking and RadianceRail Express railings. For even better usability, we installed LED strip riser lights on the new stair. This small, but important upgrade will extend the use of the deck and stair into dark hours, making passage between the patio/yard and deck much safer.
BEFORE Original 2-story wood deck stair
This deck upgrade illustrates how Archadeck of Chicagoland can give you an improved outdoor living design without completely revising the size and layout of your existing space.
If you are looking for a Winfield IL deck builder, get in touch with the award-winning design team at Archadeck of Chicagoland in Naperville. Schedule a visit at our Naperville design center by calling (630) 505-7688.
