Frequently Asked Questions: Decks, Screened in Porches, and More
Archadeck of Kansas City receives many great questions about our outdoor living spaces and the process by which we design and build them.
And because we know that adding a new screened in porch, deck, or outdoor living combination entails serious decisions and a substantial investment, we are happy to help. If you don’t find your answer here, give us a call at 913-851-3325.
Who can design a deck for me?
If you choose Archadeck of Kansas City to be your deck builder, you are inherently gaining a custom deck designer too! Our design-build team has literal decades of experience, so there is never a need to hire an outside architect or designer.
What will determine the final cost of my deck or porch project?
There are several things that help us arrive at the final cost of your composite deck or screened in porch project. Some factors include site conditions, building materials, size, and you. Your wants, needs, and expectations will greatly contribute to your project’s final cost. The great news is that our outdoor living design consultations are complimentary and structured to help you through every step of the decision-making process.
Can I add an outdoor fireplace to my existing porch or deck?
Archadeck of Kansas City builds outdoor fireplaces for our new projects. Because existing outdoor living structures were not built with adding a future fireplace in mind, we do not recommend trying to install one as an add-on. We cannot add an outdoor fireplace to any existing structure.
Do I need a permit to build a deck or porch in Kansas City?
Yes, Kansas City and the surrounding areas will require a permit to build your outdoor living project. It is never advisable to hire a company without permitting your project, nor is it advisable to try building yourself without permits. One of the services Archadeck of Kansas City happily provides for every client is obtaining all required permits on their behalf. A permit ensures that your porch or deck is built safely, legally, and your investment is protected.
Should I invest in an outdoor fireplace for my new porch or deck?
The final decision as to whether an outdoor fireplace is a wise investment for you, but we can inform you about the usability of a fireplace. While porch fireplaces add ambiance to the space, they often will not provide ample heat for use on very cool days. This is not to say that you shouldn’t have a fireplace for your project. We simply recommend also adding radiant heating to your new porch design to get the most use of it – nearly year-round!
When is the best time to build my screened in porch or deck?
At Archadeck of Kansas City, we suggest the best time to build a porch or deck is when you start seriously considering it. There is never really a bad time to build, and we construct outdoor spaces all year long, even in winter. However, if you want to be able to use your new outdoor living space at the first sign of warm weather, the best time to get your project underway is fall or winter.
How do I know deck or porch is right for me?
Most of our clients have an idea of their ideal outdoor living space at the time of their design consultation. However, your Archadeck Design Consultant will be able to walk you through our different types of outdoor structures, as well as available amenities and material choices to see you through to your final decision.
Should I get multiple porch or deck bids?
You can call other porch and deck builders to request a bid for your upcoming project. What’s more, we would be happy to meet with you to compare and contrast our pricing versus others’ quotes. A lower price often indicates lower-quality building products and a process that will have you applying for permits and doing all the leg work behind the scenes. Archadeck of Kansas City does all the work for you – from obtaining permits to ordering materials to scheduling construction inspections and so much more – we do it all on your behalf!
Are composite decks worthy investments?
Today’s composite materials are by far a worthier investment than pressure-treated wood. There are various brands that manufacture synthetic decking, and each has their own material hierarchy. You will find that many composite decking lines today compare with the price of pressure-treated wood. Composite decking comes with manufacturers’ warranties starting at 20 years and going all the way up to limited lifetime. As far as usability, you will enjoy the low maintenance benefits of a composite deck and the fact that you will not get splinters.
Do you offer deck repair?
Archadeck of Kansas City does not offer deck repair or redecking services. We do not offer deck repair for a few reasons. Repairing only part of a deck that is failing could also mean that you are missing unseen issues on the structure beneath. If the deck is not up to current codes, it should be torn down and replaced. We do not offer redecking because in the grand scheme, keeping an old deck structure will not save our clients a lot of money. It is better to build an all-new deck structure when installing new composite decking that is guaranteed for 20, 25, or 30 years.
Which deck or porch railings should I choose?
There are a variety of porch and deck railing types to fit a range of budgets and maintenance requirements. Archadeck’s experienced Design Consultants can walk you through an array of railing choices to discern which is best for your project. Some of the railing types that we offer are aluminum, wood and aluminum, aluminum and composite, aluminum railings with stainless steel cable infill.
Can I screen in my existing deck?
Because your existing deck was not built with adding screened walls in the future, it is not recommended to attempt to add screens. As with deck repair, your structure might not only be too flimsy to accommodate the weight of wall framing, it could also not meet current building codes. The answer is always, better safe than sorry, when it comes to attempting to transform an existing deck into a screened porch.
Do I need an outdoor fireplace if I want to mount a TV inside my new screened-in porch?
If you would like to have an outdoor TV viewing space on your new screened in porch, but don’t want to invest in an outdoor fireplace, Archadeck of Kansas City can design a finished wall specifically for safely mounting your TV. TV walls are very popular additions among our porch clients!
What kind of screening will be used on my new screen porch?
Archadeck of Kansas City uses only one brand of porch screening, and that is PetScreen®. Though this screening system requires a larger investment upfront, our clients find that it absolutely stands up to its name. Pets do not run through, scratch through, or bite through this screening. Nor do wild animals. It his sturdy and should never require replacing like other brands of porch screening.
Search deck builders near me and choose Archadeck of Kansas City.
End your search for custom deck builders near you by choosing the experienced team at Archadeck of Kansas City. Our goal is always your complete satisfaction. Get started by filling out our form here, or by calling 913-851-3325 today!
