Fences and Decks in Dallas Texas

The purpose of this blog is to educate my future customers on transforming their Backyard in to an Environment that can be enjoyed by you,your family and friends for years to come.

I have been serving happy customers in the Dallas, Rockwall and Collin counties Since 1981 and would love the opportunity to have you as one of these happy customers. We can work together to create and build you a custom wood or composite deck, cedar pergola / arbor, shingled patio cover, tropical cover with thatched palm leaves, custom cedar privacy fence, wrought iron fence, electric driveway gate or custom gazebo. We also do repairs.

Please feel free to drop by my website and visit the gallery and/or request a free quote.

Please stop by often as I build on this blog to help people better understand.

Composite Deck Review

There are varying opinions and reviews out there regarding Composite Deck Materials (good and bad) so I may as well add mine to the mix.

Composite deck materials or WPC (wood, plastic, composite) are slowly gaining popularity. According to a market study done by: Principia Partners for new, remodeled and replacement decks market share of deck boards based on millions of linear feet, from 2004-2009 WPC has gained 14% over pressure treated softwoods or PTS.

While 65% of the decks installed are made with PTS, the consumers are realizing that the initial lower cost is being offset with the almost yearly maintenance. This coupled with the “Go Green” revolution is giving rise to the increase in popularity with WPC.

The cost of a composite deck can be up to 3 1/2 times higher and will still require some upkeep. There are lots of deck builders that have experience working with WPC so finding a deck contractor for WPC deck construction should be a easy task.

Some of the Advantages and Disadvantages

1- Composite decks can have a higher heat retention but can be offset by purchasing a lighter color.
2- The cost is higher than a wood deck but you have more choices on deck design with your deck ideas.
3- Surface is of composite decking is nonskid vs wood deck with stain applied.
4- No splintering or warping that you get with PTS.
5- No reapplying of weather sealant/stain every 2-3 years although some of the manufacturers recommend a light application.
6- WPC has wood fibers with the recycled plastics and when cut and left exposed are subject to rot and mold unless it has additives such as zinc borate.
7- WPC contains plastic, either polyethylene which is recycled and more malleable plastic and wood fiber, or polypropylene which is virgin plastic which is more rigid.
8- WPC can stain with oil, rust, wine, chemicals or grease from your BBQ grill but can be minimised with an approved protectant.
9- Some of the WPC’s are softer than others and will scratch easier.
10- You can choose from a variety of colors, textures and wood grain simulations.
11- They call WPC environmentally friendly but yet the chemicals that are needed to clean are not quite so environmentally friendly.
12- If scratched or stained you have to replace and can not refinish like you can with wood.

I have been in deck construction for a long time and have seen products come and go. I like working with the different brands of WPC and have been very pleased with ease of installation as well as the appearance
but only time will tell if it will last as some of the claims made.

If you are considering deck construction with WPC then first do a online search on the composite’s that are available and what some of the pro’s and con’s are so that you can make an informed decision.

Here is a short list of some of the more popular Composite Deck Materials available: Trex, Timbertech, Correct Deck, Choice Deck, Ultradeck, Veranda Decking and Lattitudes.

Terry Campbell has over thirty years experience as a fence, patio cover and deck contractor in the Dallas, Texas metro area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Campbell

Trex Accent Composite Deck

West Sun Heating Up the Inside of Your Home = Problem and Pergola & Arbor = Solution

Have you ever been on the west side of your brick home after sunset especially during the summer months and noticed that it radiates heat from the bricks? Do you seem to have a problem with excess heat coming through the windows? It seems that when a builder is laying out the build for your home that they very seldom take the west sun into the equation nor does the guy that is installing your air conditioner.

You can minimize this heat by adding a Pergola while also enhancing your homes value plus creating an inviting comfortable outdoor room to relax and enjoy.

Pergolas can be constructed with cedar, pressure treated pine or redwood to give it a more natural look to blend with your garden. Keeping in mind that with natural woods that you may want to weather seal it with one of the many good products available as to keep the natural beauty of these woods for a longer time.

You have a lot of flexibility on the amount of shade you choose while designing your pergola. This is accomplished by the sizes of lumber, positioning, angle, spacing between, the direction top slats, the height of the structure and by adding growing vines that grow up the columns and sprawl out over the top to create a excellent shade canopy.

Ever wonder what the difference is between a pergola, arbor or trellis? Well you are not the only one. I get this question a lot. A pergola, arbor and trellis designs are very similar Please allow me to explain.

Pergola is the larger of the three and usually given more attention to the architectural detail. In Egypt, Italy and throughout Europe pergolas are commonly used as a feature with grand masonry of early Renaissance gardens but are now constructed with wood and usually freestanding and supported with columns but can also be attached to your home.

Arbors are small simple structures and usually arched at the top. You will find these over walkways or paths and will sometimes have vines growing over them.

A Trellis is a large or small structure that contains latticework for vines to climb and can also be used for shade although you will not see the architectural detail as in a pergola.

Terry Campbell has been serving the Dallas Texas metro area helping show people like you what there backyard can become.

Please visit my websites gallery to see what your backyard can become.

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Adding a Backyard Deck to Extend Your Living Space

Your backyard can be an extension of your living space for entertaining family and friends while adding to the value of your home. First you need to consider a few things like budget, architecture of your home, landscape, family needs and your lifestyle. If you are on a tight budget then you can do this in steps while taking into consideration what the completed project will be.

You will then want to check with your local building department what their requirements are like easements or restrictions. Before construction starts it is always good to have your local utility companies mark any underground utilities. A good deck contractor will do this.

A good starting base would be a deck. Will this be a wood deck ( pressure treated pine, cedar, redwood) that will require maintenance from time to time like a good wood preservative or will it be an exotic hard wood or composite deck material that requires less attention? Will it be constructed with screws or nails? Check with your supplier to make sure that you get the best fasteners for you application if doing this yourself.

You can make this an outdoor living room with a fireplace or fire pit with a outdoor kitchen complete with a sink with running water, built in gas grill and refrigerator or just a deck with a portable gas or charcoal grill.

Consider shading this with a pergola or getting a little more protection from the rain with a shingled roof over the area and maybe install a set of french doors linking the indoors out to your new backyard paradise.

A nice water feature like a fish pond with a waterfall can add a relaxing touch for those days when you want to nap in your rope hammock or use your laptop surfing the internet. You can add a gas heater for the cooler days or screen it in to keep those pesky bugs out while still letting the breeze flow through.

You can then add lighting, ceiling fan, outdoor rug, outdoor furniture, landscaping, wall mounted LCD TV and outdoor art work.

As you can see the possibilities are endless and this will give you endless memories for you family and friend photo albums.

Custom Redwood Deck built by Terry Campbell www.fencesanddecksdallas.com

Do a search for outdoor living. The internet is full of images that will help you with your design.

Terry Campbell has over thirty years experience as a
fence, patio cover, and deck contractor in the Dallas Texas metro area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Campbell

A Patio Cover Adds Value and Comfort to Your Home

If you’re a Texas homeowner, you know how enjoyable an outdoor patio can be – providing it’s covered. If it’s open, though, you probably don’t spend much time on your patio, given how blazing hot it can get in the summer and how rainy it can get in the winter. But Texans do love the outdoors, and it’s a shame not to be able to enjoy your patio virtually year-round. That’s why you need to install a shade cover, an awning, or some other type of patio cover.

When you add a well-designed, high quality patio cover, you’ll not only be able to utilize what is often wasted space in Texas homes, but you’ll also add value to your home. Beyond that, you give yourself options for later home improvements, since you can always enclose your patio with screen or glass in the future – turning it into a sunroom without having to rebuild the roof.

Lone Star State residents have a variety of options when it comes to patio enclosures. Patio cover styles include the pergola (often known as an arbor), which is a shaded area with cross beams and open lattice; an awning; or a shade cover, which is often solid but can have skylights. Some people even opt for carport-like structures.

Installing Texas Patio Covers

Whether you live in Austin, Dallas, or Fort Worth, you basically have two choices when it comes time to install a patio cover: you can do it yourself, or you can hire a contractor to build it for you. Texas patio covers that come in DIY kits usually range from about $2,600 to $3,800m depending on the size. Quality kits include two-pound density EPS foam insulated panels, heavy gauge stressed aluminum laminated skins, and decorative post wraps or columns. The kits should also contain all the hardware, fasteners, and sealants you need. If you decide to do it yourself, make sure to select a Texas company that will not only provide written instructions, but will also offer professional phone consultation.

Hiring a Contractor

If you decide to hire a Texas contractor to construct your patio cover, it’s crucial that you select one with an established reputation. A reputable contractor will ensure that you receive a lifetime warranty against leaks and problems with the finish, and make sure that the shade cover is properly built and engineered to withstand Texas’ harsh weather conditions. In addition, better contractors will provide you with patio cover pictures, a selection of patio cover prices, and even custom designs that will perfectly match the style of your home.

If you’ve ever felt imprisoned in your home because the Texas heat or rain prevented you from enjoying your patio, it’s time to look into installing a patio cover. When you do, you’ll be able to invite friends over for barbecues, relax with your family outdoors, and enjoy all the Lone Star State has to offer.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.
Learn more about Texas Patio Covers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson

Custom Built Composition Shingled Patio Cover built by Terry Campbell www.fencesanddecksdallas.com

For a Free Custom Patio Cover Quote in Dallas Texas

Tropical Patio Design – How To Turn Your Patio Into A Tropical Oasis

A great tropical patio design can be done with the help of a professional architect and contractor who will consider your ideas and wants while creating a unique and custom patio. This is usually the most expensive option to take. But if you want to design and create your own tropical paradise, a little imagination and creativity is everything you really need.

Here’s how to turn your patio into a tropical oasis:

1. Find a tropical patio design.

The cost, project length, and the final look of your patio rely on the selection of design. If you are not a natural born designer and cannot draw your own design from a blank sheet of paper, get inspiration online or from your neighbor. Choose the one you like and use it as your design inspiration.

You can also look for designs on home improvement books and magazines. You’ll find some great ideas that you can integrate to your design.

Make a final draft based on your own taste and using the ideas you have taken from the designs you like.

2. Set your budget and time table.

The cost of the project depends on the type and amount of materials you are going to use. Research the prices online or at your local home improvement store. Choose materials that will suit to your environment and your family.

Also determine the length of the project. Usually, it will take less than a week to complete a project if you are working alone. Plan the hours you will devote to the project. Some home improvement companies offer a construction crew for an additional cost if you need a hand. The key is to plan everything carefully before you begin shopping for materials.

3. Shopping.

Once you have listed down everything you need for your project, start ordering the materials. Order the exact quantities of rocks, tropical trees and plants, sand, bricks, and concrete based on the design you have. Remember, buying materials you need for your tropical patio should not be done on your first visit to your local or online home improvement store. Do it after you have already set your budget and have identified the amount of materials you are going to need.

4. Construct

One important thing to remember when constructing your tropical patio is to divide the floor plans into zones or sections so that you can focus on finishing one area before starting on the next. This way, you can see the development of your project.

Follow these steps and you will surely have a tropical oasis right at your own patio in no time.

For patio design ideas, visit http://www.patiodesigns101.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Albert_Lee

Arbor and Trellis for the Garden – An Invitation to Your Escape

Your backyard can be just as enticing a destination as a white sand beach or a cabin in the mountains. One way to achieve this is with a welcoming entryway that encourages curiosity and urges exploration. After all when you walk into a resort you remember the first things you see and they leave an impression. So why not try an arbor and trellis for the garden to lead guests into your backyard retreat.

A charming arbor and trellis crawling with vines and cascading blooms offers a glimpse of your patio paradise and says, “Come in, and stay a while!” It draws you in to solve the mystery of what lies beyond this entry point. It is a friendly invitation to your escape, your place to relax, your outdoor space. And since you’ve indulged in lovely teak furniture you want to encourage guests to come in and use it to relax in style.

Made from wood like western red cedar they are almost maintenance free. Simply use a stain every season to maintain the natural coloring which can range from amber to cinnamon and sienna brown or let it weather to a silver gray. An arbor and trellis provides an interesting contrast with the plants in your garden or yard and the lattice offers vines a place to grow. You can also use an arbor and trellis as a focal point within your garden. When covered with vines they can buffer the wind and offer a shady retreat perfect for placing a bench in.

So try placing one in your yard or garden and letting Clematis or Wisteria creep up this piece of classic garden décor to create a gorgeous entrance or centerpiece. Not sure where to begin looking for one? You can easily compare prices and style by shopping online. Get a traditional archway or add some straight lines with a pergola on top. Choose one with extra lattice to provide more space for your favorite flowering vines. You’ll enjoy it season after season no matter what size or style you choose.

Ranging from around seven to around eight feet tall arbors with trellis will add a high point to your yard, an eye catching entry or focal point and a place to literally stop and smell the flowers. Along with planter boxes and containers you can bring the garden in to decorate your patio with punches of color and natural interest. Put one in your favorite destination. It’s right outside your door. Use an arbor as a gateway from your patio to the rest of your yard, leading you and your guests to explore the comfort and luxury of your welcoming escape. Create a sense of romance by placing an elegant bistro table set underneath one for some cool intimacy out of the sun. Add intrigue to your yard and garden by placing one at the entrance to your lush backyard haven to beckon to visitors and inform them that they have indeed found paradise and it is in your very own backyard.

Jennifer Akre, owner of several unique home decor and furniture sites shares consumer reviews and online product information on outdoor furniture, arbors, and trellises. Find quality information before you purchase your next piece of furniture. Enhance the spirit of your home with teak patio furniture or teak tables. Click – Shop for: patio furniture cushions

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Akre

Custom cedar pergola built by Terry Campbell www.fencesanddecksdallas.com

Click Here – For a free pergola, arbor or trellis quote in Dallas Tx

How to Build a Custom Cedar Privacy Walk Gate

Custom Built Cedar Fence & Gate by Terry Campbell www.fencesanddecksdallas.com

Click Here for  Free  Custom Fence or Gate estimate in Dallas, Texas.

Building Your Own Wood Deck by Daniel Lazai

Before beginning construction on your deck be sure to check with your zoning laws for regulations regarding your deck. Most deck projects will require you to get a permit.

Some good reasons to build your own deck would be to save some money by doing the work yourself. Another reason would be to add more value to your home, give your home a nicer look, have a great outdoor space to relax, and also have a nice spot to barbecue and entertain.

Before beginning you will have to figure out which tools you will need for this project. One of the most important tools you will need is some plans. Having some deck plans and following the instructions will make building your deck allot easier. If you feel you are not skilled enough to build your own deck, you should consider hiring a general contractor. It is a good idea to talk to some contractors and get about two or three estimates. Even if you plan to build the deck yourself, you can get an idea of the money you will save by building it yourself.

Always take your time when you are choosing the design and style for your deck. Make sure to think things through with some careful planning. Asking family and friends for their opinion is a great way to get ideas for the design of your deck. Looking at other decks is another way to come up with a design you might like. Seeing how other decks are built, and asking the homeowner questions can help you avoid mistakes when building your own deck.

The location of the deck can affect the way you use your deck. Take into consideration how the sun, wind, and other natural elements will affect how your deck will be used.

Natural elements such as the sun and moisture is the most common reason for damage to the deck. Applying sealer or stain to your deck is a good way to protect it. A good finish will repel water, and protect the wood from the suns UV rays.

The type of wood you choose for your deck is very important. This will decide how your deck will look, how long it will last, and how much money you will need to build your deck. Choose the best wood you can afford for best results. The most common lumber for building decks are pressure treated lumber, redwood, and cedar. When buying lumber give it a good inspection. By inspecting the lumber at the lumberyard one by one you can get the best boards possible. Hand picking the lumber will make your deck last longer, and it will also make it look more attractive.

By doing some research, and some careful planning, you will avoid mistakes and have a beautiful safe deck that will bring you and your family years and years of enjoyment.

If you are looking for deck plans or free deck plans visit my site at
free deck plans I have gathered a list of sites with free plans.

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Custom Treated Pine deck by Terry Campbell www.fencesanddecksdallas.com

Visit our website to find a local Dallas deck contractor.

Building a Deck with CorrectDeck Composite Decking

CORRECTDECK

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