Round Decks add Space and Character

See the full gallery on Posterous

Building a round deck has a variety of advantages. A square deck looks simple and boring. Adding a curved feature is not very difficult and will separate your deck from the rest of the boxy decks in your neighborhood. Some people clip corners or add angles to their decks to create an added appeal. Doing this cuts down on usable space and makes it difficult to furnish the deck. A radius front adds additional space for a table or a grill. To learn more about round decks check out our YouTube channel and see how round decks are built.

Deck Design Clarksburg, Maryland

This design is for a customer in Clarksburg, Maryland.  The deck is 24' wide by 16' out from the house at the center of the radius.  A radius or curved front is a good way to maximize space while adding character to your deck.  Two beams with three columns each hold up the 388 sqft deck without taking up too much space below.  A brick paver patio is featured beneath as a future plan.  Space is maximized beneath the deck for future patio level entertaining.  A dry space system can be installed beneath the deck joists to act as roof for the patio area.  The deck features Fiberon Rosewood decking and Shoreline white vinyl handrail system.  A stair system with 4x4 landing make accessing the backyard easy.  The deck has plenty of space for a large table and BBQ area.  Visit our website for more information on deck bulding.

 

www.DesignBuildersMD.com

 

Permitting in Montgomery County

Permitting in Montgomery county just got more difficult and time consuming. When you go to the Montgomery County permitting office in Rockville, Maryland to pull a permit for a screen room or an addition that has a roof larger than 400sqft. a water run off and drainage plan in now needs to be included with your drawings. The process now goes as follows: 1. Check in at help desk 2. Go to zoning for approval 3. Go to water run off planning for approval 4. Go back to zoning with approved water run off plan 5. Go to plan review 6. Check out. The permit process just became an even bigger pain in the neck. Do not attempt yourself, hire a professional. It's well worth it!

www.DesignBuildersMD.com

Screen Porch, Deck, and Patio Design Rockville, Maryland

This Rockville home owner had an existing patio that they did not use very much due to layout and a mosquito problem.  The requirements for the project were 1. a screened in area 2. a deck space for grilling 3. a patio to sun 3. a location for a hot tub.  Design Builders, Inc. created this back yard living space to fulfill the requirements of the client.  A low maintenance screen room featuring Azek Arbor Collection Decking and Ivory PVC trim provides a bug and sun free environment.  A Belgard Brick Patio Paver allows for the customers to take in the sun outdoors.  In a more secluded area of the yard, the client can enjoy their hot tub with added privacy fence and arbor vitae.  All facets of the project feature low maintenance material.  Sight lines are maximized and the property is enhanced by the organic shape of the design.  Both the Patio and Deck are a wonderful investment that will add value to the home for both the current owner and future buyers.

 

www.DesignBuildersMD.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/decks-maryland/

Covered Deck and Patio in Rockville, Maryland

This project features a covered deck pavilion, flagstone patio, and cedar pergola.  A hot tub is installed in the deck with access from the patio in front.  The patio and pavilion are located on the 18th hole of Manor Country club allowing for wonderful views of the 17th green and the 18th hole's tee box.  Low voltage lighting and low maintenance shrubs are installed around the space to soften the lines.  A cedar ceiling with two ceiling fans protect the home owners from the sun on a hot summers day.  The flagstone patio has plenty of room for outdoor dining and recreation.  

Screen Porch and Patio Design Annapolis, Maryland

For this Annapolis outdoor living space we have designed a 28' wide by 16' deep low maintenance screen room.  The featured decking is Azek Redland Rose.  The deck is within 30'' of the ground so a handrail is not required by code.  In these circumstances we recommend a divider rail in place of a traditional handrail system.   A divider rail is less obstructive and allows for better views making the deck feel more spacious.   White vinyl is installed on the deck and screen porch structure to protect it from the elements.  A Belgard Paver patio is installed outside the screen room for open air entertaining.  The grill is located next to a block sitting wall providing plenty of horizontal surface to prepare meals.  Plantings and low voltage lighting are installed around the patio making the space a comfortable place to spend time with family and friends.  

Building a Deck or Screen Porch on an Existing Structure

The Importance of Reinforcing Your Outdoor Space

It’s one thing to have an idea for enhancing your exterior living space – it’s another to make sure the project is designed so that it’s properly supported and, therefore, safely constructed. 

Foundation is everything – while the framing for a deck or screen porch is the least expensive part of a project in comparison to the decking, railing, and trim material, the framing actually accounts for 15 percent of the total project. That percentage, as we will explain, is a small fee to pay to ensure the longevity, optimal design, and proper installation of your outdoor living space.

 We highly recommend removing your existing structure before constructing a new one. Whatever intricacies your design may involve, you’re investing money and time in this outdoor structure – your vision shouldn’t be limited by the constraints of an existing deck or other framework. 

Removing the current standing structure also ensures that your new building project will be crafted safely. New posts and footers will be installed according to the current codes – the existing ones may not pass inspection, and could possibly be decaying beneath ground level due to moisture or other environmental factors. Existing joists that have settled will be difficult to manipulate and could crack or split upon the removal of old decking fasteners. 

It can also be difficult to trust that the existing construction is “in square,” or level, which means that custom cuts and additional trim work will likely be required to ensure that the deck looks right – and that incurs extra costs that you were ultimately trying to avoid by keeping your existing structure as the foundation.