Transforming Spaces, Creating Joy

Fall and winter builds often come with shorter wait times and sometimes lower labor costs. Iowa winters don’t prevent deck construction since footings go well below the 42-inch frost line anyway, and framing proceeds normally in cold weather. 

Absolutely. Custom decks act as a natural extension of your home's livable space, making it a highly desirable feature for future buyers. It consistently yields a strong return on investment (ROI) while immediately upgrading your outdoor entertaining capabilities. 

 Pressure-treated wood at ground level with standard railings gives you the lowest upfront cost. A 200-square-foot ground-level wood deck can come in around $7,000-$10,000 installed. Keep the shape simple and rectangular. Every angle, jog, or stair set adds cost. 

This depends on your maintenance preferences and budget. Natural wood (like pressure-treated pine, cedar) offers a beautiful, classic aesthetic at a lower upfront cost but requires routine staining and sealing. Composite decking provides long-term durability and is highly resistant to rotting, splintering, and mold, making it a very low-maintenance investment.

A well-installed pressure-treated wood deck typically lasts 15-25 years with regular maintenance (staining and sealing every 1-2 years). Quality composite decking is rated for 25-50 years and requires only occasional cleaning. Iowa’s freeze-thaw cycles are harder on wood, so the lifespan gap between wood and composite tends to be wider here than in milder climates. 

A common rule of thumb is to plan for 20-24 square feet of deck space per person for comfortable outdoor use. For most single-family homes in Central Iowa, a 12×16 to 14×20 deck (192-280 square feet) works well for everyday use and entertaining. Avoid sizing the deck to more than about 20% of your home’s total square footage. 

 Get at least three written bids. Make sure each one covers the same scope of work so you’re comparing apples to apples. Pay attention to what’s included (permits, footings, railings, cleanup) and what isn’t.

Yes, we back our craftsmanship. Because we only use high-quality materials, your decking materials can also carry separate manufacturer warranties ranging from 5 years to a lifetime. 

Face-screwing involves driving corrosion-resistant screws directly through the top of the board, whereas hidden fastener systems clip into the grooved sides of composite or hardwood boards for a cleaner, fastener-free surface. Our team offers both options but strives toward a seamless and complementary look for every project and its characteristics.

Yes, our team works closely with all local jurisdictions for code compliance and inspections.  Any new deck structure, structural modification, or addition of electrical components requires a building permit in Des Moines and most surrounding cities. Simple board replacement on an existing structure typically does not. When in doubt, call your local building department before starting work. 

Iowa does not issue a general contractor license for deck builders. Instead, contractors earning $2,000 or more annually must register with Iowa DIAL. Electricians must hold a separate Iowa state license. Always ask for a contractor’s DIAL registration number and verify it before signing a contract. 

Yes, our team can create a comforting and comprehensive look into what to expect and revise for the upcoming proposed ideas.