Build it, and they will come! 
In our busy lifestyles today we're often looking for a place to retreat and unwind from our long day. What better place to do that then out in the fresh air! Your new deck will also be a great place to entertain your colleagues, friends, and family.
Like to entertain people, but don't like the mess your house is left in once the party is over? Build that deck you have always been dreaming of today and don't worry about the next party which leaves you feeling in ruin!
Below we have assembled answers to many of the common questions when considering a new deck. If you don't find answers to your initial questions here contact us or arrange for a Free estimate and we will answer all of your questions and design you a deck that is unique and inviting.
skip to:
How much does an average deck cost?
What are maintenance-free decks?
Why choose a cedar deck over pressure treated lumber?
Should I stain a cedar deck?
What does your guarantee cover?
Do you charge for your designs?
Why are people putting built-in lighting in decks?
How long does it take to build an average deck?
What is the life expectancy of a maintenance free deck?
Do I need to get a permit?
What do you use for substructure?
Why not maintenance free substructure, if going with maintenance free decking?
What will my deck look like in ten years?
How much does an average deck cost?
That question can be very hard to answer, until the site has been evaluated and a design has been prepared. Our decks can range from about $10/ft2 up to $50/ft2. Our average cedar deck, installed, costs approximately $30/ft2 to $40/ft2.
back to top
What are maintenance-free decks?
Maintenance free decks offer fascia and decking boards which are man made. There are many different products available from different manufacturers and each has its' own benefits. Upon meeting with you to discuss the project, we will explain to you the differences in each. Being that these products are man made they are designed to not warp, split, or check.
back to top
Why choose a cedar deck over pressure treated lumber?
The main reason to use cedar over pressure treated lumber is for it's look. Let's face it a deck built with pressure treated lumber isn't very aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Cedar also gives you the ability of staining to create a unique look.
back to top
Should I stain a cedar deck?
That's a matter of personal taste, but if you do, you will need to re-stain the deck every two to three years depending on the weather conditions.. We recommend letting it gray naturally and washing it 2 or 3 times/year with Sunlight dish washing soap to keep it clean and pollution-free.
back to top
What does your guarantee cover?
We will guarantee all products supplied by us, as well as the workmanship, for a period of one year.
back to top
Do you charge for your designs?
There is no charge for most average deck designs. For larger decks with a lot of design elements we would require a deposit which would be applied to the cost of the project once you are ready to proceed.
back to top
Why are people putting built-in lighting in decks?
The main reason for adding low voltage lighting to your new deck is aesthetic. You may also consider safety issues when applying low voltage lighting to your new deck. Adding lights along walkways, or steps, may save you from taking a tumble in low light conditions.
t.back to top
How long does it take to build an average deck?
This is a hard question to answer until a design and a site inspection have been made. The average deck project typically takes about one week to complete from start to finish. If there are many design elements or unusual site obstructions to work around then the average deck could take up to 2 weeks.
back to top
What is the life expectancy of a maintenance free deck?
Maintenance free products have been around for about 10 years. Most of the manufacturers offer warranties from 10 years to lifetime. Any of the maintenance free products will outlast wood which has a life expectancy of less than 10 years and most of them will last as long as you are in your home and longer.
back to top
Do I need to get a permit?
Yes, a permit is must with new deck construction. We will take care of obtaining all necessary permits to build the deck we design for you.
back to top
What do you use for substructure?
American Family Remodeling Inc. uses Premium Kiln dried pressure treated lumber for the substructure. Sizing of material for the under structure would be determined per design.
back to top
Why not maintenance free substructure, if going with maintenance free decking?
There are not many maintenance free substructure products available. There is a product called ROT NOT Joist Cap (www.rotnot.ca) that does protect a pressure treated joist from moisture and the elements that cause it to rot and decay. With this product, the substructure will last just as long as the maintenance free floor.
back to top
What will my deck look like in ten years?
It all depends on what product is used for the decking. Some age and weather better than others. If you use inexpensive decking products, you will be replacing your deck within 10 years. Cedar decks will have faded to a gray color or, if stained, will have discolored to some degree. Most maintenance free products, if properly cleaned and cared for, will look similar to when they were installed except for some fading. However, they will not have warped, cracked, or rotted as wood decks.
back to top
Like to entertain people, but don't like the mess your house is left in once the party is over? Build that deck you have always been dreaming of today and don't worry about the next party which leaves you feeling in ruin!
Below we have assembled answers to many of the common questions when considering a new deck. If you don't find answers to your initial questions here contact us or arrange for a Free estimate and we will answer all of your questions and design you a deck that is unique and inviting.
skip to:
How much does an average deck cost?
What are maintenance-free decks?
Why choose a cedar deck over pressure treated lumber?
Should I stain a cedar deck?
What does your guarantee cover?
Do you charge for your designs?
Why are people putting built-in lighting in decks?
How long does it take to build an average deck?
What is the life expectancy of a maintenance free deck?
Do I need to get a permit?
What do you use for substructure?
Why not maintenance free substructure, if going with maintenance free decking?
What will my deck look like in ten years?
How much does an average deck cost?
That question can be very hard to answer, until the site has been evaluated and a design has been prepared. Our decks can range from about $10/ft2 up to $50/ft2. Our average cedar deck, installed, costs approximately $30/ft2 to $40/ft2.
back to top
What are maintenance-free decks?
Maintenance free decks offer fascia and decking boards which are man made. There are many different products available from different manufacturers and each has its' own benefits. Upon meeting with you to discuss the project, we will explain to you the differences in each. Being that these products are man made they are designed to not warp, split, or check.
back to top
Why choose a cedar deck over pressure treated lumber?
The main reason to use cedar over pressure treated lumber is for it's look. Let's face it a deck built with pressure treated lumber isn't very aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Cedar also gives you the ability of staining to create a unique look.
back to top
Should I stain a cedar deck?
That's a matter of personal taste, but if you do, you will need to re-stain the deck every two to three years depending on the weather conditions.. We recommend letting it gray naturally and washing it 2 or 3 times/year with Sunlight dish washing soap to keep it clean and pollution-free.
back to top
What does your guarantee cover?
We will guarantee all products supplied by us, as well as the workmanship, for a period of one year.
back to top
Do you charge for your designs?
There is no charge for most average deck designs. For larger decks with a lot of design elements we would require a deposit which would be applied to the cost of the project once you are ready to proceed.
back to top
Why are people putting built-in lighting in decks?
The main reason for adding low voltage lighting to your new deck is aesthetic. You may also consider safety issues when applying low voltage lighting to your new deck. Adding lights along walkways, or steps, may save you from taking a tumble in low light conditions.
t.back to top
How long does it take to build an average deck?
This is a hard question to answer until a design and a site inspection have been made. The average deck project typically takes about one week to complete from start to finish. If there are many design elements or unusual site obstructions to work around then the average deck could take up to 2 weeks.
back to top
What is the life expectancy of a maintenance free deck?
Maintenance free products have been around for about 10 years. Most of the manufacturers offer warranties from 10 years to lifetime. Any of the maintenance free products will outlast wood which has a life expectancy of less than 10 years and most of them will last as long as you are in your home and longer.
back to top
Do I need to get a permit?
Yes, a permit is must with new deck construction. We will take care of obtaining all necessary permits to build the deck we design for you.
back to top
What do you use for substructure?
American Family Remodeling Inc. uses Premium Kiln dried pressure treated lumber for the substructure. Sizing of material for the under structure would be determined per design.
back to top
Why not maintenance free substructure, if going with maintenance free decking?
There are not many maintenance free substructure products available. There is a product called ROT NOT Joist Cap (www.rotnot.ca) that does protect a pressure treated joist from moisture and the elements that cause it to rot and decay. With this product, the substructure will last just as long as the maintenance free floor.
back to top
What will my deck look like in ten years?
It all depends on what product is used for the decking. Some age and weather better than others. If you use inexpensive decking products, you will be replacing your deck within 10 years. Cedar decks will have faded to a gray color or, if stained, will have discolored to some degree. Most maintenance free products, if properly cleaned and cared for, will look similar to when they were installed except for some fading. However, they will not have warped, cracked, or rotted as wood decks.
back to top