Rebel's Deck Portfolio...

Enhancing your exterior always adds value to your home. Whether it’s residing your house, windows and doors a new deck or porch, it's never a bad idea to invest some money in your backyard. However, the one snag that comes with landscape investment is the fact that it's a seasonal asset: you only get to enjoy the great outdoors during the warmer months. And if you live in Des Moines or Indianola Iowa, those warmer months are sometimes fewer than we like. Therefore, many people wisely limit their exterior expenditures, never blowing their budget on elaborate designs. However, one outdoor remodel to consider is a deck hot tub. With this particular add-on you can enjoy your backyard year-round while creating value and living space to the landscape.

Deck Information & ideas...

Current Deck Building

If you are currently researching into the world of decks, this information can help you to better understand what goes into current deck building. Decks are basically frames with decking and rails attached. While any deck can have extra items like benches, privacy screens, and pergolas added, the deck basics remain the same.

The Deck Frame

In most cases, we pour footers to ensure that the deck will never move. This not necessary when the deck is not attached the house and is only a couple of feet off of the ground. Footers are bell-shaped concrete forms that serve as anchors for the deck. The posts support the weight of the deck. Some contractors choose to sink the posts into the concrete. We prefer to pour pylons, then install galvanized steel brackets between the post and the pylon. This keeps the post sitting on top of the poured concrete pylon, thus preventing rot. Either method works, but there is a school of thought that claims that the pylon method keeps the posts from rotting.

Once the concrete is dry and the posts are solid, the frame is built. The ledger board is first attached to the house so that the house acts as part of the anchor. The joists are built out from there and attached to the rim joist with joist hangers. Once this is completed, it's time for the decking.

The Decking

Attaching the decking is both the best and worst part of the deck building process. On one hand it is great to slowly see the deck come together piece by piece, but on the other hand it is long, arduous work on your knees attaching all the screws. Decking has traditionally been made of treated lumber, but composite decking is rapidly growing in popularity.  With the improvements in stains over the last decade cedar and redwood are also growing in popularity.

Rails & Spindles

Rails are then built up not only to provide barriers so that people don't fall off, but also as a place to lean on and sit drinks. The small, vertical slats that run from the top of the rails to the decking are called spindles, just as with staircases. Spindles not only provide a design element, but also provide a safety component in keeping people from falling through to the ground.

Deck Building Basics

As mentioned, there are many extras you can add to your deck. What is here is just the deck basics so that you understand the process a little better.  You can call or email us for an appointment to explore more options with both materials and techniques.

Hot Tub Additions

Where it goes

Unfortunately spas often sit by themselves, off to the side of the yard, resting on a concrete slab or wooden platform. Though most people don't complain about location when it comes to pool parties, letting a focal point go adrift can actually hurt the overall appearance of your exterior. Many people even erect a fence around their "floating" spas in order to hide the eyesore. Instead, why not embrace the thing and make it part of the landscape. Most homeowners try to install them right off the deck anyway so they seem adjoined, so plant one right in the decking itself and let it become the highlight of the patio instead of the ugly outcast of your yard.

Deck Hot Tub Enhancements...

To make the most of the investment, any hot tub addition will need a little creative pre-planning. As you design the space, here are some ideas to consider beforehand.

When investing in a deck hot tub, there a few considerations to keep in mind. First, are you building a deck around the spa, or are you installing a new unit into a preexisting structure? If adding new construction, the tub is probably sitting on a concrete slab and you won't have to worry about special modifications. But most people already have a deck, and so accommodating a new hot tub addition will require additional support in the frame. They're heavy when empty but filled with water and people they can weigh several thousand pounds. So to avoid sagging, cracking, or other mishaps, always fortify the center of your decking with extra braces. Also, you'll need other forms of support in your plans, including electrical service and plumbing. For this, you should hire a professional who has experience with these remodels and can properly calculate the project's requirements.  For help with this you can drop us an e-mail or call the office.

Privacy

Install the top of the tub flush with the deck's surface in order to hide it from the neighbor's view. Also, privacy screens or raised seating around the spa helps to create a relaxing, secluded mood.
Built-in Seating: Built-in benches and planters can dress up any deck hot tub. Plus, it offers a place for guests to hang out whenever the spa gets full of bodies.

Lighting

Soft light always enhances the mood. Whether it's a soft glow for a romantic getaway, or bright beams for a summer pool party, it's always smart to illuminate the space. Also, plan to have low-level lights around the area so you can get to and from the spa safely while still enjoying the starry skies without a light bulb glaring in your eyes.
Keep It Safe

Hot Tub Enclosure

Building shelter helps to protect your spa from outdoor elements. Heavy rainfall can overflow the unit. High winds blow the water around. And sometimes the sun is just too hot for the occasion. So maybe build a hot tub enclosure, such as a gazebo or pergola, above your spa. Or install plexiglas around it to screen the wind without blocking the view (though this will require special supports as well).

Childproofing

If you have small children, it may be safer to elevate the spa in order to prevent accidental trips, spills, or plunges. Also, if you have teenagers, elevated units can be easily seen and monitored so you can keep an eye on it at all times.

You always want to waterproof your decking against rain and snow, but it will  now be even more vulnerable to water damage so make sure to keep up on the maintenance of the wood and treat it as often as possible.