Before & After: From Concrete To Composite

When it comes to transforming a basic backyard into a stylish living space for the entire family—dogs included—hear why choosing composite over wood was a no-brainer.

Wood decks and railings take a beating from the rain. They rot and require so much upkeep. That’s the reason this homeowner chose a composite deck; it will be nearly maintenance free for years. No sanding. No staining. No painting. No kidding.

When we came out to see the space, we confirmed that we could leave the original concrete patio in place and just install the deck frame over it.

The deck color they chose is called Saddle. Its hue creates a cozy, inviting, organic feel.

A new deck becomes an additional room; it expands your livable space. Plus, it adds to the value of your home.

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Steadfast Construction is Northern Virginia’s Top Deck Builder. Schedule a conversation to discuss your options!

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    Current Specials – Limited Time Only!

    We are currently offering the following specials:

    • FREE 3D CAD Renderings (Seasonal Special) with Deck, Screen Porch, or Sunroom Consultation.
    • $500 OFF Any Deck or Patio (not valid with any other offer)
    • $1,000 OFF any Porch or Sunroom (not valid with any other offer)

    Use code DECKNOW for an additional $250 OFF!

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    Schedule A Conversation!

    Steadfast Construction is Northern Virginia’s Top Deck Builder. Schedule a conversation to discuss your options!

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      Worry Less About Your Deck Weathering

      Let’s start with the basics. To paraphrase Merriam-Webster Dictionary weathering is the process whereby weather conditions, especially UV rays, alter the color, texture, composition, or form of exposed objects, specifically the disintegration of materials. So, in terms of decking, the weather patterns and natural environment around your home is important to how your deck looks — and its overall health.

      When it comes to the nitty-gritty details of weathering, TimberTech is all about product transparency. TimberTech ensures that you are covered in all aspects of your outdoor living investments, from providing the industry’s best warranties to meticulously engineering all the caps and cores of our boards to prevent mold, moisture damage, and weathering.

      wood deck vs composite deck

      A TimberTech AZEK board (far left) and two TimberTech PRO boards (middle and right photos) after 6 months of natural weathering.

      TimberTech boards

       

      (From left to right.) Cedar, treated Pine, and Mahogany after 6 months of natural weathering.

      Wood Weathering

       

      When it comes to a major investment for your home and property value, don’t take the risk of your deck weathering. Contact Steadfast Construction to discuss the best material recommended to build your deck that matches your style and budget. Also, take a look at our deck gallery.

      Schedule A Conversation!

      Steadfast Construction is Northern Virginia’s Top Deck Builder. Schedule a conversation to discuss your options!

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        5 Benefits Of Adding a Deck To Your House

        For those looking to upgrade their home, there are a number of ways to make it more functional year-round. Adding a beautiful outdoor deck is one of the most popular additions, working to provide a great place for hosting events with friends and spending family time outside. There are a number of great benefits associated with adding a new deck.

        1. A Place to Host

        What fun is having a great backyard if you don’t enjoy it with others? Adding a deck to your house gives you a perfect outdoor space for entertaining friends and family. If you are planning on hosting a family dinner, block party, or BBQ, it is important to give your guests a comfortable place to hang out. A deck in your backyard makes the difference between an uncomfortable lawn chair get together and a classy backyard party. Adding a deck can make your house a fun location to entertain guests and make new memories.

        2. Increases Home Value

        Perhaps one of the best benefits of a deck is how it naturally increases the home’s value. According to experts, you can easily recoup up to 72 percent of the cost of building the deck by the amount it will raise the overall property value of your house. This exceeds what can be recouped from other home additions, including adding a living room, sun room, or even an extra bathroom. Decks are a sought-after feature for potential home buyers who want to see a family-oriented outdoor space, because this can help them picture themselves living in and using that space.

        Custom Decks | Steadfast Construction

        3. Aesthetic Appeal

        Adding a deck adds a high amount of design to any home, making it more visually appealing and enhancing the home’s overall quality. It can easily add dimension to any yard for an attractive property that stands out. You can stain the wood of the deck to fit into the color scheme of your shutters and the design of your house to make it look natural and appealing. With the vast number of design options available, you can create a look that seamlessly aligns with your style and personality.

        Custom Decks | Steadfast Construction

        4. Extra Space

        Another benefit of adding a deck to your house is extra outdoor space. Decks give you room to put furniture, plants, grills, and other things that make your backyard more enjoyable and functional. Decks also provide extra storage space underneath for items that aren’t pleasing to the eye but still need a place to stay. With more space in your backyard, you will have room for extra additions or activities.

        Custom Decks | Steadfast Construction

        5. Affordable

        Who said home renovations need to cost an arm and a leg? Compared to other renovations, adding a deck to your house is relatively inexpensive. Decks made with high-quality materials can last a very long time, further increasing the value of the renovation. There is no better way to beautify your backyard without breaking the bank than by building a deck.

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        Steadfast Construction is Northern Virginia’s Top Deck Builder. Schedule a conversation to discuss your options!

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          Patio Landscaping Ideas

          If you have plans to utilize some of your backyard space to create a patio , it’s a sure bet you’ve got plenty of patio landscaping ideas. It might even be the case that you have so many, you’re overwhelmed by the options. Luckily, there are great options that can help you decide which patio landscaping ideas are best for your outdoor space’s design.

          After exploring deck and patio design ideas, one of the first considerations for patio landscaping options is whether or not you want to create a “focal point” for your patio landscaping. A fire pit, outdoor fireplace, dining or seating area or even an outdoor television can be a great way to bring people together in a central area of your patio.

          Next, determine what the different spaces in your patio design will be used for. If one is a focal point for sitting or conversation, it’s likely you’ll also need a cooking space. This can be centered around a barbecue grill or a serving station, and is often located adjacent to the entrance to the home and the focal point of the patio.

          One of the most popular design trends for patio landscaping is to emphasize visual diversity. So for example, if your patio pavers are a uniform geometric shape, you may want to consider curvy, flowing designs for your furniture or other patio installations, to add some eye-catching contrast. You might also think about using an array of planters for flowers or plants, as opposed to trying to match all of your patio landscaping.

          Finally, let nature in. Consider planting shrubs or arranging potted flowers or plants directly adjacent to your patio, so the natural landscape feels like it’s always within reach of your outdoor living space.

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            Looking To Convert Your Deck Into A Screened-In Porch?

            Ever step out onto your deck during the hot summer days or very cold winters and wish it had a roof? You have options! Converting a deck to a porch is often possible; it depends on a number of factors.

            Custom Porches | Steadfast Construction
            Custom Porches | Steadfast Construction

            First, look up. Imagine a new porch on your house. Will its roof attach to a house wall or to a house roof? Are there any obstructions – like windows, vents in the wall or through the roof, power lines, or skylights? You may need to move these.

            How high is your deck off the ground?  Your new porch will likely require new footings and additional framing underneath. Is there space under your deck to install these?  Six feet or more would be good; four feet or less could pose real problems for conventional sonotube footings.  Can a man or machine get under your deck and dig the four foot deep holes your building code requires?

            Next, look at your deck.  Is it well-located for a porch?  Is there an access door from the house?  Will traffic flow smoothly from that room into the porch?  A kitchen to porch path is appropriate for dining on the porch.   A bedroom to porch transition rarely works well.

            Is your deck the right size and shape for a porch?   If your deck is too large, you could convert part into a porch and keep the remainder as a deck.

            Then, look around.  What shape does your house roof have now?  Gables are very common; hip and shed roofs are less popular.  How steep are the roof slopes?  Matching the shape and pitch of existing roofs will help your new porch to blend in architecturally and not look “tacked-on.”

            Your porch side walls will meet your house walls.  Is there anything blocking those intersections?   Existing windows, doors, vents, outlets, lights, etc. may affect where the porch walls can attach and will impact the porch.

            If all this seems complicated, that’s because it is.  Properly structuring a porch roof is complicated. It is important to speak with a professional porch builder like Steadfast Construction who will do all of this for you and propose what will be the best plan of action.

            View our porch gallery for ideas.

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              5 Tweaks for Updating Your Wood Deck

              A deck is one of the most useful outdoor spaces because it can support so many different functions: lounging, cooking, throwing parties, container gardening or just sitting outside to enjoy the view. As a multifunctional surface, a deck needs to always look its best. Read on if you have an existing wood deck and are looking to make some simple tweaks to update its look and improve how it feels and functions.

              1. Practice Basic Deck Care

              A deck can be improved in just a few hours through routine surface care. It’s recommended that you refinish a wood deck about every two years, either naturally with a linseed oil rub or with stains and sealers, to keep moisture away. 

              Whatever refinishing method you choose, know that moisture invites organisms into the wood that cause it to rot over time, so remove and clean up anything that is allowing water to collect in parts of the deck. Also, repair anything that may be habitually splashing water onto the deck, such as a leaky hose spigot.

              To winterize, clean your deck of debris and remove and store your outdoor furniture in a dry place. Leaving your furniture out during the wet winter months can cause it to wear down more quickly. 

              2. Upgrade Your Railing

              If your railing is looking shabby, consider changing it for an overall deck upgrade. A cable railing can contribute to a more contemporary deck style, or consider a different balustrade style or material. 

              Steadfast Construction can help you design and install new railings, because they consist of detailed parts and connections. Have an idea of the railing type you want installed, and contact us for product and design recommendations. We can also check that your preferred railing type meets local codes before having it installed.


              3. Add an Edible Container Garden

              If your deck receives full sun, and you have the space, consider building or purchasing a few containers for an edible garden. Edibles growing close to the house are easily accessed from the kitchen, and with a deck, you are always working on a level surface.

              Keep water from pooling under your containers by placing a saucer beneath them to collect excess water or raising the containers off the deck.

              Be aware that large containers can add a significant amount of weight to the deck, so it’s best to locate large, heavy containers over structural beams. Always consult a professional if you are unsure of your deck’s weight capacity. 

              Custom Decks | Steadfast Construction

              4. Create More Lushness at the Edges

              Sometimes a deck feels too open and exposed. Create a lusher setting by planting large shrubs or a small tree around the deck’s edges. Be sure to keep them away from the foundation of your home. If you can’t plant directly in the ground around the deck, create lushness with planted containers around the deck’s perimeter.

              Custom Decks | Steadfast Construction

              5. Use the Space Underneath the Deck

              If your deck is raised to meet a second-story door, consider how you can use the space underneath the deck to create a shaded outdoor area. The ground below should be sloped to drain water away from the house and have basic paving that allows you to use the space. Once those pieces are in place, you can add seating, potted shade plants, a hammock, lighting and whatever else you desire.

              2019 Best of Houzz Award

              Awarded by Community of Over 40 Million Monthly Users, Annual BOH Badge Highlights Home Remodeling & Design Professionals with Top Ratings and Most Popular Home Designs.

              VIENNA, VA, January 18, 2019 –Steadfast Construction of Northern, VA has won “Best Of Customer Satisfaction” on Houzz®, the leading platform for home renovation and design. The top deck builder of Northern, VA was chosen by the more than 40 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than 2.1 million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

              The Best Of Houzz badge is awarded annually, in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design awards honor professionals whose work was the most popular among the Houzz community. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including a pro’s overall rating on Houzz and client reviews submitted in 2018. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the Photography award.

              That makes 4 years in a row. Only 3% of companies in the nation receive the Best of Houzz award 4 years in a row!,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz.

              “Best of Houzz is a true badge of honor as it is awarded by our community of homeowners, those who are hiring design, remodeling and other home improvement professionals for their projects. We are excited to celebrate the 2019 winners chosen by our community as their favorites for home design and customer experience, and to highlight those winners on the Houzz website and app.”

              Follow Steadfast Construction on Houzz https://www.houzz.com/pro/jackprins/steadfast-construction

              2019 Best of Houzz Award | Steadfast Construction

              Prepare Your Sunroom for Holiday Guests

              Hosting guests for the holidays is part of what makes the season so special, but it can also put a lot on your plate during what is already a busy time of year. One of the best ways to fight holiday stress is to prepare as much as you can in advance. There are certain last-minute holiday tasks that are unavoidable–recipes you have to make in the moment or flower arrangements that you want to keep fresh. That is unavoidable. Fortunately, you can set up and furnish the rooms of your house to be comfortable for guests well before you arrive.

              Sunrooms are always a popular gathering spot for holiday guests and they’re a good place to have cocktails or small parties with friends and family.
              Below, we’re sharing some ideas that will transform your sunroom into the perfect holiday gathering spot. Read on!

              1. Make the Room Feel Festive

              Christmas SunroomOne of the reasons sunrooms make a great holiday gathering spot is because of the large windows. Sunroom windows make it easy to take in the winter scene outside, from the comfort of the indoors. Sunroom windows are also the perfect place to hang holiday decorations so that the
              room feels even more festive during this special time of year. Decorative
              holiday lights are a good choice for framing the windows.
              You can also hang wreaths and other greenery, which will look pretty and can make the whole room smell like a winter wonderland forest.

              2. Update the Furniture

              sunroom decorationTypical sunroom furniture has a coastal, outdoor feel. That is perfect for the summer months when the weather is actually warm, but it feels out of place for the holidays. Heavier, lush sunroom furniture can ground the space a little more and make your holiday guests feel more comfortable. If you don’t want to replace everything you already have in there, consider simple upgrades like warm, cozy throw blankets or decorative pillows in seasonal colors.

              3. Consider the Flow of People

              sunroom decoration christmasDuring the holidays, sunrooms serve a different purpose than they might the rest of the year, which is why certain sunroom ideas will work better than others. When you have holiday guests, you want the room to feel comfortable and functional, but it will also be a space where friends and family gather to mingle and catch up.
              It’s important to consider how people will flow through the room, especially if you plan to host a holiday party in the space. Your sunroom furniture will provide seating, but you should also think about bringing in high-top tables.
              High-top tables make it easy for people to stand and talk, while still enjoying a festive cocktail or holiday appetizers.

              Ready to Update Your Sunroom for Holiday Guests?

              Welcoming friends and family into your home for the holidays should be something to look forward too. So often, though, we get caught up worrying about the small details. If you prepare your sunroom in advance, it will be easy to welcome guests into your home for the holidays and be confident that they are comfortable.

              Beautiful Sunroom Ideas

              A sunroom is also called a sun parlor, sun porch or sun lounge and it’s a structure usually built onto the side of a house. It allows you to admire and to enjoy the surroundings and the views while being sheltered and protected from rain, wind and other weather conditions. The name is very suggestive actually. Since this room has large windows in order to allow panoramic views, the sun gets through and the room is filled with light and warmth.

              There are numerous different types of designs for the sunroom. It can be constructed out of a variety of materials. For example, you can have a brick sunroom if you prefer a more rustic décor. You can also build it out of wood to make it feel warm and cozy or, if you want to emphasize the views, you can build it out of glass. The roof can also be made of glass so you can admire the sky and enjoy the weather to its fullest.

              Use blinds for the windows in case the sunlight becomes disturbing

              sunroom ideas | Northern VA

              You could also use the sunroom as a second dining area

              sunroom ideas | Northern VA

              A fireplace will make the sunroom warm and cozy when the weather is unfriendly

              sunroom ideas | Northern VA

              Use skylights for extra light and beautiful views of the sky

              sunroom ideas | Northern VA

              Decorate this space with plants and flowers for a more natural look

              sunroom ideas | Northern VA

              Turn the sunroom into an entertainment and relaxation area

              sunroom ideas | Northern VA

              Use comfortable furniture and pleasant textures

              sunroom ideas | Northern VA

              A glass roof would definitely be a wonderful feature for a sunroom

              sunroom ideas | Northern VA