FAQs on DECK & PATIO INSTALLATION IN BETHESDA, MD
American Deck and Patio Can Answer Your Questions
It’s always nice to spend some time outdoors and breathe in the fresh air, but to do so, you need an outdoor space that allows it. While you could spend time in a park or another public place, wouldn’t it be nice if you had a relaxing outdoor space at home to enjoy? With the help of American Deck and Patio, you can transform your backyard into the perfect hangout spot. We can help you create several outdoor additions for your Bethesda, MD home, including decks, patios, sunrooms, pergolas, and porches. Because we know you may have questions about the construction process of any of these additions, we’ve put together a list of our most frequently asked questions to provide you with more information. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other questions not listed here.
Decks
A deck can be a beautiful and functional addition to any backyard, providing a place for your family to relax, barbeque, or sit around your pool. The team at American Deck and Patio has years of experience planning and installing new decks for homeowners in the Bethesda, MD area, ensuring your project is completed correctly. Some of the most common questions we receive about decks include:
How Long Does It Take to Build a Deck?
Once the plans for the deck are finalized and we arrive on-site to begin work, building a deck should take between one and two weeks. We usually need to be onsite working for five to eight days, which means you can have a new deck to enjoy relatively quickly
Do I Need a Permit for My Deck?
In most cases, you will need a permit before we can begin construction on your new deck. However, we can help you through the process of obtaining a permit to ensure everything is in order before we get started.
What Is Composite Decking Material?
Rather than being made solely from wood, composite decking is made from other materials, usually a combination of plastic, like polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride, and wood particles. This type of decking material is very easy to maintain and is incredibly durable, making it a very popular choice for homeowners.
How Do I Care for My Deck After It’s Installed?
The answer to this question will depend on what type of deck you have. Wood decks will have to be cared for properly, meaning they need to be regularly sealed or stained to protect them from water and to maintain their appearance. Composite decks require much less maintenance. All you’ll need to do is hose them down or scrub them when they get dirty.
Patios
Patios are another excellent addition to any home. Trying to entertain guests in your yard can be a challenge. Sitting in the grass can leave you vulnerable to bugs and other pests, and the uneven ground makes it impossible to set up tables and chairs. Patios solve this issue, creating an enjoyable space to host guests. Some of the most common questions we receive about patio construction include:
How Long Will It Take to Construct My Patio?
The time it takes to construct your patio will depend on the material you choose. Concrete pad patios can be poured in a single day but will just need additional time to cure before use. Flagstone and brick patios will require more time and they require additional labor. These types of patios can usually be completed in a workweek, depending on the size and complexity of the patio.
Should My Patio Be Sealed?
Your patio may need to be sealed to help protect it from the elements, but the need for sealing will depend on the type of material to use. Our team can help you determine if sealing your patio is the correct decision for your home and will be able to address any additional concerns you have about patio sealing.
Is a Permit Needed to Install a Patio?
In most cases, you will not need a permit to construct a patio in Maryland. This includes any patios made from brick, block, pavers, stone, or concrete. Because patios are most often built at grade, or ground level, permits are not required. However, if you are planning to install a large patio that spans 500 square feet or more, you may need a permit due to the size of the project. Our team can help you through this process should you need one.
Porches
A porch can add both aesthetic and monetary value to a home, improving the overall curb appeal. The team at American Deck and Patio can help you add a new porch to your home. While porches are most commonly added to the front of a home, we can also construct a more private back porch if you prefer. Let us answer your most common porch questions below:
How Long Does It Take to Build a Front Porch?
The time required to build a front porch will vary based on the size of the addition. On average, constructing a porch can take anywhere from three to four days up to two weeks. Larger projects or those that require significant prep work may take longer to complete. Our team will be able to give you an estimated completion time once we know more about your project.
What Are the Benefits of a Porch?
Adding a porch to your home can provide numerous benefits. Not only does a porch provide additional living space for your family to enjoy, but it can also increase the value of your home. Should you ever decide to sell your home, a front porch can enhance your curb appeal and make it more desirable to potential buyers. Also, you’ll have a lovely outdoor space to enjoy and entertain.
Sunrooms
A sunroom is a perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors year-round without being fully immersed in it. American Deck and Patio can help you construct a new sunroom that allows sunlight into your space and gives you a full view of the great outdoors surrounding you. Our team has many years of experience designing and installing sunrooms for homeowners in Bethesda, MD. We get numerous questions about this service including:
What Is a Sunroom?
A sunroom is a room made entirely from panes of glass to allow for maximum sun exposure. Because natural light is such a coveted feature indoors, sunrooms make an excellent addition to any home, allowing you plenty of light, even in cooler months. This means you can use your sunroom year-round, which makes it a worthwhile investment.
How Long Will It Take to Build My Sunroom?
As with most construction projects, the amount of time needed will depend on a variety of factors including the size and complexity of the project, weather conditions, and more. However, on average, it takes about two to four weeks to construct a sunroom from beginning to end. We can give you a more detailed estimate once we know more about your project.
Can I Add a Sunroom to My Deck?
In most cases, yes, you can add a sunroom to your deck. However, we will need to inspect the size and current condition of your deck before we can say for sure that it’s possible.
Do I Need a Permit for a Sunroom?
You will be required to obtain a permit before we can construct your sunroom. The sunroom must also be designed following the current building code and local design criteria in Bethesda, MD. You’ll be required to submit a site-related plan to show the impact of the construction on your property. Our team is used to dealing with permits and building codes, so we’ll be able to help you with this process.
Pergola
Pergolas add both beauty and function to your outdoor space, creating an eye-catching design piece that also provides shade from the sun without totally blocking it out. The team at American Deck and Patio can install a new pergola at your home. Some of the most common questions we receive about pergolas include:
What Is a Pergola?
A pergola is an outdoor structure that consists of an open frame or lattice roof that is supported by columns. Often used on backyard patios or in gardens, a pergola can either be attached to another structure or free standing. Many people enjoy using the open or lattice roof as support for climbing vines or other plants.
How Is a Pergola Different from a Patio Cover?
Pergolas are different from patio covers because of their open roof. While pergolas have a lattice-style roof, patio covers have a solid roof to provide complete shade directly underneath.