Advantages of Ground-Level Decks over Elevated Decks

Posted in: Deck Contratcors, Deck Building Tips, deck builders

James Moylan

Saturday, April 18, 2020

Ground-Level Decks vs Elevated: Maryland & Virginia Guide

Ground-level decks offer practical advantages over elevated designs for many Maryland and Virginia homeowners. They're more affordable to build, easier to access, and require less maintenance than traditional elevated decks. In Montgomery County, Fairfax County, and across the DMV, ground-level decks are increasingly popular for creating seamless outdoor living spaces that blend naturally with your landscape.

However, one type of deck would appear more frequently today than in previous years: the ground-level deck. This type of deck design is gaining popularity among builders and homeowners alike due to its dramatic appearance and design. Read on for 11 of our top advantages of choosing a ground-level deck for your home.

Tips to Keep Bugs Out of Your Screened Porch

Posted in: Screen Porch in Northern Virginia, Screen Porch, Bug Problems, Screen Porch Tips, Screen Porch Questions, Deck Screens, Screen Porch Screens, Deck Tips, Deck Design, Screen Porch in Maryland, Screen-Porch Design Tips, deck builders, Deck Care

James Moylan

Monday, April 13, 2020

Keep Bugs Out of Screened Porches in MD & VA

Tips to Keep Bugs Out of Your Screened Porch

A well-maintained screened porch keeps bugs out year-round. Homeowners in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA often struggle with pest infiltration due to installation gaps, damaged screening, and poor seals. Design Builders shows you exactly where problems hide and how to fix them so you can enjoy your outdoor space without compromise.

A case study in Invisible Deck Rails: Bethesda and Chevy Chase

Posted in: deck builders, design exercise, design blog

James Moylan

Thursday, March 26, 2020

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Invisible Deck Rails for Bethesda Homes

Invisible Railings are becoming a wonderful option to traditional railing systems.

Invisible deck rails transform older homes while preserving Montgomery County's historic charm. Design Builders recently completed two renovations featuring frameless glass railings—one in Bethesda's Overlook neighborhood and another in Chevy Chase. These systems provide unobstructed views and modern safety compliance, ideal for properties where sightlines matter as much as structure.

All About The Archatrak Porcelain Paver Color Selection

Posted in: deck builders, roof building tips, outdoor living, outdoor living spaces, deck add-ons, high-end deck features, low-maintenance decking, deck topics, decking questions, deck contractors, decks in Washington, D.C., Porch and Deck Care, outdoor accessories, home improvement, rooftop decks, Tile Decks, rooftop decks in Washington, DC, building a rooftop deck, Archatrak, porcelain pavers, Deck tiles, custom deck

James Moylan

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Archatrak porcelain pavers deliver premium color options for outdoor living spaces across Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA. These low-maintenance tiles resist fading, staining, and weather damage while offering modern and traditional aesthetics. Whether designing a deck, patio, or outdoor kitchen, the right paver color enhances durability and visual appeal for your investment.

archatrak porelain paver


Among companies that provide this material, Archatrak is one of the leading industry names. They’ve been in the business since 2001 and were instrumental in bringing Italian-made porcelain pavers into the US construction market.

Top 5 Decking options to Watch for in 2020

Posted in: Deck Design, Deck Maintenance, deck builders, deck add-ons, low-maintenance decking, deck boards, deck materials

James Moylan

Monday, January 06, 2020

The outdoor living industry is evolving rapidly, and homeowners in Montgomery County, MD and Fairfax County, VA deserve to know which deck companies are leading innovation. Whether you're planning a new deck or upgrading your existing space, understanding the top decking trends and builders in the DMV region will help you make informed decisions for your home's outdoor transformation.

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If you’re considering a low-maintenance deck remodel or rebuild this year, there are four companies to follow. Each brings something slightly different to the table, so the right decking company for you is going to depend on aesthetic preference, budget, design requirements, and desired materials. To help clarify what these various decking companies have to offer, the following is a brief rundown of each brand.