Deck Materials Showdown: Ipe vs. Composite vs. Thermory

Posted in: Deck Building Tips

James Moylan

Tuesday, June 03, 2025

fiberon_ipe_decking_with_hidden_fastener_installation_clifton_virginia_3

What Every Homeowner Should Know Before Building a Luxury Deck

Choosing the right material for your deck is more than just a style decision—it affects the lifespan, maintenance, aesthetics, and even how you experience your outdoor space. At Design Builders, we help homeowners across Northern Virginia and Maryland make confident, informed choices based on lifestyle, climate, and long-term value.

10 Things to Ask a Decking Contractor before Signing a Contract

Posted in: Decks in Maryland, Decks and Patios, Decks in Virginia, Deck Contratcors, Deck Building Tips, Deck Building Questions, Deck Estimate, Deck Tips

James Moylan

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

fiberon deck in virginia with black deckorators balusters and hidden deck fasteners (7)

Ready to start your new deck project? Don’t pull the trigger before asking your decking contractor these 10 important questions.  

With a major investment like a deck, it’s important to cover your bases with your contractor first. A quality deck can last years and add to the value of your home when it comes time to sell, but a deck that isn’t built properly can end up costing you time, money, and hassle. It can even be a safety hazard. Don’t break ground on your new project before asking your decking contractor these 10 important questions.

How Does a Deck Affect the Resale Value of Your Home?

Posted in: Decks in Maryland, Decks and Patios, Decks in Virginia, Deck Building Tips, Deck Building Questions, Deck Tips, Deck Design

James Moylan

Saturday, March 06, 2021

zuri_deck_and_hardwood_screened_porch (26)mber of Factors to Consider When Building a Deck and Resale 

Looking for another reason to add that deck you’ve been dreaming of to your backyard? Here’s a good one: many homeowners recoup a significant amount of the money they invest in their deck because the deck adds to the resale value of their home.

Childproofing a Screened Porch

Posted in: Screen Porch Tips, Screen Porch Questions, Deck Building Tips, Screen-Porch Design Tips

James Moylan

Friday, November 06, 2020

childproofing screened porch Bethesda; image courtesy of symbiostock-network.com

10 Tips for Childproofing a Screened Porch

There comes a time in every toddler's life to learn about pain. Falling hurts, badly. And, as parents of little ones ourselves, we are all too familiar with our youngsters' propensity for getting into mischief, scrapes, and scuffles. Prevent your screened-in porch or deck from becoming a part of a life lesson by practicing the ensuing child-friendly safety precautions.

How to Interview a Deck Builder: Specific Process and Checklist

Posted in: Decks in Maryland, Decks in Virginia, Deck Contratcors, Deck Building Tips, Deck Building Questions, Deck Estimate, Zuri Deck, Deck Tips, Deck Contractors License, Deck Contractor Permits, Deck Contractors Insured

James Moylan

Friday, August 21, 2020

contractor

 

Questions to Ask Your Deck Builder Before Hiring Them

When you are interviewing possible candidates to build your deck, it’s important to get logistical questions out of the way – such as ensuring they are insured – but you also want to get a sense of what it will be like to work with them.

Depending on the complexity of your deck project, you may be working with this firm and their crew for weeks. Since it’s an outdoor project, decks usually require fewer interruptions to your normal daily life, but it can still be a major hassle to not have complete access to your outdoor space.