Composite Decks and Cedar Decks

April is deck month, and it’s the best time to either have a new composite deck built, or look into re-surfacing the existing one.  This month’s newsletter will focus on decks; what is a composite deck?  How much do they cost compared to a traditional cedar?  Pros and cons; why would you ever pay more for a composite deck?  We will be reviewing the answer to all of those questions and more in this month’s edition of our news letter. 

What is composite decking?

Composite decking has come a long way in just a few short years, and as usual it’s gotten more expensive.  There are two types of composite decking, traditional composite and PVC extruded composite.  Traditional composite is a mixture of wood fiber and plastic resin mixed together to create a piece of decking.  PVC extruded decking is the newer type which is mostly all PVC material “extruded” or pulled thru a machine to create decking.  Different manufacturers have different methods on how they create their product, but that is the long and short of it.

Composite vs. Wood ($$)

No question about it, composite is more expensive than wood, question is…. How long are you going to be in the home??  Now we’re talking maintenance.  Are you going to pay someone $300-$400 every two years to stain and seal wood?  I’ll leave that math up to you, but here’s the skinny on pricing, composite vs. wood. 

-           Cedar decking - $1.25/ft

-          Typical composite decking - $2.75/ft

-          High end composite decking -  $4.75/ft

 Contact Barker & Son - Design, Construction and Outdoor Living for a free consultation on your new deck.

Performance

Why would you even THINK about paying an extra $3/ft for composite decking????  Well, here are just a few reasons to consider;

1.       Sun fade and general weather resistance

2.       Stain, scratch, insect, mold issues

3.       Split, crack, peel, cup, warp, shrinkage issues

4.       Shrinkage, structural, decay factors

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to consider a good decking and rail solution.  To keep it short and simple, the higher end PVC products (Timber Tech, Azek, Fiberon) are going to perform high in the sun fade, scratch, weather, mold, insect, stain, split, crack, peel resistance area.  That’s why they’re more expensive.  The down side to the 100% PVC product is that it does shrink and move a little more than the other composites.  The PVC material will be mostly maintenance free, which is what you pay for, and it should last a lifetime.  The lower level composites will have sun fade, scratch, and stain issues.  If structural integrity is a concern, most composites do not have it, 16” centers on joists are the max span.  Wood obviously has mold, insect, crack, peel, cup, warp and general weather concerns.  In summary, you gotta pick your poison.

Timber Tech – This product seems to be the priciest of all, but it also seems to have the most selection when it comes to colors, rail systems, decking products, etc.  Timber Tech’s (XLM) product is the high end PVC extruded product, which costs about $4.75/ft.  The other series of decking called (Evolutions) is a PVC “wrap” product ($3.20/ft), which means it is a composite fiber board, with a blanket of PVC formed around it.  This product can be side-clipped to the frame.  Review this product and it’s colors at the bottom of our composite deck page.

Trex –  Trex has a composite and a PVC blanket product.  There isn’t a whole lot of difference in the price, the PVC is about $3.60/ft and the composite is only a little cheaper than that.  This product does have a more pronounced wood grain than the others.  This product can be side-clipped to the frame. 

Azek – This product is a top of the line PVC wrap, comes in quite a few colors but it must be screwed down thru the top, there are no side clips for the product.  It runs about $4.50/ft and it does have some expansion issues, but nothing dramatic.  Review this product at the bottom of our deck page http://www.barkerconstruct.com/fences-and-decks.htm

Fiberon – This is another top of the line product and the distinguishing feature of this product is a color and style called Ipe, pronounced “eepaa”.  It has a very distinctive exotic wood grain look that is absolutely beautiful when installed.  It runs about $3.70/ft and it can be installed using the side clips.

Evergrain – This product will be at the bottom of the totem pole as far as cost and performance, but that’s not to say it won’t do a good job.  It will stain, it will scratch, will fade a little bit, but it is a composite board and it will not rot, it will be there forever.  This product must be screwed down thru the top.  Again, just gotta pick your poison.

Free Deck Analysis – Another hard winter and the deck has taken a good pounding from the elements.  Right now is a good time to get a deck checkup, which includes checking out the frame and structural stability of the deck, reviewing what shape the rails and decking are in, and making a decision on whether to replace the decking with wood or a composite material.  Give us a call (314-210-5472), or sign-on to request a free estimate today! 

April is deck month at Barker & Son Construction, and if you sign a contract before 4/5/2011, receive $400 off on a composite deck or $300 off on a cedar or wood deck.  No time like the present, give us a call at 314-210-5472 or sign-on to request a free estimate today!

Window and Door Replacement

As your home ages, the windows and doors begin to deteriorate and leak air over time, and it just makes good financial sense to replace them.  Many people have saved up to 30% on their home heating bills just by changing out the right windows.  This month we feature replacement windows and doors, and provide you with a good overview of the types of windows and the material choices to choose from.

Types of windows –

Casement – A window that is hinged at the side and cranks outward.

Awning – Hinged at the top and swings out

Double hung – this is a typical wall window where the upper and lower sash moves up and down.

Single hung – same as a double hung window except only the bottom sash is movable.

Slider – typically a window over a kitchen sink that will slide back and forth.

Specialty – Today’s manufacturers will create any type/size/shape of window that you are looking for, the possibilities are endless.

For a free window consultation call 314-210-5472, or check out our website at http://www.barkerconstruct.com/.

Window Material –

Vinyl Windows –

The most popular today are vinyl windows made of PVC (poly vinyl chloride).  This type of window is completely maintenance free, will last forever and is probably the least expensive of all the choices.  The downside is that the color cannot be changed or painted over, and when a house begins to shift, the vinyl window is not strong enough to remain square and may twist and warp.

Wood Windows –

A wood window has a rich, beautiful aesthetic look and appeal to it.  In addition to the natural beauty of wood, it can be painted different colors, and it’s great in older homes.  Wood windows will require some type of paint or sealant over time, they are a little more expensive and if they are not taken care of, may crack, peel or warp.

Extruded Aluminum –

People choose aluminum windows for their strength and durability.  Tougher than most, an aluminum window will not crack, warp or distort, and it can be painted.  The downside to aluminum is the energy and moisture transfer.  In the extreme heat and cold of the seasons, aluminum windows will condense moisture in the summer and give away heat in the winter.  An aluminum window is also going to be a little pricier than other choices.

Composite, clad and fiberglass –

The remainder of choices in windows consists of a combination of composite, clad and fiberglass.  These types of windows can be ordered with wood on the outside and vinyl on the inside.  Clad windows are made of resins and epoxies made to resemble wood.  All of these can be painted and have good insulating qualities.  Fiberglass windows are very strong and maintenance free.  All of these windows are going to be on the upper end of the price scale.

Doors –

Doors are very similar to windows in the construction and types of material used.  They have a few more choices that need to be determined such as side lights, art glass, hardware and grills.  Security is always a decision when contemplating a door replacement.  Steel doors with dead bolt locks will be the safest.  Patio doors and sliding glass doors come in a thousand different shapes, sizes and colors.

For a free door consultation call 314.210-5472, or click here for a free estimate.

Cost and quality –

Each window manufacturer produces windows in differing levels of quality and cost.  Depending on the application, not everyone wants the highest quality in a window.  Most manufacturers have at least 3 or 4 different levels, or series of windows (series 1000, series 2000, series 3000), ranging from least expensive, to their highest quality level.  Quality in a window has to do with the following factors;

1.       Welded frames and joints are sturdier than joints that have been screwed or pressed together.

2.       Some windows are angled so that water is directed to the outside.

3.       Some windows have tilt in sashes for ease of cleaning.

4.       Insulating factors are a big price point in any window selection, argon gas, low E, etc.

5.       The amount of weather stripping in a window is a huge factor of quality and price.

For help picking the right type of window for your home call 314-210-5472 and talk to a window expert at Barker & Son - Design, Construction and Outdoor Living.

Window performance characteristics –

Windows come in standard sizes or they can be customer ordered to fit.  Windows can be ordered with many grill patterns, all types of hardware and can be created with single, double or triple pane glass in them.  Another decision is whether or not to order Low-E windows with argon gas between the panes.  Performance in a window is measured by two items; the U-factor and the SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient).  U-factor tells you how well the window insulates, and the SHGC factor tells you how effective the window is at blocking the suns radiant heat.  Both of these factors must rate below (.30) in order to qualify for tax credits.

2011 Energy Tax credits -  (feature article)

Beginning January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011, replace your home’s old windows and doors, and you may qualify for a tax credit on your tax return called the “Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act” (H.R. 4853).  Contact Barker & Son – Design, Construction and Outdoor Living for details.

Easy clean double hung window –  (feature article)

Brand new, vinyl, double hung windows are a joy to own, both in terms of easy cleaning and safety.  If you have a two story home, a tilt-in double hung window is a must for ease of cleaning.  All you do is press in side buttons and the window tilts inward for an easy clean.  Safety is certainly a concern as well, and a new vinyl or wood double hung window means no more ladders or heights to deal with.  Give Barker & Son a call today for a free window consultation at 314-210-5472.  Get one installed today!

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling

Hello from Barker & Son – Design, Construction and Outdoor Living!

As you might have noticed, we’ve changed our logo for an updated look and we feel it better communicates the type of products and services we provide our customers.  We hope you like it.

Kitchen remodeling and bath remodeling can add significant value to your home if you do it the right way.  Most real estate agents agree that a professional kitchen remodel has a return on investment (ROI) of between 80-110%.  As a general rule of thumb, no more than about 15-20% of the home’s value should be spent on a kitchen remodel, and 8-15% on a bath remodel.  Kitchen and bath remodels are very similar in the products and material used.  This newsletter summarizes and describes the products, materials and processes we use to transform your existing kitchen and bath.http://www.barkerconstruct.com/

Kitchen Planning and Design –

When contemplating a kitchen remodel, a good plan, design and approach are essential components to success.  First you want to determine whether you need a “mini makeover”, or a full blown gut and redo of the space.  If it’s the latter, you’ll want to consider things such as,

-          Colors (earth tones, sharp accents, ie. the general look and feel you’re going for)

-          Style (traditional, country, contemporary, rustic, transitional, old world, arts & crafts

-          layout and measurements

When considering layouts and measurements, it’s best to have a professional create a plan and design for you.  Kitchen and bath remodels typically require permits, electricians, plumbers, cabinet makers, appliance technicians, lighting, and floor vendors.  Most of our designers and installers have between 10 and 20 years experience in kitchen remodeling and installation, and the design staff at Barker & Son Construction (www.barkerconstruct.com) 314-210-5472 will create a professional kitchen design that incorporates the appropriate,

-          work triangles (or dual work triangles; any side not to exceed 26”)

-          room layouts ( wall, corridor, L, double L, U and G)

-          storage areas and appliances

-          cabinetry and islands

Kitchen Remodel Checklist

Following is a list of the major “pieces” to consider, and a brief distinction of some of the choices in materials and products.

-          Cabinets

-          Counter tops

-          Flooring

-          Lighting

-          Storage

-          Island

-          Plumbing

Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets are a very important consideration for a kitchen remodel, both in terms of color, style and timing.  From a planning and installation point of view, the type of cabinet plays a major role in the length/timing of the project. 

-          Stock Cabinets - are what you will find at Home Depot, Lowes or other big box retailers.  The benefits to this choice are immediate availability and lower cost; while the con’s to this choice are resale issues, limited sizes, finish and wood species.

-          Semi Stock Cabinets – will be a cabinet that has to be ordered which is typically 3-8 weeks out, but you will have a wider selection in sizes, species and finishes.

-          Custom Cabinets – At Barker & Son, the cabinet makers we use are 20-30 year professionals and have built custom cabinetry most of their life.  Our cabinet makers will match the color, style and finish to your existing cabinetry for a beautiful look, all in about 2 weeks time.

Kitchen Counter Tops

Counter tops are a primary piece of any kitchen or bath remodel, and very similar to cabinets, they have a wide range of prices and choices.  The following is a short description of the most popular counter tops with the pros and cons associated with each.

Stone Counter Top – Granite, marble and soapstone are the natural stones most suppliers carry for counter tops.  Each of these stone tops can be polished, honed and have multiple edgings put on them.  Granite is probably the most popular and most durable.  You can set hot skillets on them and they are very tough and low maintenance.  Resealing them on a yearly basis is really about all that is needed.  Out of all the tops, granite will be on the upper end of the price scale.

Quartz Counter Top – This is an engineered counter top made out of crushed stone mixed with resins, epoxy and color pigment, and also goes by the manufacturer name of Cambria.  Sealants are not required, it is a stain free product, but it is not heat proof and it is not structurally sound.

Solid Surface Counter Top – The most common solid surface top is manufactured by DuPont Corium and it is made of solid synthetic sheets formed with resin and mineral compounds and does not have seams or variations in color.  It has the look and feel of stone without the seams, but will crack and damage if hot objects are placed on it, it will stain and you must use a cutting board.

Laminate Counter Top – This is the most common type of counter top and is created by gluing synthetic layers of material together.  It’s very inexpensive and manufactured in hundreds of colors and can be made to resemble stone.  It is very heat sensitive, difficult to repair and will de-laminate after several years.

Wood Counter Top – This top is commonly referred to as butcher block and is made from stacked pieces of glued wood, typically maple, walnut, cherry or teak.  It is a fantastic cutting service and can be sanded down and resealed many times over.  Standing water will de-laminate the wood pieces and it should be sealed with oil on a regular basis.

Kitchen Flooring

Whether you’re talking about a kitchen or a bath, flooring becomes a very important piece of the project equation.  The most common types of flooring are;

Ceramic Tile Floor – Tile is a very durable, stain resistant surface that looks beautiful in most any room.  There are thousands of colors and styles to choose from and it always has that handcrafted look and feel to it.  Be careful about where you install this product as slipping on a glazed surface is always a concern.  The tile joints must be sealed to prevent staining and accumulating dirt.

Hardwood Floor – Very similar to ceramic, a hardwood floor is very durable, very beautiful but slipping on this floor can be an issue and standing water can degrade most hardwood floors.

Laminate Flooring – Pergo and other laminate floor manufacturers make this product.  It is very durable, you can’t ding it, and typically it won’t stain and clean up is a breeze.  Be careful about standing water, it might de-laminate some products.

Vinyl and Linoleum Flooring – These products are very similar in that they both are very quiet, smooth and comfortable and most will hold up well against stains.

Stone and Concrete Flooring – Granite, marble and slate are common products for stone floors and can be purchased at most big box or flooring stores.  These products are very durable; they need to be sealed and are on the upper end of the price spectrum.

Kitchen Lighting – Lighting is an essential piece of the kitchen or bath remodeling.  If you’re going to spend a good amount of money on either, professional lighting makes all the difference in the world.  There are at least four different types of lighting to be cognizant of on a kitchen project;

-          General/Ambient Lighting – this is all about having enough light to see what you’re doing in the kitchen space as a whole.  These lights will be switched at the wall as you walk in.

-          Accent Lighting – These are the small, focused lights that a designer will use to illuminate a mural, the top of your cabinets, or some favorite artifact within the kitchen.

-          Task Lighting – Will be used over an island, on the primary cutting station, or under the cabinets to illuminate a certain task at hand.

Kitchen Island – A very popular choice for most kitchens is an island.  As with anything else, you can spend as much or as little as you like on an island.  Anything is possible here, cook tops, dishwashers, sinks, garbage disposals, micros, granite tops, lights, etc.  An island will significantly enhance the beauty and functionality of most any kitchen.

Hiring A Professional – Hiring a professional design and install team like Barker & Son – Design, Construction and Outdoor Living is a very smart move.  Our design and install teams have 10-20 years experience in remodeling.  Many projects can be very complex when you have permits, electricians, designers, vendors, plumbers and installers involved.  We take the stress out of the process, handle all the details and our design team will create a free plan and estimate for.  It’s what we do every day and we’re the best in the St. Louis metro area.

Outdoor Kitchens

At Barker & Son we also specialize in creating outdoor kitchens and all the amenities that go along with them, such as paver patios, decks, stamped concrete, concrete patios and retaining walls.  Additional items to consider when creating an outdoor space are dealing with the weather.  Most of your appliances, storage and counter tops need to be weather proof, which in most cases you’re talking stainless steel appliances and stone or stainless counter tops.  If you like the look of wood, then there are several companies out there that create wood cabinetry such as Perma Panel and teak cabinetry.  As with indoor kitchens, electricity, permits, plumbing, landscape architects and designers are a must with an outdoor arrangement.  Check out the outdoor products at (www.outdoorkitchensbyatlantis.com).

Bath Remodels

As we stated earlier, most of the same products will be essential in a bath remodel as they are in a kitchen remodel.  The major difference in bath remodels will be the following;

-          Moisture control and ventilation

-          Size of the bathroom

-          Water resistant walls and ceilings

-          Additional products such as pedestal sinks, stools, steam showers, towel warmers, under floor heating systems and whirlpool tubs.

If you would like to explore a kitchen or bath remodel in your home, please call the professionals at Barker & Son – Design, Construction and Outdoor Living for a free, in home visit and we’ll help you create the space of your dreams.  Additional services we provide are fences, decks, retaining walls, patios, room additions, screened porches and outdoor kitchens and pergolas.

Room additions

Happy Holidays from Barker & Son – Design, Construction and Outdoor Living

I’m sure everyone is as busy as they can be with the holiday season.  With the economy the way it is, we have found many families have decided to “build an addition” on to their home, instead of buying new.  This is a very economical way of expanding your homes total square footage, keeping your taxes low, and still being able to have the home of your dreams.

 

Whether you’re looking to build a room addition, or add an additional level onto your existing home, Barker & Son has the experience and manpower to get the job done.  We save our “room addition” email send out till the last of year because we know that for the bigger jobs, it takes a few months to create the total plan.  That’s why at Barker & Son, we’re able to help homeowners thru each step of the process which includes designing a structure that fits your needs, draw up the blueprint and schedule, and reviewing multiple options to help you finance the project if need be.  Give us a call today, and we’ll help you get the ball rolling. 

Merry Christmas!!

314-210-5472

www.barkerconstruct.com

Hardscapes: Outdoor kitchens, living rooms, patios and walls

Hello from Barker & Son Construction,

Hardscape is a term used to generally describe structures or affects made out of stone, brick or other masonry items.  Typical hardscape items around the home include paver and concrete patios, retaining walls, walkways, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, etc.  To view some of the work we’ve done in the hardscape area, please visit our website at www.barkerconstruct.com.    In recent years, an outdoor kitchen, and/or living room has become a very popular trend.

People are now looking for additional ways to spend more time outside than ever before, and they’re looking to do it in style.  Whether it’s an outdoor kitchen and living room, or just a large concrete or paver patio, they’re looking for additional options to enhance the beauty, style and usability of their largest asset. 

In general, an outdoor kitchen or living area begins with a plan on what you want, and how you’re going to use the area.  From that point our designers and architect will map out the ground elevations to ensure your area is leveled to the right specifications, and that we’ve identified the right materials for the job.  Pavers and stone come in a variety of beautiful colors and shapes that have a look all their own.  Many of our customers like to mix and match paver patios with stamped concrete options that result in a very artistic look and feel.  So for all your paver, concrete and retaining wall needs give us a call and we’ll be happy to come out and create a plan for your project.

Doug Barker

Barker & Son Design, Construction and Outdoor Living

314-210-5472

www.barkerconstruct.com

White vinyl fences

 Hello from Barker & Son - Design, Construction and Outdoor Living

What beautiful weather we’re having here in the Midwest, and just in time for October and Halloween our Vinyl Fence manufacturer is having a fall sale on all their vinyl fence products.  Vinyl fencing is a great investment if you’re looking for a clean, maintenance free boundary for your property.

They come in all types, picket, privacy, semi-privacy, ornamental, 3 rail horse; and typical sizes are 4, 5 and six foot.  They come in all different colors, white, almond, pebblestone, clay and stone, with the last 3 darker ones being a little extra money. 

Vinly fencing has come a long way in the last 8 or so years.  What use to be a cheap brittle product, who’s looks faded fast, has now been replaced by an industry standard that is durable and typically maintenance free.  Windload stability, structural performance and code compliance are all positive attributes of a good quality vinyl fence that we install.  Of course there are some cheaper brands out there, as always, you get what you pay for, especially on an outdoor product.  Our fence carries a limited lifetime warranty.

As you know we also install black aluminum, wood and composite fences as well.  Check out our website for a full line of quality outdoor products we create and install at http://www.barkerconstruct.com/.

Doug Barker

Barker & Son Design, Construction and Outdoor Living

314-210-5472

http://www.barkerconstruct.com/

September!! Landscape design and outdoor chores

Hello from Barker & Son – Design, Construction and Outdoor Living


What a hot summer, I know everybody’s lawn and landscape is in tatters from the tremendous heat we’ve had; and if your lawn is full of crabgrass, don’t worry, you’re not the only one. With the warm days and cool nights approaching, September is the best time to install the turf and landscaping that you’re looking for. You can view the full range of services we provide at www.barkerconstruct.com.

Trees and bushes will perform best if they’re planted now, which will give them several months to take root before winter sets in. Other “must” do chores for September include mulching your beds and trees, fertilize and over-seed the lawn, and reduce the amount of daily watering on the timer. Don’t forget those fall “bulbs” (tulips, iris, daffodils, etc.), nothing tells you Spring is on the way like a patch of Daffodils popping up.

Give us a call for a free deck check up. Now’s the time to repair or replace old weathered decking and rails; maybe with the newer, maintenance free composite decking; or just give it a good coat of stain for the long winter ahead. When planning your landscape, don’t forget the hardscape items as well. Now is a great time to “extend” your backyard patio with a beautiful paver patio, or stamped concrete. Enjoy the beautiful September weeks to come and give us a call if we can help you out.

To view a history of outdoor products tips, and techniques, go to our website at www.barkerconstruct.com and click on our blog link on the bottom of the left side bar.

Doug Barker
314-210-5472
d2barker@yahoo.com
http://www.barkerconstruct.com/