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A porch is one of the most important parts of any home. It’s the first thing people see and in many ways it can set the tone for your entire home. During your design phase, take a look at all the different available styles and determine what’s important to you. Certain styles fit different homes differently and can be used as a fabulous showcase for your personality and your individual taste. Below, we’ve outlined several different options which have remained popular over the years. Find the one which suits your aesthetic and let your creativity flow!

From Farmhouse to Sophisticated

One of the most popular styles is the farmhouse porch. These porches are very inviting, ideal for creating a comfortable and open atmosphere. If you have a lot of rustic wood furniture, the farmhouse style will suit your style well. A Queen Anne porch is another option with more of a Victorian style. Much more ornate than the farmhouse style, a Queen Anne porch is perfect for homeowners who are into elaborate styles and striking color patterns. These porches will require more maintenance than other styles but are among the most attractive options for just about any home.

A Private Porch or an Open Home?

To take things in something of a different direction, consider a screened porch. These porches are far more private than other options and give you the unique advantage of being outside while remaining shielded from prying eyes and inclement weather. These are great for families who want to be outside even during the winter months or for those who want a full furniture setup outside. Finally, colonial porches are great options for traditional homes. The colonial porch offers strong lines and an attractive sense of symmetry. For people who are into the elegance of the Queen Anne, but prefer muted colors, a colonial porch is perfect.

Starting your deck repair

Do you feel like your deck has seen better days? Unfortunately, the UV radiation from the sun, as well as moisture, are merciless even to the most resistant of woods. However, you can try to restore your once beautiful deck in easy steps. Start off by inspecting for severe damages. Don’t forget to look into the hard to reach places such as the ledger or under the decking boards. It’s best to use a screwdriver check for rot. If the tip can be fully inserted into a post or a joint, it is time to replace them with rot-resistant wood – a flat pry bar might come in handy here.  Adjust any loose bolts screws or replace them if they are covered in rust. Also, don’t ignore the debris between deck boards. Grab a putty knife or a scoring tool and get rid of it. Now, it is time to do some washing.

Bring life back to your deck flooring.

Before getting to cleaning the surface, remember to put on eye protection and gloves, as you will be working with chemicals. Remember that there are different types of cleaners with each having its’ own strengths and weaknesses. For example, to get rid of the mildew and dirt you might use sodium percarbonate, but for iron stains, it is best to try oxalic acid. For the notably tough stains, it is possible to use a pressure washer.

Optionally, you can use a deck finish stripper to get rid of the old finish. Remember to use the substance as instructed on the label. You can once again use the pressure washer for rinsing. Once that is done, apply a protective finish to your floor. It is best to use a sprayer, and with a piece of cardboard as a shield for staining work your way from inside corner to the outer edges. However, remember that you might as well call for experienced deck contractors who will take care of your possession.

How to install deck & porch?

Whether you’re looking to hire a deck builder in Chicago or taking care of it yourself, it’s helpful to understand the process of building a deck or porch. New decking in Chicago is a great way to add value to your home and improve its general appearance while adding some unique functionality to your home.

• Planning Dimensions – First, you’ll need to measure the dimensions of your yard. Any deck builder in Chicago will aim to center their deck by tying strings to wooden stakes. You’re going to want to measure and adjust the stakes until the strings create a perfect square.
• Mark the Boundaries – Most porch builders in Chicago rely upon bright colors to clearly mark the dimensions of their new porch or deck. You can use bright spray paint or orange marker flags to indicate the corners and midpoint of your new deck. During the actual decking in Chicago, these points will be the location of eight concrete support posts called caissons.
• Ground Breaking – The first construction stage of building porches in Chicago begins with removing the stakes and string before boring 15-inch holes at the pre-determined spots. Most porch builders in Chicago will then use a posthole digger to remove the excess dirt.
• Concrete Forms and Pouring – For uneven yards, use cardboard caisson tubes to create concrete forms on the lower areas to hold up the concrete. Then, mix the concrete and shovel it into the holes.
• Deck Framing – The key to any successful deck builder in Chicago is the frame. You’ll need to measure, cut, and screw together boards of various lengths and sizes. Be sure to use only pressure-treated, high-quality lumber.
• Decking Material – The last stage of decking in Chicago is the installation of the decking material itself. Square up the composite to the deck and attach it to the joists with decking screws.