Articles

The right material can make all the difference in creating beautiful, long-lasting wood decks in Arlington, VA. When it comes to durability and wood decking materials: water, insects, and weather are the great villains. Naturally, there are three heroes: wood that is pressurized or chemically treated to resist rot, wood that is naturally resistant to rot, and synthetic wood materials. Lumber is divided into grades based on flaws like knots and splits. The straightest, most pristine boards are reserved for visible deck surfaces. We recommend using the highest grade lumber you can afford, especially where structural integrity is concerned. You [...]

Wrought iron fences are a perennially popular choice for homes and businesses in Alexandria, VA. Rather than installing a solid fence requiring intensive maintenance, wrought iron fences provide an easy, elegant alternative, allowing greater visibility while still providing solid boundaries. An Incredibly Brief History of Wrought Iron Fences in Alexandria, VA From left: Robert E. Lee's childhood home, Lee-Fendall House, The Lyceum during the Civil War, and Captainâ's Row According to the Alexandria city website there are “more than 200 structures in Alexandria that were built before 1820 - most of them in Old Town. There are only a few [...]

Porches have been coming back in popularity in recent years, and screened porches in Great Falls, VA are trending up. Especially in places like Virginia, where a temperate climate invites three-season living, screened porches are a natural, outdoor sanctuary. With rustic stone fireplaces, state-of-the-art digital media infrastructure, and comfortable, intimate seating groups that gracefully transform to crowd capacity, your screened porch in Great Falls will be your favorite space in your house. Here is a basic list of items to consider when building your screened porch in Great Falls, VA. Zoning Requirements It is crucial to meet local zoning requirements [...]

Many homeowners are unaware of how design details can save money when they build a deck in Manassas, VA. To redefine multiple deck spaces during the deck planning phase, many different design techniques and constructions materials are utilized. Design details can make practical yet dynamic changes that support multi-functional outdoor spaces when you build your deck. Experience: Experienced deck designers use various architectural techniques to design a deck to flow from space to space with smart design that defines separate areas for specific functions. One detail, Installation of a dry or rain decking system, is ideal for multi-level, second story, [...]

Fence installation cost in Fairfax, VA depends on a wide range of factors, including: the fence material you choose the height of the fence how many linear foot of fence you need, and installation labor costs The most common fence material choices today are chain link, wood, and vinyl. Most people in Fairfax want some combination of privacy and security. Ornamental fencing is available in steel and iron, but both are considerably more expensive. The size and height will determine in how much fence you need. That, combined with your fence material selection, will make up the biggest components of [...]

When you consider installing a new fence, there are basic questions that need thoughtful answers. Here are some common fence installation questions people ask in Manassas and throughout Northern Virginia. What Permits or Legal Authorizations Do I Need For My Fence? Northern Virginia zoning regulates all construction, including fence installation. There may be height, location, and design restrictions. Your jurisdiction probably requires a building permit prior to fence installation. If you have a homeowner's association check those community covenants, which can include legally binding restrictions. Virginia law also requires you phone Miss Utility at 811 to schedule a property survey [...]