One of the best ways for property owners to enhance the value of their home is to create beautiful outdoor living spaces. Just as you’d choose carefully when hiring someone to put an addition on your house or design your dream kitchen, it’s wise to use discernment when looking for the right outdoor contractor.
“Go to the company’s office and meet its staff,” suggests Kasi Lena, co-owner of A & J Fencing. She says family-owned companies are always a good choice. “A lot of big and small companies are family-owned and operated, so you know they’re going to last.”
Make sure the company is properly licensed and insured. Choose a contractor who always has people available to answer the questions that inevitably come up during a project. Communication is an important factor, and customers should be made to feel absolutely comfortable when it comes to questions and concerns.
Not all outdoor contractors offer the same kinds of services or products. Ask any potential candidates about their specialties and if they employ experienced crews who have the training and skills to handle complicated outdoor construction projects. The quality of the materials is something else to consider. All wood is not created equal. Ask to see samples of the fencing and decking materials, including maintenance-free wood alternatives if you feel they’d better suit your family’s lifestyle.
Inquire about the people who’ll be on the jobsite. Are the crew members employees of the company or subcontractors? Are they easily identifiable? “Make sure the company’s trucks clearly display their name and information,” says Mrs. Lena. “Also, all onsite workers should be in a proper uniform.”
After you’ve done your research, choose a contractor you feel you can trust. If you narrow it down to a few candidates who are equally qualified, it may be time to get some bids—Mrs. Lena suggests getting two or three.
Below is some useful information about Trex and redwood decking.
Trex Decks
Trex decking is the ultimate solution for those who love the look and feel of wood, but hate the maintenance. Long-lasting, durable and versatile, Trex decking marries the aesthetic, natural appeal of a real wood deck with the ease and convenience of plastic alternatives. Requiring only occasional cleaning, you will never spend more time sanding and refinishing your deck than you do enjoying it.
And enjoy it you will. Trex never splinters so bare feet have nothing to fear. It maintains excellent traction when wet, so there is little fear of slipping while having a water balloon fight. It looks like real wood so you can enjoy the beauty, but Trex’s composition gives you a freedom of design that is physically impossible to achieve with real wood.
Made from 100% recycled materials, 50% of reclaimed wood and 50% recycled plastics, it is also a safe choice for the environment. The Trex design enables the wood and plastic to work together to help protect one another. The plastic protects the wood from moisture, insect damage, rotting and splintering while the wood protects the plastic from UV damage. A perfect combination.
For your perfect Trex deck, contact A & J Fencing for a free estimate. We service the San Francisco Bay and Tri-Valley areas with fencing, decks, retaining walls, outdoor gates and virtually any type of outdoor construction project.
Redwood Decks
Nothing can truly replace the beauty of a redwood deck. The rich color, the solid feel, the detailed grain all amount to years of enjoyment and appreciation.
A wonderful choice for decks, redwood is economical and naturally resilient to the damaging effects of aging and the elements. Shown to resist shrinking and warping, while naturally insect and decay resistant, redwood decks maintain their beauty and integrity much longer than other types of wood decks.
A & J Fencing uses only the finest quality redwood for their decks and fencing. We hand select all of the wood for your deck to ensure a beautiful grain. Contact A & J Fencing to get a free estimate on a redwood deck. One of our project managers will come to your property, evaluate your project, provide valuable input and put together an estimate.
With service and workmanship you can rely on, A & J Fencing can create a redwood deck your family will enjoy for years to come. A & J Fencing services the San Francisco Bay and Tri-Valley areas with fencing, decks, retaining walls, gates, patio covers and a variety of custom outdoor project construction.
