When your new deck or home patio is complete, most contractors will give you a written invoice that details the completed work.

A complete and valid invoice usually includes:

• The contractor’s name, physical address and license number.
• A list of all services performed.
• An itemized list of all the building supplies purchased.
• The total cost for supplies, including the amount due for labor.
• Any applicable warranties or guarantees provided by manufacturers or the company.

It is wise to compare the completed work with the written invoice. Ask your contractor to walk through the deck or patio with you and show you the work. Check the work with the invoice.

During the walk-through, ask if there are any special instructions for maintaining your new deck or patio. If you have any questions about the work or materials used to build the deck or patio, now is the time to ask.

Most good deck and patio contractors will offer some time of warranty on the deck or patio and the materials that are used to build it. All details of the warranty should be provided to you in writing.

This information should include:

• The patio/deck contractor's name, physical address and license number.
• What products and parts of the deck or patio are covered. This should also include whether the contractor will replace or repair your deck or patio in the event of a product failure.
• Your responsibility if you place a warranty claim (i.e., if you have to pay for labor or materials, or if you are required to pay a prorated amount).
• Terms, limitations and exclusions on the materials and workmanship.
• If the warranties are transferable to the new owner if you sell your home.

Is it time to replace your deck or patio or to add to your home by building a deck? You will want to know which type of deck is right for you. Deck and patio contractors in Alameda County offer a variety of materials for building your deck or patio. Some are more popular than others and the maintenance requirement also varies.

The following are the most familiar requests.

Natural Wood
This is probably the most popular material for building a deck. It is naturally beautiful and also quite affordable. While it is cheaper than composite material, the maintenance requirements for wood are greater than for composite. Another reason homeowners choose wood is that it is more versatile and can be stained a different color.

Solid Composite Wood
Composite wood gives you the look of natural wood, however the maintenance is much easier. A composite wood deck is made of a blend of wood fiber with plastic. This type of wood comes in different colors and it is very durable. Solid composite wood decks expand and contract as the weather fluctuates. The plastic gives this deck more durability.

Hollow Composite Wood
Hollow composite wood does not have quite the natural look of wood as the solid composite. You will also find that it is less durable; however, hollow composite wood costs less than solid composite wood. Hollow composite wood decking is stiffer than solid composite wood and allows you to run wires for lighting or speakers.

Vinyl
Vinyl is a durable option for decks. It is lower in maintenance than wood but does give more of a contemporary look. Its appearance is more man-made. One of its greatest benefits is that it does not warp or rot and it is not subject to mold. Most vinyl decking comes with a lifetime warranty.

Eco-Friendly Vinyls and Composites
Many homeowners are interested in building decks with green materials. There is a variety of materials that meets the standards of these homeowners. Probably the most eco-friendly material for decks is wood, but there are also many composites that are made up of a high percentage of recycled materials. Vinyl is also available that meets this criteria.

Pressure Treated Lumber
Many consider this a very affordable option. It does require some maintenance and although it is pressure treated, it needs to be taken care of. With regular maintenance, this decking will last and look great.

Cedar and Redwood
These woods are very popular because they are naturally beautiful. They do require regular maintenance and, unfortunately, they are liable to damage from insects and the weather. With proper maintenance such as staining and sealing, this decking can last for many years.

Tropical Lumber
Tropical lumber or exotic imports are considered heavy hardwoods. This can include mahogany or ipe. This lumber is resistant to insects and damage from weather.

Aluminum
Aluminum decking is very low in maintenance however it is not inexpensive. It is recyclable. One of its positive aspects is that it is almost indestructible and even fireproof. Aluminum may cost several times more than exotic lumber. Homeowners choose it because it is so easy to take care of.

Untreated Softwood
Untreated softwood is inexpensive. Softwoods include pine and fir. Although it is inexpensive, it will be necessary to treat it every two years or so with stain, paint or sealant. A problem with untreated softwood is that it is susceptible termites.

Popular Patio and Deck Material Brands

• EverNew
• EZ Deck
• GeoDeck
• Weatherbest
• Nexwood
• Oasis Decking
• Timbertech
• Trex
• Choicedek
• Evergrain

beam
A beam supports the joists and spans between the posts.

building a deck
Building a deck is the construction of a patio or deck, typically outdoors.

Also known as: deck construction, deck building, patio deck construction

covered decks
Decks that are either partly enclosed or just covered with a screen or built in top.

Also known as: covered patio

custom decks and patios
A deck or patio that is made to order for a particular customer.

Also known as: custom decks, custom patios

deck contractor
A deck contractor is someone that installs decks.

Also known as: deck builders, deck building contractor, wood deck contractors

deck designer
A deck designer designs a deck specifically for a particular customer and it is usually designed specifically for an individual.

deck designs
Deck designs are the plans for a deck that have been developed by a deck designer for a specific customer.

Also known as: deck design, deck plans

decking boards
Deckings boards are the floor surface of the deck.

decks and patios
Decks and patios are traditionally an open space outside of a house which may be directly attached to the home or detached. They may be designed with the landscape of the yard in mind.

Also known as: decks and patio, deck and patio, deck and patios, outdoor decks, outdoor patios, backyard decks, backyard patios

decks and patios plans
Decks and patios plans are plans for decks or patios that are designed with location, materials and maintenance considered.

Also known as: deck plans, patio designs, deck designs, patio plans

decks and patios remodeling
Decks and patios remodeling is changing the structure or form of an existing deck or patio.

Also known as: deck and patio remodeling, deck remodeling, patio remodeling

fascia
Fascia are boards that are put around the sides of your deck and attached. They also cover ends ends of the boards around your deck for decorative use.

footings
Footings are made of concrete and are put in the ground for support of decks.

joists
Joists are supports for the boards of decking.

joist hangers
Joist hangers are fasteners that are made of metal and they attach the joists.

ledger board
Ledger boards are attached directly to your existing structure.

patio
A patio is a paved outdoor area near or next to a house.

Also known as: patios

patio contractor
A patio contractor is a person that contracts to provide labor and materials to build a patio.

Also known as: patio designer, patio builders

piers
Piers are concrete blocks that are above the footing of your deck.

posts
Posts support the beam and they are on the piers. Posts are vertical supports used on many types of decks.

post anchors
Post anchors attach the deck posts to the piers by metal brackets.

rim joist
Rim joists are usually on the side of the deck furthest away from the home. They butt up to the joist ends.

Also known as: perimeter joist

wood decks
Wood decks are decks that are attached or next to a house that are constructed of wood and used for outdoor space.

Q: Why choose a Diamond Certified deck and patio contractor?
A: Diamond Certified helps you choose a deck and patio contractor with confidence by offering a list of top-rated local companies who have passed the country's most in-depth rating process. Only deck and patio contractors rated Highest in Quality earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award.

Most companies can't pass the ratings. American Ratings Corporation also monitors every Diamond Certified company with ongoingresearch and ratings. And your purchase is backed by theDiamond Certified Performance Guarantee. So you'll feel confident choosing a Diamond Certified deck and patio contractor.

Q: How much does an average deck or patio cost?
A: Every deck and patio is unique. There are many variables which are factored into the price of your project. The price will depend on the materials you choose, the railing systems, and if any plants or trees need to be removed. All of these are figured into the price of your project.

Q: What decks are maintenance free?
A: Most people consider composite decks fairly maintenance free. They do not need to be stained or painted. If these composite decks are cleaned and taken care of, they will last for many years and look very similar to when they were first installed. Other benefits from composite decks are that there are no slivers to get into bare feet and it is less slippery when wet.

Q: Do I need a permit to build a deck?
A: In most cities a permit is required because a deck is considered structural. This means it carries weight other than itself – the weight of a person. Because of the way some decks are built – high off of the ground – they require structural building to transfer the weight of the load to the ground.

Q: What happens if I build without a permit?
A: We highly recommend that you do not do it. Getting a permit isn't that difficult and it will save you the hassle of any difficulties that arise from not having a permit. Without a permit, you could be fined or not able to sell your house until the permits are obtained.

Q: Is it necessary to maintain my wood deck?
A: If you want your deck to look good and keep it from rotting or splitting, then, yes, you need to maintain your wood deck. Regular maintenance will keep your deck from showing signs of deterioration from the water or sun. In time, without maintenance it will eventually rot or the wood will split.

Q: When should I seal my wood deck?

• After your wood deck is completed, wait six to eight weeks to seal it. Sealing your wood deck will keep it from discoloring and it will also keep the wood from splintering.
• All wood decks need to be cleaned. Power washers do not damage wood when they are used properly. However, power washing decks and patios may raise the grain of the wood. Before you seal your deck, you will need to sand this down.
• Seals are a protection for wood that works by penetrating the wood fibers. This slows the water absorption causing the water to evaporate before it is absorbed.
• Many types of sealant are an oil-based covering that protects wood. It not only protects but improves the appearance of decks and patios. Deck sealing lasts for several years depending on weather conditions.