Premier Construction » Backyard Renovation

Trex Deck with Pool Area

adamsieren — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:04:12 +0000

Composite decking has become very popular over the past 10 years. Many people are using the product over cedar and treated decking, but it comes with a price. Composite decking is sometime 3 times the price of its counterparts. The advantages are that is durable and lasts much longer than cedar or treated wood, it also requires less up keep. Some disadvantages are that it sometimes will fade in the sunlight, and it is reported as being slippery when wet.

On this particular project, the homeowner wanted to build the deck around an above ground pool. We had to grade the area for the pool and backfill with sand under the pool. Once the pool was in place we laid out all the support posts and beam structures. The railing system on this deck was very expensive with over 150 lineal feet of railing. The glass block insert in the deck was to cast light in the walkout area below the deck. Enjoy the pictures!

West Des Moines Privacy Fence

adamsieren — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:26:39 +0000

This backyard was a complete renovation. The homeowner wanted a cedar privacy fence, playground with sand, and a composite deck with above ground pool. The fence was over 200′ long with 2 gates. City codes allow fences to be no taller than 6′ in height, so keep that in mind when planning your fence design. There are numerous ways to build a privacy fence, the more decorative, obviously the more costs involved. This particular fence is a little cleaner looking than your typical dog ear fence, it is capped with a cedar 2×6 to top it off with a sharper look.

If you are in need of a privacy fence, we would be glad to come out and measure your space and give you a free quote, please do not hesitate to call.

Stamped Patio with Firepit Area

adamsieren — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:20:14 +0000

Stamped concrete can be found on projects dating back to the 1950′s. Installation techniques and materials improved throughout the 1960′s and 1970′s. By the 1980′s manufactures had developed proven materials and installation techniques. Concrete contractors were becoming skilled at installing a variety of patterns and colors. Stamped concrete has been recognized in the building industry as a favorable surfacing material for a variety of applications. Today, many homeowners are using the application for patios and even driveways. The cost is more than triple the price of regular concrete, ranging from $10-$12 per square foot.

Installation of stamed patios can be tricky, so it is recommended that you hire professional contractor to do the work. The color is usually applied to the concrete in the cement truck, then it is poured in the formed area and finished smooth just as you would finish a regular concrete slab. Once the area is finished and starts to harden, you begin to apply a compliment color of powdered release to the slab. The release gives the concrete a “marbled” look, which offsets the color of the concrete. As the release is applied, you can now begin stamping the concrete.
There are many different styles and patterns of stamps available. Most stamps are made of a rigid rubber material and are numerically or alphabetically numbered. When you begin stamping, make sure all the stamps are correctly laid out in the desired pattern. Typically, 3 to 4 people need to be present while stamping – one laying the stamps, one handing the correct stamps to the stamper, and one tamping the stamps. As you are stamping, the release needs to be applied ahead of the stamper.
Once the patio is stamped, wait 24 hours and power wash all excess release off the slab. The release should adhere in the low lying stamped areas.

After the excess release has been removed, wait 3 days and apply the sealer. The sealer gives the slab a wet look and protects the color from fading. Apply the sealer with a paint roller, usually 2 coats are needed, with 24 hours between coats. For the best results, the second coat of sealer needs to be applied in the opposite direction of the first coat. Once the second coat cures, you are free to enjoy your new stamped patio area.

As you can see, there are many steps involved in stapming a concrete slab, hence the additional costs. The stamped patio we installed in the pictures below, the homeowner wanted a firepit area. This application allows the homeowner to get full use of their stamped patio area.