While their names suggest a narrow focus, the best deck and fence companies possess a specialized skill set that makes them uniquely qualified for other complex outdoor construction projects. The top three upgrades best handled by these professionals are custom pergolas and pavilions, integrated privacy screens, and cohesive deck-to-patio transitions. These projects require the same expertise in structural framing, post setting, and working with weather-resistant materials that defines high-quality deck and fence installation.
Hiring a general contractor for these jobs is an option, but a deck and fence specialist brings a deeper understanding of outdoor construction. A closer look at these upgrades shows why they are a natural fit for a local deck and fence service, leading to a better-built and more integrated final product.
1. Custom Pergolas and Pavilions
Pergolas and pavilions are fantastic additions that define an outdoor living space and provide relief from the sun. A pergola offers partial shade with a slatted or latticed roof, while a pavilion has a solid roof for full protection from sun and rain. Building these structures correctly is a job for a specialist.
The structural principles are nearly identical to building a deck. The project relies on:
- Proper Footings: The best deck and fence service knows the precise depth required for footings in the local soil and climate, like the 30-inch frost line in Delaware, to prevent heaving.
- Structural Posts: They have the expertise to select the right size posts (e.g., 6×6 instead of 4×4) and anchor them securely to handle the weight of the roof and resist wind uplift.
- Framing Knowledge: They understand how to build sturdy beams and rafters that won’t sag over time, using the same techniques they apply to a deck’s undercarriage.
A deck and fence company is also an expert in the materials best suited for this type of outdoor structure, whether it’s weather-resistant cedar, pressure-treated pine, or low-maintenance vinyl and composite materials. They can build a pergola that not only looks great but is engineered to last. Beyond overhead structures, their expertise is also critical for creating vertical elements like privacy screens.
2. Integrated Privacy Screens and Accent Walls
A well-placed privacy screen can block an undesirable view, shield you from wind, or create an intimate zone on a deck or patio. These are not just simple fence panels; they are often architectural features that need to be seamlessly integrated with an existing structure.
This is where a deck and fence company’s finishing skills come into play. They are masters at working with all types of fencing materials and can build custom designs far beyond what’s available off the shelf. Popular options include:
- Horizontal Slat Screens: These provide a modern, clean look that complements contemporary home styles.
- Lattice Panels: A classic choice that offers partial privacy while still allowing airflow.
- Composite Panels: Using deck or cladding boards vertically or horizontally to create a solid, low-maintenance accent wall.
A professional deck and fence contractor knows how to properly attach these screens to a house or deck frame without compromising the integrity of either structure. They understand the importance of proper flashing and fasteners to prevent water intrusion where the screen meets the house.
Bonus Tip: Consider incorporating a planter box into the base of your privacy screen. This can soften the look of the structure and add a touch of greenery to your outdoor space.
Comparing Materials for Privacy Screens
| Material | Aesthetic | Maintenance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Wood | Traditional, can be stained | High (requires regular sealing) | Low |
| Cedar Wood | Warm, natural look | Moderate (naturally rot-resistant) | Medium |
| Vinyl (PVC) | Clean, uniform look | Very Low | Medium |
| Composite | Modern, mimics wood | Very Low | High |
Just as these companies can integrate vertical privacy features, they are also uniquely equipped to manage horizontal transitions between different outdoor living areas.
3. Cohesive Deck-to-Patio Transitions
Many of the most successful backyard designs feature a combination of different surfaces, such as a raised deck that steps down to a ground-level paver patio. While a deck company may not be a hardscaping specialist, the best ones are project managers who can oversee the entire integrated build, often working with a trusted hardscaping partner.
Hiring a deck company to manage this combined project offers huge benefits:
- Unified Design: They ensure the entire space is designed as a single, cohesive unit, where the deck and patio complement each other in shape, color, and function.
- Proper Elevations: They manage the critical interface between the two structures, ensuring proper step heights and a smooth transition.
- Water Management: They can design the project to ensure water drains away from the house and doesn’t get trapped between the deck and patio foundation.
Managing these transitions is a complex job. A single point of contact who understands the structural requirements of both elements prevents the communication gaps that can occur when hiring separate contractors. This integrated approach is key to creating a truly functional and beautiful multi-level outdoor living area. Recent remodeling data shows that well-designed, multi-zone outdoor spaces can have a return on investment of over 75%.
Things to Consider Before Making a Decision
Bringing in the right professional is a major step, but a little prep work from the homeowner’s side can make the whole process go much smoother. Before you start planning one of these integrated upgrades, it’s important to think about the bigger picture.
- Develop a Master Plan: Even if you plan to build in phases, start with a master plan for your entire backyard. This ensures that each new feature fits into a cohesive final design.
- Evaluate Your Existing Structures: If you’re adding a pergola or privacy screen to an existing deck, a professional will need to assess if the current structure can support the additional weight and stress.
- Check Local and HOA Rules: Structures like pergolas and pavilions often require building permits and may be subject to HOA restrictions on size, height, and location.
- Think About Utilities: Do you want lighting in your pergola or an outlet on your privacy wall? Planning for electrical and gas lines from the start is much easier and cheaper than adding them later.
Bonus Tip: When planning a deck and patio combination, consider the path of the sun. A good designer can help you place each area to take advantage of sun or shade at different times of the day.
Questions People Ask About Outdoor Upgrades
Do I need a building permit for a pergola?
Often, yes. A freestanding pergola under a certain size may not require one, but any structure attached to your house, or over a certain height or square footage, typically needs a permit. A professional contractor will know the local rules.
Can a privacy screen be added to an existing deck?
Yes, in most cases. A professional will first inspect your deck’s framing and footings to make sure it can safely handle the added weight and wind load from the screen.
Is it more cost-effective to build a deck and pergola at the same time?
Absolutely. Bundling projects allows for more efficient use of labor and better pricing on materials. The contractor only has to set up the job site once, saving you time and money compared to doing the projects separately.
What is the main difference between a pergola and a pavilion?
The roof. A pergola has a slatted or open-rafter roof designed for partial shade, often with plants grown over it. A pavilion has a solid, weatherproof roof, making it a fully covered outdoor room.
How can I make a new deck look good next to an old patio?
A skilled designer can help. They might suggest using a composite decking color that picks up tones from the existing pavers or adding a border to the patio with a material that matches the deck’s railing. The key is to create intentional design links between the two spaces.
Expanding Your Outdoor Living Space
Thinking beyond a simple square deck or a basic fence line can transform your backyard. The specialized skills of a professional deck and fence service are perfectly suited to creating more complex and beautiful outdoor structures. Whether it’s a statement-making pergola, a custom privacy screen, or an integrated deck and patio, these experts have the knowledge to build it right, ensuring it’s a safe and lasting addition to your home.
Find a Versatile Outdoor Construction Expert
For homeowners in the Delaware area looking to create a more dynamic outdoor living space, it’s worth talking to a company with a broad range of skills. The team at JPM Home Services, for example, specializes in these types of integrated outdoor projects. They can help you design and build everything from a simple fence to a complex multi-level deck and pergola combination. To discuss your vision, you can reach them by phone at (302) 598-6297 or by email at jpmhomeservices@yahoo.com.
Reviewer: Chloe Martinez brings 8 years of experience in home improvement. Feedback from Chloe helped shape this post to better support companies working to strengthen their reputation and expand their reach.
