A deck is an open outdoor floor — great for cookouts, plants and sun. A porch is attached to the house and usually covered, which makes it an entry, a place to sit in the rain and a buffer between the weather and your front door. Many homes end up with both, and the two work best when they're designed together.
Georgia weather decides a lot. Heat, humidity and heavy rain are hard on wood, so the material matters. Pressure-treated lumber is the economical choice and looks great when it's sealed and maintained. Composite decking costs more up front but needs less upkeep and resists rot and fading. Either way, how the structure is built matters more than the surface.
Check the structure first. Footings, posts, beams and the ledger attaching the deck to the house carry the load. If you're building new or repairing an old deck, don't cover a problem: a deck with rot in the framing needs that fixed before anything new goes on top.
Railings and stairs are what people notice and use every day. Wood, metal balusters and cable rail each give a different look — cable keeps views open, wood feels traditional. Stairs should have even risers and solid handrails.
Many projects of this size need a permit from your city or county. We'll tell you what applies to your job so there are no surprises.
Planning a deck or porch? Call (404) 585-7026 — or (470) 807-2059 for Spanish — and we'll come look at the space and give you a free written estimate.