Transform Your Outdoor Living Space with a Custom Deck
Work With Our Deck Contractors
Cider Mill Landscapes is a full-service custom landscaping company. We specialize in fulfilling the vision of our clients to build a deck you can love and enjoy for many years.
When choosing a deck, you’ll need to first decide on what materials you want to use. You will also need to make decisions on location, steps, railings & more. Plus, you can consider special features, like a pergola that provides some shade. Our team will walk you through all of those decisions to ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for.
Each landscape project receives daily site visits from owner-operator Bob McCusker.
What to Consider When Building a Deck
During the initial consultation, we will evaluate the space and talk over the options within your budget.
Composite vs Wood Decks
Deciding which materials to use for your deck can be a big decision. Most of our clients choose between composite materials and pressure-treated wood.
Composite Decks
Composite decks are made of wood fibers encased in plastic. TimberTech and Trex are popular brands we use for many of our projects. These decks look like natural wood but offer more durability and are low-maintenance. In fact, they can last 25 years or more with minimal maintenance.
While composite decks utilize more expensive materials, they do offer cost savings when you consider lifetime maintenance.
Wood Decks
You can also opt for a natural wood deck. We use pressure-treated wood to help protect from rot, insects and moisture. Wood offers natural beauty and warmth and each piece has unique grain patterns and textures. It’s also typically a more affordable option for a deck build, depending on which species of wood you choose.
The downside of a wood deck is that you will have more maintenance to ensure you don’t run into issues with mold or rot. You may have to seal and stain the surface from time to time to ensure the surface remains well-maintained.
Upper Deck Versus Lower Deck
When considering your deck design, you need to also determine if you will have an upper or lower deck. A lot of times, the placement will depend on the slope and layout of your yard.
An upper deck can connect to the second floor of your home, providing easy access from bedrooms or other upper-level living spaces. It provides better views of your surroundings, making it ideal for homes situated on hills. It can also offer more privacy from neighbors or the street below.
On the other hand, a lower deck is generally easier to access from the ground level, making it convenient for families and pets. Lower decks can also easily blend with your garden or landscaping, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Railings
Choosing the right material for your deck railings is essential for both safety and aesthetics. It’s important to consider factors such as style, maintenance, durability, and budget. In addition to composite and wood railing options, we also offer stainless steel and glass options.
What Our Clients Say About Us
I highly recommend Cider Mill Landscapes. The entire crew is knowledgable and fantastic. The trees they put in for us were large and very nice. We did a total remodel of our backyard and it looks amazing! They designed our backyard and delivered what they promised.
Michelle | Google + Review
What a team! The entire crew who cleared invasive vines & installed 4 beautiful trees on our property went up & beyond – working hard for 3 days. We are thrilled with the final design! I love looking out of my windows & seeing the gorgeous, lush row of trees now!
Erin Cech | Google Review
We recently hired Cider Mill Landscapes to have a flagstone patio installed and could not have been happier with the experience. From the initial consultation through the completion of the project, Hillary was great to work with…The results of the patio exceeded our expectations.
Chris Katsikis | Google Review
Our Deck Projects
FAQs for Decks & More
Do you handle both the design and installation of decks?
Yes. We offer complete deck design and installation, including detailed blueprints. 3D renderings are available upon request to help you visualize the final result.
Can you incorporate additional features into the deck design?
Absolutely. We can include built-in seating, lighting, privacy screens, and more. It’s always best to plan for these features during the initial design phase to ensure a seamless and cost-effective build.
Do you offer deck lighting solutions?
Yes, lighting is always included in our deck designs to ensure safety and ambiance.
How long does it take to build a deck?
A standard-size deck typically takes about a week to build, depending on weather and material availability.
What’s the difference between composite and wood decking?
Composite decking requires zero maintenance and offers a modern look, while wood is a more budget-friendly option with a natural aesthetic. We also offer railing options including wood, stainless steel, and cable.
Do decks require permits?
Yes. We handle permitting as part of the project to ensure everything meets local codes and regulations.
What are your payment terms?
For smaller projects, and repeat maintenance clients, payment is due upon completion. For mid-size and larger projects, we take 1/3 up front and the rest upon completion. For projects larger than $50k, we take 1/3 up front, 1/3 when approximately half-way done, and the rest upon completion. Typically we make sure a client is 100% satisfied before taking a final payment.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash and check. If a credit card is requested we charge a 3.5% finance fee (our cost from the merchant service provider.)
What guarantees do you offer on installations?
New plant installations have a one year warranty.
Patios, structures, and outdoor living areas receive a 3-5 year craftsmanship warranty, depending on the service.
All appliances and products receive the manufacturer’s warranty.
Are your staff sub-contractors or employees?
All of our staff are employees.
Why do I need a landscape designer? Can’t I do this on my own?
In doing this for many years, and living and breathing it every day, there are a lot of things that go into a design. Like every other industry, there are things that an “amateur” or someone that doesn’t design on a daily basis will overlook. There are intricate details that we know to implement into a design. As well as different aspects of nature or a landscape that we know to factor in that a homeowner may not. Especially with outdoors, there are a lot of things to take into consideration.
Do you work with budgets?
We do work with budgets. Making sure we design to accommodate our clients is a big part of the process.
Can I get an estimate over the phone?
In most cases, the answer is no. We need a site visit and accurate measurements.
Can you perform installations if I already have plans?
Yes, however, we may make suggestions or edits to the plan. We will not implement another design if we feel like the structural integrity of a project has been compromised or under-engineered. We also will not implement a design that has horticultural or product flaws.
Which areas do you serve?
We work with clients throughout Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County & New Castle County. In PA, this includes Broomall, Bryn Mawr, Chadds Ford, Garnet Valley, Glen Mills, Havertown, Kennett Square, Malvern, Media, Springfield, Swarthmore, Wayne, and West Chester. In DE, this includes Greenville, Hockessin, and North Wilmington.
Schedule Your Free Deck Consultation
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