On Deck

A Smart Way to Invest

When starting the process of looking for a contractor to build your deck or porch…how many estimates do you get? How many projects do you take the time to go see? The truth is that the most important part of building a deck is the contractor you choose. The finished product will only be as good as the contractor you choose…so I encourage you to select wisely.  What I’ve noticed is that homeowners will look at a number of houses before buying one...but when it comes to additions or decks, they usually go with a builder they feel comfortable with.  Then, in some cases, that “feeling” turns out to be a mistaken impression.

One way to avoid mistaken impressions is to go view various projects that a contractor has finished.  And, taken further, to talk to those customers about the process.  For a more expensive investment like an addition, this is the responsible way to go.  As with other things, you get what you pay for.  And investing in a deck isn’t something you want to “wing”.

No one likes to overpay for anything.  And you don’t have to for a deck either.  No matter whether I’m purchasing a car, stereo, furniture, or whatever…I always make it a point to see what I’m purchasing. Pictures and photos might be a good way of getting a rough impression.  But there’s just nothing better than viewing and experiencing one personally.  By taking some time out on this, you’ll better ensure that the contractor you select is truly the right one.

Ugly Decks are No Fun

A new and properly maintained deck is truly a jewel, isn’t it?  On the other hand, the same deck that’s not properly maintained can be an eyesore and even a value-drain to the property.  This is why we’ve always been so adamant about keeping that deck up.  After it’s built, we clean the deck with a mild deck brightener, then followed with a good preservative.

I’ve noticed that many deck companies out there are not maintaining their decks and screened porches. When looking at their finished product, there are usually 2 things that I spot.  First, if the deck gets a lot of sun and has not had a color stain/preservative applied, the deck will have severe surface checking, cracking, and peeling. This is due to the wood drying out and not having any UV protection from the extreme sun. Second, if the deck is in a shaded area, the deck will have some checking along with a good deal of mildew. This is due to the deck staying damp.

Applying a preservative that prevents fungus growth, mildew, mold, rot and decay will prevent these issues. A color stain/preservative with UV absorbers and UV blocking pigments should be applied for decks that stand in extreme sunlight. I have used many of these preservatives over the years and I’ve learned that there is no perfect product for all. Some products hold up longer than others, while others will not come clean when it’s time to reapply. And some products will build up layers resulting in the deck getting darker each time applied.

As a general rule, I recommend using an oil-based product that will apply easily, cleans up easily, and does not build up layers.  But it really depends on your situation as to which I’d recommend. One thing I’d recommend in any situation is for you to properly maintain it using something.

Back in Time

Last week while driving to an appointment, I noticed a deck that I had built while working for a previous Atlanta decking company. I built custom decks and screened porches for that company from 1990-1994. It was a great experience from which I learned a lot, and met several good people. In a sense, they helped build the foundation that made Tailor Decks the deck company it is today. 

At one point in time, they were the largest Atlanta deck builder in the metro area. In fact, many of the Atlanta deck builders today worked for them at one time or another.  But they are no longer around…the company split and merged long ago.  It was an interesting moment looking at that deck, knowing that the company in question was no longer around. It brought back a lot good of memories. I recently spoke to one of my fellow salespersons from that company/era who I had worked with…and we spoke and laughed for hours about those times.  It was fun reminiscing.

Like all growing and evolving businesses, there are some things I’ve continued from my experience there…and other things I’ve changed and improved.  I think it’s pretty evident that those companies that didn’t learn over time have fallen by the wayside.  I like to think that each deck we build is better than the one before…and I think it is.

Names and Dogs

I've been asked many times over the years where the name "Tailor Decks" came from.  Typically, and probably naturally, new customers think my last name is Taylor and greet me with "Mr. Taylor". 

The truth is that the name "Tailor Decks" came about when I was trying to find a name that best suited how I wanted to present the company.  After all, when I was young, having my own business was never a question of what, when, or where.  The only question was what the name was going to be.  When it came time to launch, I grappled with a lot of options.  Because the heart of the company was going to be (and still is), customization, we threw around a lot of options on a notepad...mostly around the word "custom". 

But "Custom Decks" (and variations) just didn't seem to work.  And "Atlanta custom decks" wasn't much better.  At some point during this brainstorm I wondered where my wife's dog was. "Taylor", a miniature dachshund, had been quietly sitting at my feet the whole time.  In addition to being my quiet bedrock through the tough times, Taylor instantly became my inspiration.  A little spelling change and the company's name was made...and the company launched.  So yes, the company's name, "Tailor Decks", was canine-inspired.

Taylor passed away a few years ago, but since then, we've added a Shih tzu named Cobi to the Tailor Decks family.  Cobi is one of my best buddies...and he makes it a point to come out to the sites to make sure we're on track.  Scott, who works with us, likes to call him "Tailordog".  I like that.

Making the Most of Slower Times

I've have been building custom porches, screened porches and custom decks in the Atlanta area since 1990. And I started Tailor Decks in April 1994. Like you, we've gone through some slow times before, but I must say nothing quite like what we're experiencing now.

In talking with my fellow area deck contractor competitors, I've found the situation to be similar with all.  The sobering thing is that there are so many great fellow deck building companies out there with little to no work.  We could all be literally building and improving Atlanta right now were it not for this severe dip.

Fortunately, we've continued to get some business, but the slowdown has definitely affected us.  In the past, I would have waiting for the phone to ring.  But, frankly, my ideas and optimism of 'what could be' have kept me busier than ever!  These slow times have given us the opportunity to work on our Tailorwood line.  I'm certain that the wood (with revolutionary milling) will change the way deck contractors build decks.  (Well, at the very least it will significantly improve the way all of our clients' decks will be built...which is exciting enough!)

If you're interested in seeing a recent deck built with Tailorwood, let me know.  Also, we'll be introducing our TailorWood’s deck railing line in April.  We'll be issuing a press release on that soon.