Kid-Friendly Outdoor Spaces: Building Play Areas and Safety Considerations

When you make the decision to build a deck onto your home, you’re putting a lot of trust into the deck builder you select. Because of this, it’s important you get a sense of who you’re hiring. Are they trustworthy? Will they supply quality work? Will they work with you to transform your outdoor living space? All these questions are important, and we’ve put together a list of essential questions for you to ask your prospective deck builder.

Questions to Ask the Deck Builder in Pittsburgh

1. Is your builder properly licensed and insured?

You don’t want any legal surprises when your deck is being built. Your deck builder is responsible for the safety of your deck, and the safety of their crew. A good question to ask them is what kind of insurance and coverage they’re working with, and what kind of measures are in place to keep everyone safe and insured. Things like general liability insurance and workers compensation are two to watch out for. Getting a new deck built onto your home should be an exciting experience, not a legal minefield.

2. What’s the deck building process like?

Your deck builder should give you a complete rundown of their process. Typically, the deck building process follows a rigid process.  For example, taking care of all permits and inspections, which is something we do on all of our projects.

Make sure there’s a good fit for both you and the deck builder. Discuss location, budget and scope  with them. Then the deck builder will do a site visit to get pictures and measurements, and discuss the project. The builder will then create a design proposal and budget. After that, they start the permitting process. Then, the deck is built, and inspections are performed. After a walkthrough, the project is complete.

Read Also: How to utilize the space beneath your Deck?

3. How much does it cost to build a deck in Pittsburgh?

Building materials/labor prices are pretty stable. When compared to other areas of the country, your project is not going to cost dramatically more or less than other areas of the country. The cost of your deck depends on what kind of deck you’re looking to build. Are you the entertainer who needs a lot of square footage? Is it just husband, wife, and 2.5 kids looking for a place to have dinner? How important are premium products to you? This will all have a heavy influence on the price of your deck. However, a professional deck builder should be able to give you an estimate for what your deck will cost. We do projects ranging from $30,000 to well into the six figure range, so you can see that outdoor living and deck projects have a broad range of price points.

4. Which is the best time of year to build a deck in Pittsburgh?

In the Pittsburgh area, the weather fluctuates often. The best time of year to build an outdoor living project is either the late fall, or late winter and early spring. This gives you full use of the deck during the entire season. Scheduling early in the year will give you more time to fully enjoy your new deck. Keep in mind, there can be a several week lead time from when you approve your project to when construction actually starts. As most people would assume, the busy time of the year is the summer.

Read Also: Average Lifespan of your Decks and Patios

5. What is the best decking material?

In the industry, the best decking material is any sort of synthetic decking material. A composite material will withstand years of use and weather far better than wooden materials. The low maintenance products out there today are far better than any kind of wooden deck board. With advancements that have been made in the last 5 years, decking materials have reached incredible levels of quality. We use Deckorators decking on all of our projects, their Surestone technology offers benefits to the homeowner that other brands simply cannot. However, that’s not to say other brands like Trex and TimberTech also make quality products. Many times, the decision comes down to budget and personal style. 

6. Are you using deck industry specific products to build your decks?

The safety of your family is top priority. It’s crucial to know if your deck builder is using the correct materials for proper deck building. Not all construction hardware is created equal, and certain building components not created specifically for decks could be unsafe. For example, we have specific fasteners, connectors, and other deck specific items that are only meant for deck building. Any potential deck builder that you’re considering hiring should be well versed in all of these items and how to properly implement them.

7. How long have you been in the business?

It’s important that your prospective deck builder has a proven track record in building safe, quality decks. Ask them how long they’ve been in business. It’s obvious, but deck builders that have been in business for a long time will be a safe bet for your home. No surprises there. Double check when your deck builder started their business. You don’t want a deck builder that’s been around for a week to build the deck your family will be gathering on. Make sure they have a legacy of success. It is your responsibility as the homeowner to research and properly vet a potential hire. 

8. How much time does it take you to design and build a deck in Pittsburgh?

A professional deck builder should be able to answer this pretty closely without too much consideration. Of course, slight aberrations in schedule can happen due to bad weather, or needing materials, but this answer shouldn’t vary wildly from the actual time needed to design and build a deck. A basic deck can be built in a week, some of our more complex projects can take up to multiple months. No matter the duration, the key to a successful project is to communicate clearly with your deck builder.

9. Do you offer any warranty?

It’s important to make sure your deck contractor stands by their product. Asking if they offer any kind of warranty is a good way to figure this out. If a deck builder doesn’t offer any kind of post-build support, the deck builder may not be someone you want to work with. Let’s face it: we’re working in outdoor environments, and perfection is not an attainable goal because of the effect the outdoor environment has on building materials. So, it’s important that your deck builder will be there for you when these situations arise.

10. Does your deck builder seem like someone you want to do business with?

Before picking who your deck builder is going to be, do a little bit of background research on them. This can be as simple as scrolling through their online offerings. What’s their social media presence like? Do their employees seem like people you want to work with? Do you trust this builder to create a safe deck for your family? First impressions are everything, and a deck builder with a lack luster social media account, or lack of quality presentation could hint at larger issues down the road. Be sure to go with a deck builder you know, like, and trust.

Ready to Build Your Dream Deck? Contact SelectDecks

If you’re planning on building a deck in the Pittsburgh area, seek out a deck builder that you know, like, and trust. A deck builder that will help you in your deck building journey, and guide you to the decisions that are best for you, is a deck builder you should work with. At SelectDecks, Pittsburgh’s elite deck builder, we have the experience needed to guide you to these decisions. We work with you to transform your outdoor space into a one-of-a-kind area. Contact SelectDecks for Better. Outdoor. Living.

The decision to build a deck for your home can be life changing. It can completely transform your outdoor living area and turn your backyard into your favorite room of the house. It can turn you into the ultimate host, and the neighbor everyone wants to know. However, with this decision comes a lot of questions. One of the first questions you may have is “What’s the best deck material for my deck and my lifestyle?” With so many different options for deck materials, it can feel overwhelming and make the decision to build a deck feel more difficult than it has to be. For deck building, these are what we think the best brands and materials for your deck are.

What is the Difference Between a Deck and a Porch?

Before we begin talking about the best deck and porch materials for your deck, it’s important we cover the distinction between a deck and a porch. There are a few key differences between the two, including location, design, and purpose. 

1. Difference

The largest difference between a deck and a porch is that a porch is an enclosed structure with walls of some kind. Porches can be three season or four season. It all depends on what kind of walls the porch has. Porches can be a fantastic place to host guests and entertain.

Decks are a different story. Decks can be built behind the home, and can serve as a private living area for your family and friends. They’re often larger than porches, and can have multiple levels and different dedicated sections for outdoor living. 

2. Design

Porches are usually enclosed areas with some form of walls surrounding them.  Porches will have chairs and a table for guests and the family to entertain or gather. Porches are also usually covered with a roof, and enclosed in some way with walls of some sort.

Decks can be designed in numerous ways, having multiple levels or different areas for people to gather. They often have features that work with your lifestyle, like outdoor kitchens or a fire pit. Decks can have railings, specialized outdoor lighting, and be a one-of-a-kind living space. Decks can be both covered and uncovered.

3. Purpose

Porches serve as a way to welcome guests, and provide your family with a living area. Porches can also be the center of dinner parties, family gatherings, and parties. It can also serve as a transition between outdoor and indoor living for the home.

Decks are where your family and friends can experience outdoor living. Decks can be a private area for your family, or be the ultimate hosting area. Decks can be adapted to fit your lifestyle.

Read Also: Understanding the Average Lifespan of your Decks and Patios

What are the Best Porch and Decking Material Options in 2025?

Deck Boards 

Brands like Deckorators, Trex and TimberTech all offer quality composite deck board solutions that create quality decks.

Handrails 

When talking about handrails, there are both budget friendly options, and more premium options. There are entry level budget friendly composite handrails, made by companies like Trex and Deckorators. A step up in quality is black aluminum. Black aluminum handrails provide a look that many consumers say is like wrought iron. Trex Signature, Deckorators Rapid Rail are other premium options, and cable rails like Deckorators Cable Rail or RDI’s Evolutions cable railing provide premium cable railing solutions for your deck. Finally, for those in the market for glass railing, IG Railing provides quality glass railing for decks.

Trim 

Trim isn’t something many homeowners consider when their deck is being built. Often, the deck builder will either trim the deck, or they will not. If your deck builder is adding trim to your new deck, ask what kind of trim they’re building with. Ensure it’s high quality trim, like PlyGem PVC or LP SmartSide trim.

Lights

Deck lighting is something that can take a deck project from good to great. Riser lighting, deck lighting, and underdeck lighting can elevate a space immensely and transform your outdoor living area. When it comes to lighting products, Tru-Scapes is a quality brand that offers lighting solutions. Deck lighting allows you to experience your deck far more often. Shorter days and early nights won’t keep you from enjoying your space.

Underdeck Solutions 

Underdeck solutions provide dry space under your deck, allowing the underdeck area to be used as an additional outdoor space. This solution can effectively double the square footage of your new deck. What was once an area rarely used can now be a fully finished living area, with lights, fans, and heaters. One critical rule of thumb is to choose a new construction underdeck system, rather than a retrofit one. Retrofit underdeck systems are notorious for issues and create more problems than they solve.

Read Also: How to Utilize the Space Beneath Your Deck?

How to Choose the Best Material for Your Deck or Porch?

Deck Boards 

Selecting deck boards is a function of budget. Many brands offer deck boards in good, better, and best levels. It also comes down to the aesthetics and colors of your project. Another important consideration is the surface temperature of the deck boards, and how much traction they offer.

Handrails 

Budget, Trex Select, Deckorators Composite

When it comes to handrails, they really only come in black and white. Choosing a color is often guided by what color would be best for your deck and what color you would like best. Though most handrails come in black and white, some premium deck builders (like the builders at SelectDecks) can add boards to the top of handrails. This can coordinate with your deck and spice up the look of your railings. Premium handrails, like cable or glass, can be added onto your deck to increase visual appeal. Another consideration for glass or cable handrails is if there is a view on your property you would like to protect. For example, a beautiful view of a nearby lake or forest wouldn’t be something to obstruct.

Trim 

Most homeowners don’t choose trim. It’s typically something your deck builder will just add onto the deck. Make sure your deck builder is using high quality trim, like Ply Gem or LP SmartSide trim.

Lighting

We include lighting in all of our projects. Lighting is very dependent on how the area is used. It’s mostly an add-on for people who are often in the dark on their deck. Those who entertain a lot or host dinners often find value in deck lighting solutions. Lighting also increases the useful life of your deck, as deck lighting allows you to use your deck more when it begins to get dark early and the days become shorter. Consider how the space will be used when choosing your deck lighting. Two things to consider is the quality of the lights you choose. Low cost lights will not light up your deck the way you envision, and solar powered lights often have lackluster brightness and inconsistent lighting. 

Underdeck Solutions 

Stick with new construction underdeck solutions. Don’t go with a retrofit build. Make sure the contractor is very experienced with these systems. An inexperienced deck builder could cause major issues if they’re not experienced with these systems. When done right, it can create a bonus space with your deck. Underdeck areas add another living area underneath your deck that wouldn’t be possible without an underdeck solution.

With all these materials in mind, making the right decision for your home can be difficult. To make this decision easier, we’ve provided a reference chart that compares all of the best materials and their benefits. 

Planning to Build a Deck in Pittsburgh or the Northern Virginia Area? Contact SelectDecks

If you’re planning on building a deck in the Pittsburgh or Northern Virginia area, seek out a custom deck builder that you know, like, and trust. A deck builder that will help you in your deck building journey, and guide you to the decisions that are best for you, is a deck builder you should work with. At SelectDecks, Pittsburgh’s and Northern Virginia’s elite deck and porch builder, we have the experience needed to guide you to these decisions. We work with you to transform your outdoor space into a one-of-a-kind area. Contact SelectDecks for Better. Outdoor. Living.

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Creating a kid-friendly deck is a wonderful way to encourage outdoor play and family bonding. Here are some kid-friendly deck ideas that combine safety, entertainment, and comfort:

Safety First

Ensure the deck is well-maintained, with no loose boards or protruding nails.

Install sturdy railings and gates to prevent accidental falls.

Use non-slip materials for the deck surface to prevent slips and falls.

Colorful Furniture

Opt for vibrant, kid-friendly furniture with rounded edges. Consider colorful plastic or cushioned seating that is easy to clean.

Play Area

Designate a section of the deck as a play area. Consider installing rubberized outdoor flooring for added safety.

Incorporate a small sandbox or play table with space for arts and crafts.

Chalkboard Wall

Paint a section of the deck with chalkboard paint to create an interactive drawing space. Kids can unleash their creativity while enjoying the outdoors.

Hammocks and Swings

Install hammocks or swings to create a relaxing and playful atmosphere. These additions can also serve as cozy reading nooks.

Outdoor Games

Integrate classic outdoor games like hopscotch, tic-tac-toe, or a mini basketball hoop directly onto the deck surface.

Pergola or Canopy

Create a shaded area with a pergola or canopy to protect kids from the sun. This can serve as a comfortable spot for outdoor activities.

This can also serve as a place to host kid’s parties, or family events during the warmer months!

Vertical Gardens

Install vertical gardens or hanging planters to introduce greenery. Choose child-friendly plants and teach them about gardening.

Bubbles and Water Play

Set up a bubble station with various bubble wands and a bucket of bubble solution. Consider incorporating a small water play area with a shallow container and water toys.

Kid-Friendly Lighting

Install colourful string lights or lanterns for a festive and inviting atmosphere during evening playtime.

Built-in Storage

Include built-in storage for toys, games, and outdoor essentials. This helps keep the deck tidy and minimizes clutter.

Outdoor Movie Night

Create a cozy movie night area with blankets and cushions. Use a portable projector to screen family-friendly movies on a blank wall or screen.

Educational Features

Integrate educational elements into the deck design, such as a mini weather station, bird feeders, or a small telescope for stargazing.

Nature Exploration Corner

Set up a nature exploration corner with magnifying glasses, bug catchers, and bird identification charts to encourage an appreciation for the outdoors.

By incorporating these kid-friendly deck ideas, you can create a space where children can play, learn, and make lasting memories in a safe and enjoyable environment.