Frequently Asked Questions

Materials

What type of materials should we use?

First of all there is no such thing as 100% maintenance free material. All material will need some care. Use a Sealer or Stain with wood products, and use a good household detergent, soft scrub, or baking soda for the vinyl products. Composites are becoming very popular because of its cost and low maintenance, but still will need a good cleaning from time to time.

• Pressure Treated Pine - AC2 is replacing CCA. The main ingredient is copper coupled with quaternary compound (quat) co-biocide for enhanced performance. It is forced into the wood under pressure giving it protections from termite attack and decay. It is less costly than other materials, but it does tend to warp, twist and crack. This is normal aging process, some boards more than others.
  
• Western Red Cedar - Contains natural oils that act as a preservative to help the wood resist insect attack and decay. Cedar is also a stable wood that lays flat and stays straight. Properly maintained, it ages gracefully and endures for many years. As it dries, you will see some cracking. This is normal.
  
• Wood & Recycled Plastics - 10 to 20 year warranty against cracking, insect/termite damage, and decay. These products will fade some. They can be, but do not have to be stained. They will need to be cleaned a few times a year.
  
• Vinyl -10 years to lifetime warranty, no color fading, and it needs occasional cleaning with household detergents. Vinyl is the most costly of materials used.
  
• Composites - made up of recycled and reclaimed wood and plastic, no rotting, cracking, or splintering. Some products wil fade to grey, while others will only lose 5-10% of its natural color. Ten Year Warranty on most products.

Decks

What size or shape of deck should we choose?

Here are a few points to consider:

• Are you trying to create a view or keep an existing one?
• Do you need privacy from any neighbors?
• How many people will be using the deck and how often?
• What are the sun patterns?
• Are there obstacles to work around - basement windows, air conditioning, water or gas lines, or a septic tank, etc.?
• How long do you intend to stay in your home?
• How much furniture do you intend to put on the deck , or are you planning for a hot tub on it?

Fences

What does Great Outdoors offer in fencing?

• At this time we offer Western Red Cedar fences, Vinyl fences, and aluminum fences. We do not do chain link fences.
  
  What kind of fence should we have built?

• After determining the material you would like to use for your new fence, the next thing to decide on is the height - 42", 4', 5', 6' ( if you want to go higher, you must talk to your city zoning official). Every city has different regulations on heights and which way the finished side must face etc. You may want to check with them before you consider the fence.


What can you tell me about a Great Outdoors Cedar fence?

• We use a #1 grade 4" x 4" pressure treated post
• Our Gothic tops are one of the best in the midwest
• Our posts are securely set in concrete approximately 7' apart
• 2" x 4" cedar rails attached with 3" screws and nails
• #1 grade, 2 face cedar pickets 6" and 4" available
• Pickets are attached with hot dipped galvanized ring shank nails. This helps reduce black nail stains. (We also offer stainless steel nails to completely eliminate the chance of stains for an additional charge. Attractive single or double gates (1 single gate free with fences over 150 feet).

Who takes care of finding the property lines for the location of the fence?

• This is the homeowner's responsibility. We will put the fence where you specify. If you do not know where your property lines are, you may call the city zoning official or you may need to get a survey. You may also want to talk to your neighbors and tell them your intentions.
  

How long after being built should we wait to apply a stain or sealant?

• In the past, recommendations by the industry were to wait up to a year before sealing or staining, but now it is recommended that you do it as soon as possible (2 to 3 weeks). Try the water test. If you can put a few drops of water on the wood and it absorbs, it is time to seal or stain it.

Should I use a sealer or a stain?

• Staining is harder to apply evenly, and it is a higher maintenance finish. There are many different sealers on the market with a color tint already added to them. Treating the surface of your deck/fence etc. will reduce the rate that moisture is absorbed and released. It should have a good UV inhibitor to help against graying. Great Outdoors Deck & Fence does not seal or stain. We recommend that you talk to a professional concerning the proper preparation, finish, and maintenance.

Swings

Is AC2 Pressure Treated Wood safe for playground equipment?

AC2 preserved wood is a new Non-Arsenic-Based Preservative being offered as an alternative to traditional pressure treated wood.

• AC2 preserved wood products are durable and designed for outdoor construction
• The most effective and widely used alternative to traditional pressure treated wood
• Lifetime Residential and Agricultural Limited Warranty
• Ideal for structural lumber, sill plates, outdoor furniture, playground products, patios, decks, garden edging, and landscape structure.
• Meets major model building code requirements
• Copper-based preservative with a co-biocide, also known as alkaline copper quaternary compounds
• Recommended for use with hot-dipped galvanized, stainless steel, or other fasteners approved by Osmose
• Offers consumers a choice in pressure treated wood products

The main active ingredient in the AC2 preservative system is copper, which has long been known as an effective wood preservative. The copper is coupled with a quaternary compound (quat) co-biocide for enhanced performance against copper-tolerant fungi and insects. Quats are commonly used in household disinfectants and cleaners.

Handling, construction techniques and general characteristics of AC2 products are similar to those of traditional treated wood. Most important, AC2 products have proven around the world to reduce demands on forest resources by greatly extending the life of wood.

A release form must be signed by the client for all play equipment structures (view it).

General

How long do most projects take?

• Most projects are done within a week. The majority of all project material is hand picked for perfection. Great Outdoors Deck & Fence is set on detail and making their customers happy. We will take the time needed to do quality work.

How far will Great Outdoors travel to build a structure?

• From the Quad Cities area, we will travel around a 30 minute trip.

What is the payment plan on projects?

• On the majority of projects, payment is made with half at the start of the project, and the balance is due on completion.

Is Great Outdoors Deck & Fence licensed, insured, & bonded?

• We are insured with State Farm Insurance, and we would be more than happy to show you proof of insurance. We are licensed and bonded in every city that requires it. Some cities do not have a license or bonding policy.

Who pulls the permits?

• Great Outdoors will, when they are needed. Permits are not required for most fences, smaller sized mini-barns, and swingsets. On all other projects we will pull the permit.
• The price of the permit will be added to your final bill.

Will you build a kit that we purchase?

• Great Outdoors Deck & Fence prefers to do the projects start to finish. We hand pick our materials. Almost all of our projects are stick built and are not prefab kits.

Great Outdoors Deck & Fence advises:

When you consider adding a structure such as a deck, fence, garage, mini-barn, swingset, etc., take a look around the Quad Cities. You may see something that suits you exactly, or you may get some great ideas that we can adapt for you. There are also many books available at your local lumberyards. We will enjoy working with you on style, design, and materials to create a project that meets your needs.

Great Outdoors is ready to "Make Your Outdoors Great."

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