Outdoor Living

Do you want a private outdoor escape? Are you looking for more space to entertain family and friends? No matter your goals, the professionals at RT Construction can help. From decks and underdecking to screen rooms, and patio enclosures, we specialize in building beautiful outdoor living spaces. 

Blending the Indoors and Outdoors

Our exceptional weather is one of the reasons we love the Lake of the Ozarks. By letting the inside and outside of your home naturally flow together, your deck can become a true extension of your home. A custom-designed deck is an investment that will increase the value of your home and provide a haven for relaxation, leisure, and entertainment. It's an important decision, and that's why RT Construction is determined to give you the best custom deck design and building services available.

Benefits Of A Custom Deck

Customizing your deck can offer you and your family many exciting benefits. From enhancing your home's aesthetic appeal to improving your home's functionality, there are many advantages of installing a customized deck. 

Extends your living area – Everyone loves options, and with a deck, you increase the square footage of your home. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy it without leaving your property. When you have family and friends over, it provides more space to entertain.

Increases your property value – Adding a custom deck to your home can increase your property value and is a great investment. 

Enhances your home's aesthetic appeal – Installing a deck is a great way to improve the look and feel of your home. Our expert designers will create a deck that matches your home's style and increases the visual appeal.

Adds functionality - A deck can add functionality to your backyard. It also gives you and your family a reason to get outside in the sun or get some fresh air.

Custom Deck Design: How To Bring Your Deck Ideas to Life

Careful planning is the first step to designing the perfect deck for your family. Consider the following when you're ready to add a custom deck to your home.

1. Use

How do you plan to use your deck? Will you need to accommodate large groups or need added privacy for more intimate gatherings? Do you need shade for summer cookouts or a screened area to keep out pests? No matter the scope of your project, our experience and creativity will guide you through the design process to create the perfect deck for your home and lifestyle. 

2. Size

When it comes to decks, many people think bigger is better. After all, more space means more options for outdoor living. Today's decks incorporate outdoor kitchens, hot tubs, fire features, and many other options. The main thing to consider regarding size is how the deck will look compared to your home and landscape. Scale is important. You don't want a large deck on a small house or a small deck on a large home. 

3. Location

Whether you're starting from scratch or improving on an existing deck, property size and location will impact design decisions. Taking a few minutes to stake out a very general deck footprint will help pinpoint areas where you might need shade or privacy features added to your design. If you have a lakefront property, maximizing those fantastic views will be a priority. Planning for easy access between your home and deck is also important.

4. Your Budget

In most instances, wood costs less than composite decking materials upfront. However, homeowners should carefully consider maintenance and repair costs. Wood requires more maintenance, and repairs can be costly over time. Natural wood is more susceptible to splitting, warping, rot, and splintering. A wood deck will need to be replaced sooner than a composite product, so it's essential to consider the upfront cost and costs over time when selecting decking materials.

5. Deck Materials

Whether you prefer wood deck designs or low-maintenance composite decking, we've designed and built custom decks using all available options. With decades of experience, we know the advantages and disadvantages of each material. We'll work with you to explain the options and help you choose the best deck materials for your desired look, budget, and location.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Customers

What Features Can I Include in My Outdoor Living Space?

You have a lot of options. Among the most popular choices for outdoor living spaces are water features such as fountains and ponds. Many people also want to have a way to escape the direct sunlight and heat, so elements such as canopies, patio covers, and pergolas are great options for that purpose. If space allows, a gazebo is a terrific way to set your deck apart in an impressive way.

What If I Have a Small Space or an Unusual Layout?

We have created amazing outdoor living areas in virtually every imaginable space. Our exterior remodelers and designers have the skills and creativity to create several great options that will work for you, no matter your space. With some imagination, virtually any property can be the perfect location for a functional and beautiful outdoor living space.

How Can I Make the Most of My Outdoor Space for Entertaining?

Outdoor living spaces are terrific for entertaining! There are many ways to use your space for hosting events and providing a great environment to socialize with family and friends. The right seating and furniture arrangements help establish separate areas and encourage people to gather in small groups. You can use a feature like a fire pit as a central focal point. If you like to include meals in your events, consider incorporating a deluxe barbecue station or a complete outdoor kitchen.

How Can I Make My Deck More Functional? 

Decks are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but insects, rain, and the hot sun can interrupt the fun. There are several ways to make your deck more functional regardless of weather conditions. Adding a deck cover or a screen room can dramatically increase your family’s comfort level. A permanent deck cover can be attached to your home or be free-standing. The primary purpose is to protect from sun and rain. A screen room will not only protect you from the elements and pests, but it will also provide additional protection for deck furniture and accessories. An underdecking solution is another great option for making the most of an elevated deck.

What Is Underdecking?

An underdecking system is an outdoor ceiling system installed beneath an elevated deck. Underdecking systems create a clean, dry space beneath a deck that can be used for additional outdoor living space or secure storage. A RainTight Underdecking System can transform the area below your deck into a cozy area for dining, relaxing, or entertaining. These specially engineered systems can be customized to complement your home’s style. Ceiling fans, LED lighting, entertainment centers, hot tubs, and other accessories can be added to create a truly one-of-a-kind outdoor living space.

How Do You Handle Seawall Repairs?

RT Construction has partnered with the Alchemy-Spetec seawall repair network to protect residential and commercial properties from loss and damage along the shoreline. We use polyurethane foams that react with moisture in the soil and expand to fill voids while they permeate the soil to form a solid, strong, watertight mass to repair seawalls. These polyurethane foams seal cracks and defects, fill voids, and stabilize soil. Most of our repairs can be completed in less than a day.

Why Choose RT Construction?

If you're ready to start designing your outdoor living space, working with an experienced contractor is essential. Whether you have a design in mind or want to explore other options, the professionals at RT Construction can design and build your ideal outdoor living space.

RT Construction is centrally located, with our headquarters and manufacturing facility in O'Fallon, Missouri. We serve residential and commercial clients in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area and the Lake of the Ozarks area. Our employees are licensed, insured, and bonded for your protection. We follow all local building guidelines and comply with all applicable standards and codes in all our construction projects.

Ready to Enjoy the Outdoors More?

Call RT Construction at 636-317-5636 to schedule a free consultation. We'll help you design the right outdoor living area for your Lake of the Ozarks property.