Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kinds of products do you build?
   We design and build decks, screened porches, sunrooms, gazebos, pergolas, arbors, aluminum fences, vinyl fences, and other outdoor structures. We also offer materials for these projects if you prefer to do the work yourself.
2. How long have you been in business?
   Outdoor Living Inc. has been in business since 1991.
3. How many designs do I have to choose from?
   All of our work is customized for each individual customer so our designs reflect your functional, aesthetic and budgetary needs and desires.
4. Do you sell your designs or plans so I can build it myself?
   No. While our work is custom designed we are not architects and do not offer or sell our plans.
5. What kinds of materials do you use?
   We don't limit our material choices to any specific type. We specialize in low maintenance materials, specifically composites and vinyl. We also offer cedar, treated pine and tropical hardwoods. We will work with you to determine which materials meets your needs best.
6. Do you build with pressure-treated materials and are there any dangers with them?
   As of January 1, 2004, wood treated with CCA (chromated copper arsenate), has been phased out for consumer use. We use CA (copper azole), which is one of the new formulations used for treating wood against termite damage and rot. The EPA has approved this treatment method for safe usage in residential applications. In addition, wood alternatives and composite decking materials have become consumer favorites. Popular wood alternatives for decking include cedar and tropical hardwoods.
7. Where do you get your materials?
   At Outdoor Living Inc. we own our fully stocked lumberyard in Kirkwood.  We buy most of our wood directly from sawmills and our maintenance-free deck products are purchased directly from manufacturers.  This allows us offer you outstanding quality at very competitive prices.
8. How many maintenance free decks have you built?
   Since 1996, we have installed hundreds of maintenance free decks from many different manufacturers.  Today we stock a wide variety of these materials and are using them in over 80% of the projects we complete.
9. Do you have a written contract that I will sign?
   Yes. We are very specific in detailing the work to be done.
10. What type of warranty do you offer?
    Our warranty provides you with protection against defects in materials and workmanship for 24 months; defects in structural fitness for 120 months; and passes through all manufacturer's warranties.
11. When are your busiest times of the year?
    We are typically busiest during the spring into early summer (March - July) and again in September and October.
12. Can I get an estimate before I decide to hire Outdoor Living Inc.?
    Yes, we are happy to provide you with a free design consultation, which will include specification and an exact price for your proposed project. Simply call or send us an email to arrange a convenient time.
13. Are you competitive in pricing?
    Absolutely! We work from a standardized pricing program, giving all of our customers the same competitive price. Our sales people are not allowed to inflate pricing.  Being a custom builder allows us to design a deck to your needs within your budget.
14. What do you charge per square foot?
    Since our projects are custom designed and built, estimating square footage pricing is meaningless. There are so many variables that affect the final price (height off the ground, site conditions, material choices, local code requirements, complexity of design, etc.) that a simple square footage price would be misleading. However, we will be happy to provide you with a free design consultation and an exact price.
15. Are you insured?
    Absoluetly! We carry two million dollars of general liability insurance and our employees and crews are covered by worker's compensation insurance.
16. Are you licensed?
    Unfortunately, Missouri does not require contractors to be licensed. We do have all the proper business licenses as required.
17. Is it necessary to get a building permit?
    Yes, for three reasons:
    1. It's the law.
    2. It's one of the ways we protect you.
    3. Some homeowner's insurance policies will not protect you if an injury occurs on a structure that does not have a permit.
18. How soon can my project be built?
    The time frame varies depending on the season and the backlog of the local office. Please contact our office for more information.
19. I've just signed a contract with Outdoor Living Inc.; how long will it take to build my project?
    It depends on the size and complexity of your project, as well as the weather and our backlog at that time. Normally, projects can be built faster in the fall and winter (as compared to spring, which is the busiest time of year).