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Learn From The Pros

Stay informed with expert advice, design inspiration, and practical tips to help you create the perfect outdoor space for your home.

Replace Wood Deck With Composite in Ankeny, IA

Ankeny is growing fast, and the decks built in the early 2000s to accommodate that growth are starting to show

How Much Does a Covered Deck Cost in Waukee, IA? (2026 Guide)

In Waukee, a backyard is no longer just a patch of grass; it is a high-value extension of the home.

How High Should the Railing on a Deck Be in Urbandale, IA: Building Codes

When planning an outdoor living space in Urbandale, Iowa, the first question isn’t about the color or the furniture—it’s about

Trex vs TimberTech: Which is the Best Choice for Your Deck?

Deciding between Trex vs TimberTech can feel like comparing two champion athletes—each has strengths. Trex, the composite decking pioneer, is

Azek vs Trex: Which Composite Decking is Right for Your Home?

Deciding between Azek vs Trex for your new deck? Here’s the quick version: Azek (TimberTech Advanced PVC) is 100% synthetic

Does a Screened-In Porch Add Value to Your Home? Expert Insights

Learn how a screened-in porch can increase your home’s value. Explore the benefits, ROI, and how screened porches improve outdoor

Best Time of Year to Build a Deck: When Should You Start Your Deck Project?

Wondering when the best time of year is to build a deck? Learn about the ideal months for deck construction

9 Trex Deck Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Living Space

Discover stunning Trex deck ideas, from small spaces to poolside designs. Explore creative layouts, two-tone looks, curved decks & more

How Much Does a Pergola Cost in the Des Moines Metro Area?

Building a pergola has become increasingly popular among Des Moines homeowners looking to create attractive outdoor living spaces. The cost

How Much Does Trex Decking Cost in Des Moines? (2025 Guide)

When it comes to outdoor living in Des Moines, homeowners are increasingly opting for Trex composite decking due to its

PVC vs Composite Decking: Which is the Best Choice for Your Outdoor Space?

Your deck serves as an outdoor retreat—envision stargazing nights or morning coffee moments. The decision between PVC vs composite decking

How Much Slope Should a Pergola Roof Have for Proper Drainage?

Picture this nightmare scenario: you’ve just invested thousands in a stunning pergola, only to discover that after the first heavy

How Tall Should a Pergola Be? Complete Guide to Standard Heights & Dimensions

The ideal height for a pergola is about 8-9 feet, but the right dimensions depend on its purpose and your

Contemporary Pergola Ideas to Elevate Your Outdoor Living Space

Looking to redesign your outdoor space? Contemporary pergolas offer modern aesthetics, durability, and functionality. Learn about the best materials, design

How Much Does Composite Decking Cost in the Des Moines Metro Area?

If you're considering composite decking for your home, understanding the costs involved is crucial. In this guide, we break down

Composite Decking Ideas to Elevate Your Outdoor Living Space

Homeowners exploring composite decking ideas have dozens of pattern options, color combinations, and design layouts to choose from. Modern composite

What Makes Us a Top-Notch Deck Builder in Des Moines, IA

When selecting a deck builder in Des Moines, consider more than just cost. A top-notch builder offers expertise in materials,

Spring vs Summer Deck Construction: Best Time to Build a Deck in Ankeny

Choosing the best time to build a deck in Ankeny can impact your budget, timeline, and material availability. Compare spring

Deck Design Trends for Des Moines Homes in 2025

Explore the latest deck design trends for 2025 tailored to Iowa’s climate. Learn about durable composite decking, sleek railing systems,

Can You Put a Fire Pit on a Trex Composite Deck in Altoona, IA?

Installing a fire pit on Trex deck in Altoona, IA, is a great way to enhance your outdoor space. This

Boost your home’s value with a deck

Adding a deck to your home can increase its value, but the amount of value added can vary based on

7 Tips for keeping your composite deck clean

Composite decks are a popular choice for homeowners as they require minimal maintenance compared to traditional wood decks. However, they

The Pandemic for a Deck Builder

The Covid Pandemic has hit each and every one of us somehow at sometime. Every industry and person has their

Timbertech Platinum Warranty – Contractor

When building a New Low-Maintenance Composite Deck, you want to make sure it is built correct with great service and

Winter Discounts 2019

It’s the time of the Year to Get a Deck Built at a Discount and Ready Before Spring to Enjoy.

Timbertech Contractor Training – Platinum

Great News for us and our future clients!! We are a Timbertech Platinum Contractor and we were invited to travel

Spring – Build-A-Deck

Spring is Here!!! Call us today to get a Custom Deck Quote and get on our Spring Schedule!!! (515)480-5593 or

Happy Halloween

Check out these Night Views of these Deck Lights in this Halloween Video we have created

Our History – 2010 through 2016

Learn our History with how Detail with Construction and Experience over the past years have expanded the Deck Design and

What is a Truly Qualified Custom Deck Builder vs a Deck Contractor

A truly qualified custom deck builder specializes Only in Deck Building and Exterior Outdoor Spaces. We often have more knowledge

5 Ways to get the Most out of Summer on your Own Deck

Below are some simple things you can easily do to your outdoor deck this Summer that will be fun and

Winter Building FAQ

Can you build a deck in the Winter? (Winter Building) Houses are built all year long, including the decks on

5 Reasons to Build a Deck in the Winter

1. Save Money with a Discount. The #1 reason to build during the slow time in the winter is a

Wood Deck Maintenance throughout the year

Annual deck maintenance will forestall repairs, protect your investment, and boost your enjoyment of your outdoor space. Mid-Spring & Mid-Fall:

Deck in a Day – Time Lapse Video

My sister and her husband (Owner’s of Black Tie Creatives), whom does our marketing for Deck & Drive Solutions has

Updated Timbertech Warranty – 30 Year Fade & Stain Warranty

Timbertech PVC Capped Composite Decking now has a 30 Year Fade & Stain Warranty!! The get better all the time!!

Timbertech Certified – Gold Level – Quality Products

Deck & Drive Solutions is now Gold Level Certified with Timbertech and Azek Products with PVC Capped Composite Decking, Full

Front Porch Railing – White Maintenance Free Options

Just last week I was asked about maintenance free front porch railing in the color of White and they wanted

Timbertech Certified – Quality Products

Deck & Drive Solutions is certified by Timbertech Decking and Railing. We have built many composite and low-maintenance decks and

Myth Busting Facts with Composite vs Wood

Myth: Wood is “greener” than composite decking Truth: In many ways, composite decking is more eco-friendly than wood decking. The

Front Porch Living

With spring weather finally upon us, there are few better places to sit and relax than the front porch. Now

19 Ways to Upgrade Your Deck

1. Clean It, Repair It, and Stain It Before you add furniture, accents, and other items to your deck, you

Our Family Work History

Harold Rouse, aka Junior (Dad) has built decks for many home builders and custom decks for home owners in the

Yearly Deck Maintenance Tips

Mid / Late Spring – Wash the Deck Besides the deck looking dirty, one of the sure signs a deck

New Deck Construction with Stone Post Covers

The crew at Deck & Drive Solutions built this deck and pergola using Faux Stone Post Wraps on the base

New Deck Project – Part 4 – Lighting, Dry UnderDecking, Patios

Part 4: Lighting, Dry Under Deck, Patios The final elements to consider for your deck project is Lighting, Under Decking

Magazine Articles

We got a call from the Iowa Living Magazine that they heard of our deck projects and wanted to do

New Deck Project – Part 3 – Materials & Budget

New Deck Project Planning Part 3: Materials & Budget Prices for deck materials greatly change from treated decking to PVC

New Deck Project – Part 2 – Design with Zones

New Deck Project Planning Part 2: Design with Zones Deck Design for the Present and Future A deck is an

New Deck Project – Part 1 – Plan for Sun and Activities

New Deck Project Planning Part 1: Plan for Sun and Activities This Deck Project Planning Blog consists of 4 Parts

Deck’s Fact or Fiction

Fact or Fiction: Alternative decking products are maintenance-free. Fiction: Despite what you may have heard, no decking product is maintenance-free.

The Wood Maintenance Myth

The Wood Maintenance Myth Someone probably told you that real wood decks were hard to maintain. They were wrong. Wood

Real Wood – The Green Choice

Recently, 3 life cycle assessments were conducted by independent third parties to determine which building materials really are better for

Christmas Lighting 2011

Professional Christmas LED Lighting Installation Are you another aspiring Clark Griswold, planning on spending hours of climbing on an old

Privacy Wall / Fence

The homeowner wanted a wall for privacy on the deck that did not look like a fence. We decided to

New Deck Construction – w/ Stone Post Covers

The crew at Deck & Drive Solutions built this deck and pergola using Stone Post Wraps on the base of

Battle of the Stains – Penofin vs. Cabot

Because Price Point and Quality Matter –For Penofin, what is recommended at the 3rd year? Is there another complete redo

First Sealed Decks of the year

Deck Restoration – First Sealed of the year 2011 It was a slow start to staining and sealing deck for

Fence and Privacy Wall Ideas

Ideas are Plenty to give your privacy a Custom View Check out more information on our website at deckanddrivesolutions.com or

Railing Options – New Deck Construction

These are just a few railing options – there are so many more. We can get you a railing of

Deck Material Comparison

Because Price Point and Quality Matter Pressure Treated: Wood is the traditional material used for deck construction. Pressure treated decking

Deck Sealing Product Comparison

Deck Restoration Product ComparisonBattle of the Stains Because Price Point and Quality Matter Cabot Stains and Sealers Standard Stain/Seal, best

We are now on Blogging!!!

Deck & Drive Solutions is now on Blogging. Check here often for updates, information, and pictures of some of our

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Learn From The Pros

Replace Wood Deck With Composite in Ankeny, IA

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Cedar vs Composite Decking: Which Is the Better Choice?

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How Much Does a Multi-Level Deck Cost in Des Moines, IA?

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Best Composite Decking Material: The 2026 Definitive Buyer’s Guide

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How Much Does a Covered Deck Cost in Waukee, IA? (2026 Guide)

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How High Should the Railing on a Deck Be in Urbandale, IA: Building Codes

Read More

Trex vs TimberTech: Which is the Best Choice for Your Deck?

Read More

Azek vs Trex: Which Composite Decking is Right for Your Home?

Read More

Does a Screened-In Porch Add Value to Your Home? Expert Insights

Read More

Best Time of Year to Build a Deck: When Should You Start Your Deck Project?

Read More

9 Trex Deck Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Living Space

Read More

How Much Does a Pergola Cost in the Des Moines Metro Area?

Read More

How Much Does Trex Decking Cost in Des Moines? (2025 Guide)

Read More

PVC vs Composite Decking: Which is the Best Choice for Your Outdoor Space?

Read More

How Much Slope Should a Pergola Roof Have for Proper Drainage?

Read More

How Tall Should a Pergola Be? Complete Guide to Standard Heights & Dimensions

Read More

Contemporary Pergola Ideas to Elevate Your Outdoor Living Space

Read More

How Much Does Composite Decking Cost in the Des Moines Metro Area?

Read More

Composite Decking Ideas to Elevate Your Outdoor Living Space

Read More

What Makes Us a Top-Notch Deck Builder in Des Moines, IA

Read More

Spring vs Summer Deck Construction: Best Time to Build a Deck in Ankeny

Read More

Deck Design Trends for Des Moines Homes in 2025

Read More

Can You Put a Fire Pit on a Trex Composite Deck in Altoona, IA?

Read More

Boost your home’s value with a deck

Read More

7 Tips for keeping your composite deck clean

Read More

The Pandemic for a Deck Builder

Read More

Timbertech Platinum Warranty – Contractor

Read More

Winter Discounts 2019

Read More

Timbertech Contractor Training – Platinum

Read More

Spring – Build-A-Deck

Read More

Happy Halloween

Read More

Our History – 2010 through 2016

Read More

What is a Truly Qualified Custom Deck Builder vs a Deck Contractor

Read More

5 Ways to get the Most out of Summer on your Own Deck

Read More

Winter Building FAQ

Read More

5 Reasons to Build a Deck in the Winter

Read More

Wood Deck Maintenance throughout the year

Read More