Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our full range of custom solutions designed to elevate your home’s exterior.

General FAQs

What services does Decks by Kiefer offer?

Decks by Kiefer designs and builds custom decks, curved decks, multi-level decks, pool and swim spa decks, and deck remodeling and resurfacing projects. The company also builds outdoor living structures, including pergolas, gazebos, covered and screened porches, fireplaces, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and patios. Deck features such as custom railings, lighting, waterproofing, and underdeck ceiling systems are handled in-house as well.

Decks by Kiefer serves homeowners across the Garden State of New Jersey.

Yes, Decks by Kiefer is fully licensed and insured. Bob Kiefer has built his reputation on transparency and professionalism, and carrying the proper credentials is a baseline requirement for every project the company undertakes.

Yes, Decks by Kiefer manages the full permitting process on every project. The company works with an architect and will provide documentation if you need HOA approval.

Decks by Kiefer does not currently offer financing. If you have questions about project investment and scheduling, Bob is happy to discuss your options during your consultation.

Fill out the consultation request form on this website, and we will get in touch to schedule you. We’ll visit your home in person to review your property, discuss your vision, and provide a proposal tailored to your project.

Yes, Decks by Kiefer backs every project with a 1-year cosmetic warranty and a 10-year structural warranty. Composite decking products from TimberTech and AZEK also carry their own manufacturer warranties covering fading, staining, and structural performance. Your full warranty coverage will be clearly outlined before your project begins.

Custom Decks FAQs

What types of custom decks does Decks by Kiefer build?

Decks by Kiefer builds a wide range of custom decks, including multi-level, bi-level, raised, curved, pool, and swim spa decks. Every design is created from scratch to fit your specific property and lifestyle.

Decks by Kiefer works with Ipe, cedar, and premium composite materials from manufacturers including TimberTech and AZEK. As a direct Ipe importer, Bob has access to premium-grade hardwood at pricing no competitor can offer.

Curved decks require a higher level of precision at every stage, from the structural framing to the surface installation. Each board or material must be cut, bent, or shaped to follow the curve without compromising the integrity of the structure.

Ipe is one of the best materials for curved deck builds because of its density, strength, and workability in the hands of an experienced craftsman. Composite materials can also be used, depending on the radius of the curve and the specific product.

Outdoor Living Structures FAQs

What styles of pergolas does Decks by Kiefer build?

Decks by Kiefer builds custom pergolas in a range of styles, including traditional open-beam designs, louvered pergolas with adjustable shade control, and covered pergola structures that provide full weather protection. Intex louvered pergola systems are available for homeowners who want motorized shade and rain protection.

A louvered pergola features adjustable roof slats that can be opened for sunlight or closed for shade and rain protection, giving you control over your outdoor environment in any weather. Motorized systems allow you to adjust the louvers with the touch of a button.

A pergola is an open or semi-open structure with a beam-and-rafter roof that provides partial shade and architectural interest. A gazebo is a fully roofed, freestanding structure that provides complete overhead protection and typically has a more defined, enclosed form.

A covered porch provides overhead protection from sun and rain while remaining open on the sides, extending your usable outdoor space in most weather conditions. A screened porch adds mesh or retractable screen panels to the sides, keeping insects out while maintaining airflow and an open-air feel.

A three-season room is designed for use in spring, summer, and fall, with screened or glass panels that provide weather protection without full climate control. A four-season room is fully insulated and climate-controlled, making it a comfortable living space year-round regardless of temperature.

Deck Materials FAQs

Why does Decks by Kiefer specialize in Ipe over other wood species?

Ipe is one of the hardest, most durable, and most beautiful hardwoods available for outdoor construction. It is naturally resistant to rot, insects, fire, and weathering without any chemical treatment, and it can last 40 to 75 years with proper care. Bob Kiefer has built his reputation on Ipe because no other wood delivers the same combination of performance, longevity, and visual impact.

Decks by Kiefer works with TimberTech and AZEK, two of the most respected composite decking manufacturers available. These products offer the appearance of natural wood with significantly lower maintenance requirements.

Ipe is one of the densest and most durable hardwoods on the planet, with a lifespan of 40 to 75 years when properly maintained. Composite decking offers strong performance and low maintenance, but does not match Ipe’s natural density, strength, or longevity. If you are weighing both options, Bob can walk you through the trade-offs during your consultation.

Deck Features FAQs

What types of paver and patio projects does Decks by Kiefer handle?

Decks by Kiefer designs and installs custom paver patios, covered patios, and hardscape areas that complement your deck or stand alone as a primary outdoor living space. Material options include a range of paver styles and colors selected to match your home’s exterior and landscape. Every patio is designed with drainage, durability, and visual cohesion in mind.

Decks by Kiefer builds custom fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and integrated heating solutions in both gas and wood-burning configurations. Built-in seating can be incorporated around fire features to create a gathering space that anchors your outdoor living area. Every fire feature is designed as part of the overall outdoor space, not as an afterthought.

Decks by Kiefer designs and builds fully custom outdoor kitchens with built-in grills, cooktops, refrigerators, ice makers, storage, and prep areas. Every element is selected for weather resistance and built to handle the demands of outdoor cooking and entertaining. The layout is designed around how you cook, how you entertain, and how the kitchen connects to the rest of your outdoor living space.

Yes, Decks by Kiefer installs Shade FX retractable screen systems, which allow you to open or close your screened porch depending on the weather and your preferences. Retractable screens give you the flexibility of an open porch and a screened enclosure in one structure.

Deck lighting at Decks by Kiefer is designed into the structure of your outdoor space, not added as an afterthought. Options include recessed deck lights, post cap lighting, stair lighting, and under-rail lighting that extends the usability of your space into the evening hours.

Decks by Kiefer installs custom railings from Feeney and Cable Bullet, two of the most respected names in deck railing systems. Cable railing is a popular choice for homeowners who want to preserve sightlines while adding a clean, modern aesthetic to their outdoor space. Traditional and custom railing designs are also available to complement a more classic or architectural look.

An underdeck ceiling system is installed beneath the decking surface to capture and redirect water away from the space below, turning the area under your deck into a dry, usable outdoor room. Decks by Kiefer installs these systems as part of new deck builds and as additions to existing structures. The result is additional covered square footage that can be used for storage, seating, or a covered patio area.