Let’s be honest: we’ve all had that moment in Bullard where the house starts feeling just a little too small. Maybe the kids are getting bigger, the dogs are getting faster, or you’re just tired of tripping over the coffee table every time you try to host a backyard BBQ.
The first instinct for most homeowners is to call an architect and start dreaming of a room addition. But then the sticker shock hits. In 2026, a traditional 200-square-foot room addition can easily run you between $80,000 and $120,000. That’s a lot of zeros for a space you’ll probably just end up putting a treadmill in.
At ABC Decking, we have a different philosophy. We believe you can get that "big house" feel for a fraction of the cost by moving the living room outside. A high-quality, custom-built wooden deck or porch is the kind of $20,000 investment that can act like a $50,000 addition in everyday living value, and the ROI numbers help support that case.
The Real Math of Outdoor Living
When you build a room addition, you’re paying for foundation work, framing, HVAC integration, electrical, insulation, drywall, and roofing. It’s a massive undertaking that turns your home into a construction zone for months.
On the flip side, a custom wood deck can offer strong resale value. National Cost vs. Value data shows that a pressure-treated wood deck addition can recoup roughly 95% of its cost at resale on average, though results vary by market and by project.
Compare that to a traditional room addition, which often recovers far less of its cost at resale. By choosing a deck, you aren't just saving money upfront; you're putting your money into a feature that future buyers actually crave. People don't fall in love with extra drywall; they fall in love with a beautiful, shaded space to drink their morning coffee while looking out over the Tyler pines.
Why Wood Wins Every Time
At ABC Decking, we’ve doubled down on natural wood. Why? Because wood is the classic choice for a reason. It offers natural warmth, proven structural integrity, and a timeless look that fits East Texas homes beautifully.
Beyond the looks, wood is a smart choice for our Texas heat. Natural wood stays significantly cooler under the Bullard sun, making your "outdoor room" more comfortable and usable during the summer months.
The "One Job at a Time" Philosophy
If you’ve ever hired a contractor who showed up for two days and then disappeared for a week to "check on another site," you know how frustrating home improvement can be. We don't do that.
Undivided Attention. Aaron Baugh, the owner of ABC Decking, operates on a strict "one job at a time" policy. When we start your project, your home is our 100% focus until the final nail is driven. This isn't just a business strategy; it's a commitment to quality. Aaron Baugh personally designs every project and stays closely connected to each job by reviewing daily photo updates from the crew and checking in with the crew every day.
Meticulous Design. Aaron doesn't just manage the crew; he designs every project personally. With over 35 years of construction and building experience, he knows how to integrate a deck or porch so it looks like it was part of the original house, not just an afterthought.
Built to a Higher Standard
When we talk about Aaron’s 35+ years of experience, we aren’t just talking about how long he’s been in business. We’re talking about three decades of hands-on construction in some of the toughest environments in the country.
- Florida Hurricane Specs: He knows how to build for high-wind resistance.
- Oklahoma Tornado Specs: He understands structural reinforcement.
- Pennsylvania Snow Loads: He knows exactly how much weight a deck needs to support.
We bring that "over-engineered" mindset to every backyard in Bullard and Chandler. Your deck isn't just a platform; it’s a structure built to withstand whatever the East Texas weather throws at it.
The Anatomy of a Smart Deck: Easy-Climb Stairs
At ABC Decking, we pay attention to the parts of a deck you use every single day, not just the parts that look good in photos. One of the smartest examples is an easy-climb stair layout designed with a lower rise and deeper tread, which helps make your deck more comfortable and usable for just about everyone.
On a massive 3-deck project we recently finished in Bullard, that detail made a big difference. These stairs were built to feel natural underfoot, whether you’re carrying groceries, walking outside with the dog, or helping a family member who just needs a steadier, less awkward step up and down.
This is where Aaron Baugh’s 35+ years of hands-on construction experience really shows. He has built across Florida hurricane specs, Oklahoma tornado specs, and Pennsylvania snow loads, and he brings that same practical thinking to East Texas projects. Aaron Baugh personally designs every project and stays closely connected to each job by reviewing daily photo updates from the crew and checking in with the crew every day, all within our one-job-at-a-time approach.
If you’re planning a layout that needs to work as well as it looks, our Custom Deck Services page is a good place to start.
The Written Craftsmanship & Safety Warranty
We believe in our work so much that we’ve formalized Aaron’s decades of experience into a Written Craftsmanship & Safety Warranty. This isn't some vague verbal promise: we provide you with a physical copy for your records.
This warranty is a reflection of our commitment to high-quality construction. It includes a 3-year labor promise on the most critical safety areas of your build:
- Decking Boards: Ensuring the surface you walk on remains secure.
- Handrails: Making sure your family has a stable, reliable grip.
- Stairs: Protecting the most high-traffic and high-risk area of any deck.
Formalized from Aaron’s 35+ years of hands-on construction and building experience, and supported by his daily photo reviews and crew check-ins, this warranty gives you long-term peace of mind and a physical record of the standards behind your project.
Making the Selection Simple
We know home improvement decisions matter, so we keep the selection and bidding process straightforward. We specialize in high-quality, professional wood construction, and we focus on providing clear, standard recommendations that maximize your space and your budget. Whether you need a custom deck design, a wraparound porch, or safety-focused deck repairs, we provide a straightforward bidding process that respects your time and your wallet.
The Best of Both Worlds: The Hybrid Deck
Some projects earn the title of “best of both worlds,” and this Bullard 3-deck project absolutely does. The hybrid deck design gives you an open-air section for sunshine, fresh air, and that Saturday-evening drink after mowing the yard, plus a screened-in section where you can escape the bugs without retreating indoors.
In practical terms, it creates two distinct outdoor “rooms” for the price of one. You get one area that feels open and social, and another that feels protected and private, which is a smart way to stretch the value of your investment without making the design overly complicated.
It’s also the kind of layout Aaron is especially good at designing. With 35+ years of hands-on building experience, he knows how to make a deck or porch feel intentional from the start instead of patched together later. Aaron Baugh personally designs every project and stays closely connected to each job by reviewing daily photo updates from the crew and checking in with the crew every day. That’s a big part of our one-job-at-a-time philosophy: every detail gets full attention until the project is finished right.
If you like the idea of combining open outdoor space with protection from East Texas bugs, take a look at our Porch Enclosures page for more inspiration.
Ready to Add More Life to Your Home?
If you’re tired of feeling cramped but aren't ready to spend six figures on a room addition, let’s talk. A custom wood deck or porch from ABC Decking provides the square footage you need, the craftsmanship you deserve, and the ROI that makes sense.
With Aaron Baugh’s 35+ years of construction and building experience and our "one job at a time" guarantee, you can rest easy knowing your project is in capable hands in East Texas.
Contact ABC Decking today to schedule your design consultation and see how we can transform your outdoor space.