Extensive Frequently Asked Questions List
#1 - Billing & Payment FAQ's
Graber Outdoors primarily uses Quickbooks to send out invoices.
Graber Outdoors does accept ACH (that is our preferred method of payment). We also accept checks, cash, debit cards and all major credit cards.
Yes. When paying with a credit card there is an additional 3% fee that we add to cover the transaction fee that we are charged.
#2 - Products & Services FAQ's
Graber Outdoors uses Trex exclusively for most of our projects because we firmly stand behind the warranties offered as well as the quality of material that Trex presents. Having been founded in 1991, Trex is the longest standing outdoor living space manufacturer in the country.
Graber Outdoor proudly specializes in building Trex decks. Along with that, we also focus on porch, patios, 3 and 4 season rooms, pergolas and deck/patio roofs.
Yes! Graber Outdoors primarily chooses to work with Trex on projects; however, if preferred by the customer, Graber Outdoors does offer the option of building with treated lumber.
Graber Outdoors will do concrete work IF it is in conjunction with building a deck, porch, patio, 3 or 4 season rooms, pergola or deck/patio roof. However, Graber Outdoors does NOT SOLELY specialize in concrete work.
Graber Outdoors does not do any hardscaping in house. However, if there is hardscaping required for an outdoor living space, Graber Outdoors will work alongside hardscapers to deliver your dream outdoor living space!
Yes. Occasionally, depending on the project, Graber Outdoors does use other decking materials, however Trex materials are required to receive your Trex Pro Platinum 10 Year Labor Warranty.
Yes! Graber Outdoors primary focus is Trex decks however, wood decks are an option if that is the customers desire. Graber Outdoors does recommend using Trex decks as it is financially the best option for a long lasting, durable deck.
Graber Outdoors does consider deck repairs. However, to ensure the quality and efficiency of their services, smaller jobs are not feasible for their team's time and resources and do require a $5,000.00 minimum. Deck repairs can include new stairs, new posts, new footings.
Yes! Graber Outdoors does remodels which can include but not limited to new stairs, new posts, new footings, new railings etc .
Graber Outdoors does build a large amount of 3 and 4 season rooms. The options for those projects are endless! Whether you want an attached deck, steps or screen you are able to personalize the choices to your desire! Full finish on interior 3 or 4 season rooms is an option and Graber Outdoors works closely with a company called Temu when completing these projects.
Yes! The salesmen for Graber Outdoors are NADRA certified and highly knowledgeable about the construction industry.
Yes. Sometimes the pergola project is in conjunction with a deck project, however you do have the option of solely choosing a pergola!
We do work with our partners on outdoor kitchens as part of a larger outdoor living space project. Many times this includes gas, electricity and numerous other factors that will be involved.
Yes. Graber Outdoors does build numerous hot tub decks. There is no current code requirement for a hot tub sitting on a deck. All plans will be passed with the approval of an engineer.
#3 - Company Background FAQ's
Graber Outdoors was founded in 2015 in the small town of Jamesport, Missouri and has grown to be the Premier Trex Decking experts in the Midwest. Previously, before founding Graber Outdoors, owner John Graber had worked in the construction industry as well as the lawn and landscaping industry for several years.
John Graber founded Graber Outdoors in 2015 with a passion for outdoor living spaces that specifically shape family lifestyles and bring joy to peoples homes. It has now turned into the largest Trex Deck Installer in the Midwest and has surpassed John's dreams. Graber Outdoors to date has built several thousand decks in just the last 10 years!
Yes. Graber Outdoors has locations in St. Louis, Kansas City, Wichita, Columbia, Lake of the Ozarks, Versailles, Jamesport, MO. Each location is manned by local sales staff and installers and assisted by the main location of Jamesport for design and budget help.
Graber Outdoors does not use sub contractors for their deck projects. The deck builders are in house crew members that have a passion for construction and spend everyday building and working hard to help make the customers dreams come true! Sub contractors are used in conjunction with concrete work, electrical work, plumbing needs, etc.
The crew members are local to YOUR area! They are individuals who were personally hired on by John Graber the owner. The crews usually make up 3 to 4 guys who are experienced, motivated and ready to conquer whatever is thrown their way! They have a passion for this line of work and they work hard to guarantee the quality and efficiency of work that you deserve. They work 5 days a week 12 months out of the year to make sure that your needs are met and that you receive dependable, charismatic deck builders who will be there whenever you have a need.
Graber Outdoors takes pride in being a company that offers several warranty options, exceptional service and an overall great customer experience! They pride themselves in astounding communication, truly understanding your dreams and desires as well as executing great quality work that’s going to last for years to come. Graber Outdoors understands that they are not perfect and that there is always room for improvement however they will work hard to earn your trust and present you with a great experience!
Graber Outdoors offers an in house 10 year labor warranty on all work do by Graber Outdoors. Also, as a Trex Pro Platinum you get up to a 12 year labor warranty from Trex directly on your Trex deck. Material warranties are offered by manufacturers based on brand as well as grade. It’s always a good idea to educate yourself on what materials you’re using and what warranties are offered with them.
Trex offers a different variety of labor warranties starting with the Gold all the way up the Platinum having the top of the line labor warranties. Most of their products have a 25 year fade and stain warranty going on the way up to a 50 year fade and stain warranty. There are a select few of the steel railings having a 15 year warranty for fade and stain.
There is Gold, Silver and Platinum status’ for a Trex Pro. Each status is based on the level of certification and the amount of Trex installed by that specific builder. Trex Pro Platinum is the highest status you can reach and takes years to accomplish!
No, though quite a few of Graber Outdoor employees come from that background or similar backgrounds and are quite proud of their cultural roots- Graber Outdoors has no current affiliation with the Amish/Mennonite communities.
#4 - Materials & Project Requirements FAQ's
Graber Outdoors primarily uses Trex decking materials for their outdoor living spaces however if a customer desires treated lumber or Owens Corning composite materials is also used. Many of their roofing materials are either asphalt or metal and concrete is used for most of their patio projects.
Due to a 3-4 man crew and the amount of overhead Graber Outdoors has there is a minimum of $5,000.00 on all projects including anything from a pergola to a multi-tiered deck.
Yes! Graber Outdoors is licensed in every municipality that they work in. They have a Class A Contractors license that is accredited by the National Builders Association. The also have City licenses in every town that they do business in.
Graber Outdoors has a large liability policy along with an insurance umbrella. They also have valid insurance on all vehicles/trailers. They want to always ensure that you, as the homeowner, are never liable for any reason while doing business with them!
Yes! Graber Outdoors is a local company with the main headquarters located in the small town of Jamesport, Missouri. It is important to note that each location is run by salesmen/installers that live and work within 45 mins to an hour of your project.
Yes! Graber Outdoors is a local company with the main headquarters located in the small town of Jamesport, Missouri. It is important to note that each location is run by salesmen/installers that live and work within 45 mins to an hour of your project.
Yes! Graber Outdoors would prefer that they pull the permit. Many times when the homeowners request to pull the permits it requires excessive communication and causes more work than necessary.
#5 - Construction Process & Timeline FAQ's
When you approve your proposal with Graber Outdoors they will provide you with a start date and an approximate project build time. The start date can and may be affected by weather and other unforeseeable circumstances. However, all adjustments will be clearly communicated to you via email and phone calls in a timely manner.
Once your project starts Graber Outdoors will stay on your project until it is completely to your satisfaction. Typically, an average size deck takes approximately 5 days with a large deck taking 20 to 30 days depending on the size and plans of your deck.
Graber Outdoors will tear down an old deck if there is a remodel/rebuild involved. They do not SOLELY specialize in tear downs. They will tear out and remove all old material as needed and pile it in a dumpster or in a location of your choice. If you wish to do your own tear out (in order to save some money) that will need to be discussed beforehand with your sales representative.
Graber Outdoors prefers that all projects have a porta pot on-site throughout the remaining construction time because it allows their crew members to stay on-site and saves them the time it would take to drive to a different location. Additionally, it saves money and provides efficiency.
All Graber Outdoors salesmen are NADRA certified deck inspectors. Though if you wish to have a specific deck inspection done please reach out to a qualified local professional.
All extra materials are the property of Graber Outdoors unless otherwise decided on beforehand. Many times during a project Graber Outdoors is required to go buy extra material which is not passed on to the homeowners. As a lump some price Graber Outdoors prides themselves on consistently bringing projects in on budget.
Yes! Graber Outdoors takes a lot of pride in being punctual and motivated in all situations whether it’s the salesman showing up on time for your free estimate or the crew showing up when they say they will at the start of your project. Graber Outdoors values your business and your time and they strive to make sure the customer and homeowners feel this way as well.
Scheduling is the primary deciding factor. Many times scheduling can move rapidly during the busy season and over the course of several days it has the ability to move a considerable amount of time. It is very important to approve your proposal as soon as possible so that way Graber Outdoors can move forward with getting you on their schedule! When a start date has been given to you (even 3-6 mo in advance) that start date will be maintained unless otherwise communicated with the customer.
At the end of every work day; Graber Outdoors strives to have a clean and safe work site.
#6 - On-Site Work Environment FAQ's
Graber Outdoors strives to maintain professionalism and does NOT allow smoking on any jobsite, however vaping is allowed.
Graber Outdoors does not allow loud jobsite radios on site. Employees are allowed personal earbuds, if they wish.
Most teams are on site anywhere from 7 to 7:30 each morning unless there is excessive heat in which they will ask the customer/homeowner if they can start earlier to beat the heat. Many times there are municipal codes or HOA rules that have to be followed and Graber Outdoors will abide by all stipulations.
After the sales process, the salesman will hand off the line of communication to the production team, however please understand that the salesman will also be available for further questions or concerns. Each project will have an assigned project manager that will answer all questions or concerns. Each crew will also have a crew leader that will be in charge of the on site project. Please feel free to communicate with the project manager assigned to your project or the crew leader in charge of on site construction. Office staff are very knowledgeable as well and are always available via phone or email.
#7 - Design & Engineering FAQ's
All Graber Outdoors decks are reviewed and approved by an engineer. Those stamped by an engineer will require extra fees. Graber Outdoors strives to build by codes and provide efficiency and quality that you deserve!
Yes! Graber Outdoors has access to an engineer that is ready to stamp plans in order to pull permits, if needed!
Graber Outdoors does work with architects on a semi regular basis whether that’s a landscape architect or a pool designer.
