Adding a deck to your home can increase its appeal and serve as an enjoyable feature that the whole family can use. Since this is the journey you’ve decided to embark upon, you probably know that there are many possibilities to consider before installing a deck. Not every option will complement your home and property, so you’ll have to determine which materials and styles will work better than others.
There’s a lot to know before a deck installation. Here’s everything you should consider before you build your new deck:
What Is the Deck For?
First off, you have to ask yourself what you’ll be using the deck for. Knowing the purpose of the deck will impact how it’s built and what different types of wood will be needed for its creation.
Personal Use
Is the deck going to be a place where you sit back, soak in the rays, read a book, and enjoy a cup of coffee? You’ll have to ensure that it’s built to be comfortable and in a spot where you’ll receive prime sunlight.
Entertainment
If the deck is going to be a place for having a large number of parties or get-togethers, you’ll want to ensure it’ll have ample space. A deck for entertainment means you’ll need room for tables/chairs and potentially a spot for a barbecue and/or patio set.
Gardening
Do you have a serious green thumb and plan on utilizing the deck for your plants? You should consider the amount of space you’ll need and the location. Most plants need a good amount of sunlight, so building it in a shaded area might be counterproductive. These are factors worth thinking about before the build.
Pool
If you’re planning to build the deck around a pool, you’ll want to think about the challenges involved. The material you use must be able to withstand water and pool chemicals, and you’ll require a drainage option to get rid of puddles. You’ll also need a lot of space for people who want to lie in the sun to dry off.
Where Will the Deck Go?
The location of your deck plays a pivotal role in the decking installation process. Where you want the deck can impact the price and practicality of the finished result.
Attached or Unattached
While most decks are connected to the house, yours doesn’t have to be. You could do a floating or freestanding deck away from your house, closer to a pool or fire pit. The choice is yours. However, determining whether you’d prefer it closer to the home or attached to the side/back of the house will affect your budget.
Sunlight
As we mentioned earlier, you should consider whether or not you want your deck to be in a spot that receives a lot of sun or shade. That means you’ll have to note where the sun shines and where it rises and sets relative to your property.
Size
Choosing the perfect size for your deck is a big factor in installing it. You don’t want to go too big or too small and overload it with chairs or tables. Take proper measurements of the area you’re planning to install it in and ensure you have enough land.
The Budget
Most homeowners will spend the average cost of constructing a deck, which is around $25 per square foot. Total costs can be anywhere from $4,400 to $10,500, depending on the size of the deck project. The total cost will include the price you pay for materials and the labour involved in installing the deck.
DIY vs. Contractor
Building the deck yourself will save you some money, but you need to recognize that it’s a complicated job. If you don’t have the experience or knowledge required to finish the project, you could run into problems. You might choose the wrong type of wood or make a serious mistake during the build that forces you to hire a contractor to fix it. That means you’ll have to spend even more money on top of what you’d already spent.
While you can certainly do a considerable amount of work on your own and hire a contractor for the harder tasks, it’s probably a safer bet to hire a contractor from the start. Experienced contractors will know how to deal with permits and building codes and avoid the potential of mistakes being made.
Materials
Wood is a popular deck option for many homeowners due to its affordable cost and availability. There are different materials that you could use in your desk installation, including the following:
- Hardwoods: Brazilian, Teak, and Ipe
- Weather Resistant: Cedar and Redwood
- Composite Decking: Recycled wood fibre or plastic
Winnipeg decks and fences specialists from STAR Building Materials recommend cedar as a cost-effective decking option that provides a neutral look for varied properties.
Maintenance
Some people don’t consider the task of maintenance when installing a deck. It’s a big job to take on, and you’ll need to ensure you’re properly maintaining your deck so that it lasts. You’ll require the proper cleaner for the deck material and clean up any spills or stains as soon as they happen. Remember, you want to enjoy the longevity of your investment, and you can do that by regularly maintaining your deck.
From the planning stages to the contracting phase, decking installation is a great project when done correctly. That’s why it’s integral that you know what you’re doing before the build begins. Familiarize yourself with the different deck styles, determine the purpose of the decking project, and hire the right contractors to get the job done effectively and efficiently.
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