Planning for a deck project

It’s that time of year when the weather starts to get enjoyable and we want to maximize our time outside. Decks are a great way to add outdoor space to any home. In celebration of spring, I bring to you some things to consider when you are thinking about adding a deck or refinishing an existing one.

It is worth noting that codes have changed a lot over the last years in an effort to bring decks to a higher standard of safety. Changes include things like installing waterproof deck tape on top of joist and decking brackets to support the framing and railing of the deck. So be cognizant of these codes when planning for and thinking about your deck.

When first planning your project it is aways good to have a budget in mind. There are a lot of decking materials to pick from, such as treated lumber on the cheaper end or composite decking on the more pricier side. While treated wood has chemicals to make the wood last longer over time, it will need to be stained with a deck stain. Depending on the type of stain you will need to redo it every 3-5 years. So over time the costs do add up. Composite decking on the other hand, can be three times as expensive as treated lumber but the great thing is that once it is installed it is very low maintenance and looks great for years.

If you are building a new deck you will want to start with a design drawing that includes framing details. Some local lumber yard companies can help with designing a plan. You can also look online and find plans that you can buy pre-made.

Any deck that has more than two steps should have a railing. Just like the decking, there are many materials and price points to pick from. Options include treated lumber, cedar, PVC, composite and metal railings. Price points are similar to decking materials, with treated lumber on the cheaper end to metal on the pricer side.

Knowing what you want and what will fit in your budget is a critical first step in the conversation. When you are ready to move forward on your deck project your knowledgeable contractor can help guide you through the planning process.

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