Preparing for Your Dream Deck

Decks can offer a variety of uses and leisure for a household and guests, especially during the warmer months of the year, giving people somewhere to comfortably enjoy the outdoors. There are many options available for deck building, including materials, whether or not it should be multilevel, shape design and addition features. It’s a good idea to evaluate what exactly you would like out of your deck before calling a professional.

Thankfully, in recent times, deck materials have been designed and treated in ways to make them sturdier and withstand harsher elements. After all, decks are outside year-round and often experience both extremes of temperature, depending on where it is located. Most commonly, decks are constructed out of wood, which is usually the cheapest option. Nowadays, wood used for deck building is pressure-treated, which helps strengthen the wood. Wood comes in many different shades and colors, depending on the species of tree it comes from. However, while costing more, synthetic lumber or stone can last far longer without becoming faded or damaged. Composite decks can be made of recycled material, making it an environmentally friendly option.

Depending on the area you have for your deck, a multileveled one may be beneficial or more appealing, giving more space or a more luxurious design. Keep in mind that extra posts and supports needed for separate levels can increase the costs, and consider whether or not you would like stairs or passageways connecting the separate levels.

Finally, keep in mind what extra features you would like. A grill for cookouts, a firepit for nighttime fires, a pool, furniture built into the deck, lighting designs and numerous other ideas are possible, but require specific planning. Discuss what you would like added on with your contractor to figure out what exactly should be done in preparation.

Once you have an idea of what to use your deck for and what designs options you’d like included, you’re ready to get started. Call an expert on deck building and begin planning out your dream deck.