Questions to ask before building a deck

Sometimes creating an outdoor living space for your home can make a difference between living in and enjoying your home. Many homeowners want to spend the perfect staycation with family and friends right outside their back door. Installing a deck is a great way to relax or even celebrate outdoors. Before you search online for decking designs and contact a contractor, there are some important questions you need to ask yourself.

1. What is my budget?
2. What kind of weather does my area get?
3. What will be the deck’s purpose?
4. What are my town’s building codes?
5. Who are trusted contractors I can hire?

You need to first, lay out a budget, second, consider the weather for your region, third, think of your personal style and how you want to use the space. Local building codes or terrain can also affect your decking materials and style.

If you plan to hire a decking contractor, it is important to find out whether they are experienced, insured and if they offer warranties for the deck. The perfect contractor will be able to answer all your questions regarding materials, styles and maintenance.

The most affordable decking option is installing a traditional Wood Deck in pressure treated wood, cedar, redwood or tropical hardwood. This type of deck goes well with any home’s architecture. Pressure treated wood decking is low maintenance, rot resistant and typically lasts 30 to 50 years.

Composite decking is a great, but often pricey, alternative to wood decking. It’s low maintenance, resistant to insects, warping and splintering. Composite decking lasts longer than wood and comes in a variety of colors and finishes, many of which are made to look like hardwoods.

Pool areas go perfectly with PVC and Vinyl Decking. These materials do not rot or mold, and are low maintenance.

Outdoor accessories, seating and appliances are also necessary elements to complete your deck. If you live in an area that gets chilly during the fall and/or winter, the perfect outdoor living area requires a fire pit or fireplace. They’re essential for roasting marshmallows with the kids and are great to keep warm during the fall and winter seasons. You can add greenery to your deck for a peaceful environment and optimal meditation. Try planting some Bamboo along your fence or fill some planters with Flowering Dogwood, which are native to New Jersey. If you want to relax outdoors on sunny days, place lounge chairs and umbrellas onto your deck.

Carl’s has decades of experience and can construct any type of deck that you can imagine for your home and family! We offer a workmanship warranty for your new deck. Contact us today to have us transform your backyard into the perfect outdoor living space.