4 Tips for Building a Better Deck
4 Tips for Building a Better Deck
Adding a deck to your property is exciting. You're likely already imagining afternoons grilling, sunbathing, and socializing with friends and families. But not all decks are built the same, and it's important to keep the following tips in mind when planning yours.
Material matters. Talk to a professional about what material would be best for your area and the positioning of your deck. Wood is gorgeous, but if you live in a rainy area and your deck will be uncovered, you may be begging for rot. Other options include composite materials, which often come with 25-year warranties.
Shop around for bids. Don't go with the first contractor to offer a bid, even if the bid is reasonable. It’s always smart to get more than one bid, so you can get a good feel of what the project is worth and chat with a handful of different competent professionals who can offer insight and ideas.
Permit. Sure, it may seem easier and cheaper to skip the permitting process, especially if you live in a remote area; however, acquiring a permit not only makes your deck more valuable when it comes time to sell, but also the professional whose job it is to review your building plan may have some insights on best practices and code requirements, and is usually happy to share their expertise.
Location, location. If you're lucky enough to have multiple places your deck could go, then consider important environmental factors like what area gets the most sun, the direction of the wind, and so forth, when choosing the placement of your deck. This will not only help your deck last longer, but can allow you to dodge some unexpected surprises--like sideways rain all spring that renders your covered deck almost unusable.
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Thom Lemon
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