Decks are the perfect outdoor living space. They are attractive, highly customizable, and ideal for all sorts of gatherings and events, from semi-formal at-home weddings to incredibly casual barbeques. If you live in the Carolinas and don’t have a deck on your home, you’ve been missing out. With the great weather the region experiences for much of the year, decks can be used frequently. In the rest of this guide, you’ll discover a few of the things you should consider in order to be fully prepared to have a deck built on your property.
Consider your wants and needs carefully
With all the deck inspiration available online and in home decor magazines, it can be easy to get caught up in the idea of having a huge deck with every imaginable amenity. You must, however, take some time to think about your needs and wants seriously or your project could quickly become too expensive to actually pay for.
Evaluate, for example, how you will actually use the space. If you’re likely to continue cooking in your home’s kitchen and carry food outside, there is really no need for you to spend thousands of dollars on an outdoor kitchen. Or, if you only plan to have a few people over at any given time, you don’t need benches to seat dozens of individuals all the way around the perimeter of your new deck.
Determine where the deck should be
Some homeowners are extremely limited in regard to where their decks can be placed, while others can have it extend from several different sides of their homes. If you fall into the latter category, it is important for you to spend some time thinking about where the best location actually is. You may want to consult your contractor about this, as he or she may have thoughts you don’t, such as where the sunlight will hit for most of the day and where trees could eventually cause structural problems if their roots extend under the deck supports.
Decide how big of a deck you desire
Choosing a size for your new deck is critical, as it will impact nearly every aspect of the construction project, including how much money you ultimately have to spend. If you have a small yard, you might want to consider a smaller deck, so it doesn’t take up the entire space. If, however, you have plenty of room, you can go as large as your budget allows. Some families who frequently entertain even choose to have double- and triple-decker decks constructed.
Pick a type of decking
In decades past, if you were adding a deck onto your home, treated lumber was nearly the only material available to you. Today, though, this is no longer the case. There are numerous types of decking, all of which have their own benefits. Composite deck boards, for instance, come in a wide range of colors, including blue and red, which traditional wooden decking does not and tropical hardwoods, such as ipe, are rated to last for well over fifty years, which means you will probably never have to rebuild your deck. It is worth noting that both of these options are more expensive than treated lumber, so your budget will play a role.
If this guide has lit a fire under you to get your new deck built soon, now is the perfect time to start looking for a local Carolina contractor who specializes in decks. Make sure you select a reputable professional whose work is respected in your area. One of the best ways to find a quality team to construct your deck is to get recommendations from family and friends.