Top 4 Considerations For Your Home's New Deck
Thinking about adding a deck to your property? Go for it! Not only does a deck offer excellent outdoor entertainment space, but a deck project can add to the value of your home as well. Before you really get going on your deck building project, however, there are a few considerations you'll want to keep in mind. Even if you plan on hiring a professional to design and build your deck rather than DIYing it, having thought about these important factors will help your project go more smoothly.
Material
One of the most important decisions you'll need to make is choosing a material for your deck. Even if you're set on a wood deck, there are many different types of wood to choose from. Pressure-treated lumber tends to be the least expensive option; it can be stained or painted to achieve your desired look, but it will require the most maintenance over time. More durable natural wood options include cedar and redwood, which are slightly more expensive.
If you want a maintenance-free deck, consider composite decking material. This is designed to look like wood, but without the need for regular sanding and re-staining or sealing.
Location
Where on your property do you want to build your deck? In most cases, it will be best to build your deck directly off of your home. This way, your deck can become a natural extension of your indoor living space. However, some homeowners may prefer a standalone deck on their property. Take some time to consider the best location for your deck, keeping in mind traffic and noise, access to sun/shade, and other factors that are important to you.
Features
There are so many fun feature options to consider when building a deck. Which will be worth the added cost to you? Built-in lighting, bench seating, and even child-proof gates are all popular feature options for residential decks.
Coding/Permits
Most decks will require you to obtain some sort of permit from your city or municipality zoning/coding office. If you're DIYing your deck, be sure to look into this before you finalize your design. If you're hiring someone, make sure they'll take care of obtaining any necessary permits as part of your project estimate.
A little planning and consideration go a long way when designing your new deck. Be sure to keep these important factors in mind as you start thinking about what your dream deck will look like. Contact a company that offers custom decking services near you to learn more about your options.