What to consider before building a deck?

 Families want to spend time together at home this summer, which could mean building or expanding an outdoor living space. With decks and porches, you can enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and all that summer has to offer without ever leaving your home.

Before you start building a deck in Canberra, you should think about the following four things:

1. Finalise your budget

Having an idea of how much you can spend on your deck is the first step in building it. You can dream big, but to make your dreams come true, you need money. Once you know how much you can spend, look up the prices of some builds to get an idea of how much things cost. Some deck builders even have a gallery with pictures and prices for different projects so you can get a good idea of how much it will cost.

2. Choose the builder

The next step is to choose a builder for your project. You might already know who you want to build your house, but if you don't, it's not hard to find out. Check out the websites and social media pages of potential builders and read as many reviews as you can. Do you know someone who has a beautiful deck? Ask for someone to recommend you! You can also join a neighbourhood Facebook group or other social media group to find out about builders from people in your area who have used them.

You should always choose a builder who has done work like the kind you want before. This friend-of-a-friend might offer you a great deal, but reputable contractors can tell you lots of stories about people who chose the cheapest bid and ended up with a poorly built, unsafe deck. If you want a well-built deck, you should look for someone who takes pride in their work, whether it's a simple single-level space or a multi-level masterpiece with all the bells and whistles.

3. Finalise layout and design

Once you've chosen a builder, he or she will help you plan the house. Many builders will use computer drawings to show you exactly what your new deck will look like. Things to think about: How do you use your deck? Will you need a place with a roof? Can you fit a table? A place set aside for the grill? Will you want to add to or change the deck at some point? How are you going to get to the deck? Do you want stairs to go from the deck to the yard? Where are the steps going to be? Will a safety gate be needed at the top or bottom of the stairs?

If you think about all of this ahead of time and tell your builder, they can help you make a deck space that works well and that you love.

4. Look for the products

Your builder will be a great resource for helping you decide what kind of decking and railing to use on your deck and in what style. They know how much each type costs and how much work

goes into making it. You can use pressure-treated wood, capped composite boards, or capped PVC boards as decking. Railings can be made of wood, vinyl, aluminium, or other metals or materials that look like wood.

You should find a good balance between what your budget needs and what you want out of life. Homeowners who are too busy to clean, sand, or paint often choose composite boards and pair them with a vinyl or aluminium railing that doesn't need much upkeep. Some people like the way treated wood looks and how much it costs. Your contractor can give you samples of different materials that you can see and even touch to get a better idea of how well they do their work. For example, a railing that looks nice in a picture might be weak in real life. You can also go to outdoor living centres or places that sell building materials to see the items in person. No matter what you choose, make sure it's something you like and that has a style that will last for a long time. Materials used in building today are made to last.

Final saying

When starting a big project like this, there are a lot of things to think about, but in the end, it's worth it. With some planning and the help of a good contractor, you are well on your way to having a beautiful deck that you and the people you love can use for years. For more information about decks in Canberra, contact us.

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