Are you the kind of person who likes to spend all their summer hours outside with friends and family? If so, you may want to consider the benefits of deck installation. When you work with an experienced building products supplier, you will be able to explore for your home. However, in order to make an informed decision, you’ll need to do some preliminary research.
Here are the 7 things you should do before installing a deck.
1. Consider All Materials
Many homeowners are surprised to find that there are more decking materials than just wood. For example, composite home decking is a material that imitates the look of wood without all the maintenance wood decking requires.
Take your time to explore all your options. A reputable decking and railing supplier, like Eikenhout, can point out materials that would be a good fit for your home’s exterior design.
2. Check Local Building Codes
Before making a new addition to your home, you will need to check your local building codes. Following the building codes for your area will ensure that your deck is structurally sound and safe to use. Your decking installation contractor should obtain the necessary permits before .
In order to find the building codes for your area, contact your local government or stop by city hall. A city official will be able to help you find the information you need.
3. Thoughtfully Design Your Deck
To add the most value to your home, you’ll want to design your deck so it looks like it was built at the same time as your house. This means making sure your backyard deck is in proportion to your house.
Many homeowners make the mistake of designing a deck that is too big for its respective house or yard. The unbalanced proportions can make the deck seem like an awkward addition to your home. Using deck materials that complement your home’s exterior design can help make your new deck a worthy investment.
4. Use Quality Decking Materials
According to HomeAdvisor.com, the average is $6,991. Since is an investment in your home, it only makes sense that you would use high-quality materials. A reputable home decking supplier will offer a wide variety of decking materials so you can make the best choice for your budget and design preferences.
5. Learn About Required Deck Maintenance
If you decide to , you will need to apply a new finish every couple of years. Be sure to consult with the manufacturer’s recommendations for how often you should refinish your deck and which stains and seals are okay to use. Keep in mind that you don’t have to go with wood decking to achieve the same aesthetic. Composite decking products only require you rinse it off with a garden hose twice a year.
6. Evaluate Your Foundation
It’s not enough to build a sturdy deck—the foundation needs to be sturdy too. If you build your deck on shifting or uneven ground, it won’t be structurally sound. You’ll need to make sure your footings are set in concrete below the frost line, which will vary depending on your location. Check to make sure you don’t need to drill through unexpected rock layers in order to get there.
It’s also crucial to use a level during the construction of your deck to make sure the base is perfectly straight, especially where it attaches to your home. A slight tilt at the start of your deck building process will result in an uneven deck.
7. Choose Your Fasteners
Using nails or screws to hold your deck together will have an effect on its appearance. There are also ways to hide the nails or screws so they don’t show at all. There’s no wrong choice, but it’s important to know what you want your deck to look like before you get started on building.
Call Eikenhout Today!
If you are interested in looking through our generous inventory of decking materials, please feel free to call any of our nine Michigan locations. Eikenhout is an that prides itself on helping contractors and homeowners achieve the perfect deck.
This blog post has been updated.
