Getting Ready To Build Your Deck

A deck is a wonderful addition to any home, and outdoor spaces like decks are great places to unwind, and they're easy to decorate and customize.

Before you begin the process of building a custom deck, however, you should have a general idea of what you want in mind. It's OK for that vision to change somewhat as you consult your prospective deck builder, but having a general plan ready to go will help you better make decisions about what you want when it comes time to make them. Here's what you should be thinking about when you start asking around for estimates.

Size

It's an obvious factor, but one worth mentioning. You should have a rough idea of the square footage you're thinking of. Large decks can be great if you want a big gathering space or lots of additional features. However, the obvious downside is the higher the square footage, the higher the cost. Plus, large decks can make smaller lots feel crowded!

Shape

You don't have to just have a standard rectangular deck if that's your vision. Maybe you want a deck that's more curved or rounded, or you have a uniquely-shaped lot and you want a specific deck shape that better fits it. The beauty of custom decks is that your design possibilities are nearly limitless. Let your deck builder know the ideal shape you have in mind and they'll be able to plan it out!

Material Type

What material you pick for the job matters. There are a lot of decking materials out there, such as aluminum, plastic, pressure-treated pine, exotic hardwoods, and high-performance composite board, to name a few.

Your deck type matters in numerous ways. First off, the look and feel of your deck are dependent on its materials. Some materials, like exotic hardwoods and high-performance composites, have lower maintenance requirements, while others like pressure-treated pine need more active upkeep. And as always, price is a factor too.

There's a lot to consider here, but we suggest having a deck type in mind based on the desired look, feel, and maintenance requirements of your desired deck. Your deck builder can help you nail down the right material based on price and other factors later on.

Additional Features

Most likely, you don't plan on leaving your deck naked. We recommend people start thinking about what they want on their decks before they even start asking for quotes.

Do you plan on adding lighting features? Are you good with stairs alone, or will you be adding a ramp for better accessibility? What do you want your shading and patio furniture to look like, and where will it go? If it's a big project, maybe you even need extra space for large features like a hot tub or outdoor kitchen.

Knowing how you want your end result to look and where everything will go will better help you formalize a design. That way, when you start getting quotes and consultations, you'll know what you want to prioritize.

Once you've got the basics in mind, we'd be honored if you came to us for an estimate. Decks By Chris takes pride in building the best custom decks for Vernon homes, and you can easily request your free quote by calling 973-750-4117. We hope to be the ones to bring your deck dreams to life!