Decks and You- Figuring Out What You Want

Deciding to add a deck to your house can offer you and your family a place to relax and enjoy time together outdoors. It is also an excellent place to socialize with friends and relatives who drop by for a visit. If you are handy at building things you may decide to build the structure yourself. However if you do not have the time, knowledge or inclination to do it yourself then you will need to hire a qualified deck builder or contractor. Once you can rest assured that your outdoor project will be built correctly you can then enjoy your dream deck to its fullest once it has been constructed!

Before hiring a contractor you may wish to hire a designer to create the design that is in line with what you want. However if you want to keep your costs as low as possible then you can forego a designer and can decide for yourself what you want the project to be and what elements it will need to include. It is also important for you to make up a budget for yourself so you will know exactly how much you can and cannot afford to spend.

Size also matters when it comes to decks. Come up with rough dimensions that will give you an idea of what can be accomplished. It will also provide the contractor you hire with a clear vision for the scope of the work that lies ahead. From there he can plan accordingly.

How many levels would you like to have? Would a single expanse be best or would you prefer multiple levels? Would you like to have two areas that are connected by a stairs or a passageway? Figure out if you would like the structure to conveniently lead down into your garden or your pool or whether this is even a consideration at all.

The material and finish are also significant decisions you have to make. Years ago pressure-treated wood was basically the only choice for an outdoor structure such as this but today contractors have many more options that they can work with in terms of both the appearance as well as the composition. Pressure-treated wood is still used quite often but synthetic decking has also gained in popularity. Decks made out of plastic are also increasingly popular. Another option is to blend polymer bonding agents with wood fibers.

Be as specific with your contractor as possible when you are explaining what you are looking for in the outdoor addition you wish to make for your home. Make a list of any features you want such as built-in seating or a fire pit and then be clear about what you desire. Railings are a must for the sake of the safety of everyone in your household. You need to decide whether you want the railings to be made of metal, composite or wood. Communicate this pertinent information to the builder before the work gets underway. The more precise you can be about the design and layout of the structure the simpler a job you will make for the contractor who provides the service.