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Month: August 2022

Categories
Decks

Things to Consider When Building a Deck

Let’s be honest, it hasn’t been the best year, let alone the best summer for spending time out back, inviting friends over, and hanging out on that deck you’ve been dreaming about. Maybe building a deck hasn’t been the first thing on your mind. But it’s about time you got back to thinking about how you’re gonna finish that project you’ve been dreaming about. It’s time to plan ahead and make the most out of next year’s hot months. It’s time to build a deck (or at least start planning).

So break out the toolbox, consult with your partner, and get started on your new deck. Or if the YouTube tutorials are too much, we always recommend reaching out to hire your favourite Mississauga deck builders (pssst, it’s us).

Here are a couple of tips and things to consider before you get started on construction. Remember, planning is half the battle.

#1 – What’s the Deck Going to be Used For?

It’s easy to jump headfirst into a project without considering what it’s actually going to be used for. Every project you undertake should always have a utility at the end of the day, and that’s no different in deck building. Mississauga or any other suburban area has always been great for families looking to have their own space and to get a chance to relax.

If you want a deck perfect for relaxing, design it with space for things like a hammock or garden sofas in mind. If grilling is your passion, plan for adequate grilling space. Invest in stone or brick walls for fire safety. Transform your space into a top-of-the-line outdoor kitchen with a pizza stove. Make sure you know what you want and plan with that purpose in mind.

#2 – Features

This is the part of deck building that you daydream about the most. Sure, it’s important to think about what materials you’re going to be using, or the size of your masterpiece, but what we’re really picturing is firing up the grill, or where that fire pit should go, or if we’re really gonna get bold and install a bar for those extra spicy nights outback.

Make sure to understand the amount of space you’re working with when thinking about what extra features you want on your deck. After all, you don’t want to be crowded while you’re manning the grill. With so many options at your disposal, it can be easy to get overwhelmed.

#3 – Let Your Space Shine

Cedar rooftop deck, with waterproof built-in bench storage - Mississauga Decks and Trim

The best thing about deck building in Mississauga is just how much space you have to work with. With space comes the freedom to let your imagination run wild, so have fun with it. But you can still build a great deck without a massive backyard. With careful planning and maybe a hint of consultation from some of the best deck builders Mississauga has to offer, you can make the most out of the space you’re working with. Relaxing on your deck is best when you don’t feel cramped, so let your deck breathe, and let your space shine. Sometimes less is more (especially when thinking about add-ons and extra features).  Consider things like built-ins as a way to maximize space on smaller decks.

Your greatest foe when it comes to building a deck won’t be your own will to get at it, nor will it be the envious neighbours. Your greatest foe is Mother Nature, and you need to make sure you accommodate her. She can be the best and the worst dinner guest. Mississauga deck builders know this better than anyone else and should consider how nature will affect the shape, size, and type of deck being built.

In cold weather, regular wood will expand and contract, warping your deck.

If you don’t mind straying away from wood for your deck, look into composite decking materials. It is the more affordable option in the low-maintenance product line with lots of choices when it comes to pricing and esthetic options.

If you want the best cold and rainy weather protection out there, check out PVC for your deck. It is a premium product that is great around high moisture areas such as pools and hot tubs.

#5 – Shading

Speaking of shading – look, the sun is nice and all, but sometimes shade is key. Shade is ESSENTIAL to any great deck. When planning out how your deck is gonna look, make sure that when needed, you can retreat to an umbrella or gazebo to escape the sun and enjoy the cool vibes.

Investing in a little cover from the elements goes a long way in making sure that you and everyone at the barbecue are cool as cucumbers.

#6 – Compliment your home

Fiberon deck with spigot glass railings - Mississauga Decks and Trim

A deck is an add-on to your home, so make sure that it all fits together. You don’t want your deck to stick out like a sore thumb. The colour or stain on the wood should match or complement the brick of your home. A grey PVC deck with a light-coloured brick home just doesn’t go together.

You should also take into account the style of your home and what style deck would suit it best. If your home is a Greek revival, rocking a contemporary deck feels out of place

You also don’t want your deck size to be too big in comparison to your home. Sometimes a smaller deck works best depending on the size of your home.

 

#7 – Check your local building codes!

If you haven’t read up on the construction by-laws in your area, that should be one of the first steps you take. Building without a permit can be extremely costly, and if you need one for your project, getting your hands on one isn’t a hard process, and should never be neglected. Deck builders in Mississauga or anywhere else should never neglect the laws that are enforced where they live.

Though the summer is on its last legs, it’s important to plan for the future. Building a deck is no quick and easy process, especially with the sheer number of factors that SHOULD be considered when undertaking such a big build. But a good, and smartly built deck can bring a house together and make it feel like a home, no matter the season.

Times like these are what we’ve been ceaselessly dreaming about since the world shut down. As the world starts to return to a degree to normalcy, it’s time to get that deck ready, that grill fired up, and those throw pillows on your garden sofa nice and fluffed. But first, take all the steps necessary to plan out how your deck will take shape, and turn those dreams into a reality.

Categories
Decks

Is It Time to Replace Your Deck?

Let’s get straight to the point, your deck isn’t what it once was. It’s getting old, rickety, and discolored. There are cracks in the wood, or maybe your railings are starting to come a little loose. No deck lasts forever. The weather is bound to take its toll when push comes to shove. Maybe it’s time you freshen things up. 

Deck replacement can be quite a process. Even if the only aesthetic change is to the type of material you’ve chosen to roll with this time around, new deck installation isn’t easy. Here are some signs to look out for when considering replacing your deck, and some tips on the best ways to get a new deck installation done. 

1. Wood rot and degradation

Wood rot and degradation

Wood rot on your deck isn’t too hard to spot, but it can be one of the most detrimental factors when it comes to the condition of your deck. Wood rot originates from microbes eating up the fibers in wood that provide its rigidity. These microbes spread quickly, and the wood rot will come along with it. If you don’t spot it quickly, it can rapidly eat away at your deck. Once it spreads, chances are you’re going to need an entirely new deck installation.

To spot wood rot, check for darker patches, soft and spongy wood, or cracked wood that crumbles when dry. There are plenty of other signs, so make sure to cover all your bases. Of course, if you’ve got a PVC or composite deck, you don’t need to worry about it. Consider replacing your wood deck with a Pvc/composite deck, or other low-maintenance material.

2. Loose railings

Though having loose railings might not always mean that you need to entirely replace your deck, it can coincide with other problems that you should be on the lookout for. For one, safety is always key, so making sure all those loose parts are tightened up is important. 

But loose railings can also be a sign of poor handiwork or over-exposure to harsh weather conditions, wearing away at the base of your railing. Either way, depending on the scale of the problem, a full-on deck replacement might be in order. Loose railings can be the difference between a 20$ and a 2000$ fix, make sure to inspect them properly. 

3. Bad Post Conditions

If your posts are made of wood, check them for wood rot the same way you would with the deck boards on your deck. Your posts are what hold up the majority of the weight of your deck, and provide structural integrity. If they’re soft or decaying, the stability of your deck could be on its last legs and are a safety hazard for you and your family. Issues with posts can often lead to a completely new deck installation or replacement. 

Bad Post Conditions

If it’s to the point where the posts look like they’re rotting away, it’s recommended that you replace the deck right away, and refrain from using the deck until a deck builder comes in to replace it. 

But if the issue is less serious, like water pooling around the base of the post, speak to a deck builder about how you can divert water away from the base. 

4. Rust 

Another effect the weather can have on your deck is in the way that it can rust whatever metal parts you may have used. From nails and screws to larger fixtures beneath your deck, replacing or repairing any rusted fittings will increase the longevity of your deck. It’s especially important to check up on any rust if your deck is older, around 15-20 years old. 

5. Pulling away from home

Pulling away from home

One of the more obvious indicators of necessary repair to a deck is on its ledger board. The ledger board is the part that connects your deck to your home. The deck may start to become unattached from your house, in which case a big repair may be in order. Many environmental factors can play a role in the separation of the ledger board from your home, so if you live in a region with heavy snowfall, keep an eye on it. 

6. How old is your deck?

The older your deck, the more likely it is that all the prior issues may occur. Wear and degradation happen over time. A general rule of thumb for when you should get your deck professionally inspected is that it should be looked at after about 5-6  years. If you’re in a colder climate, one with more intense weather (either intense heat or intense cold), checking it more frequently is recommended. 

Mississauga decks and trim offer a 10-year workmanship warranty on all their decks, so you can be safe in the knowledge that your structure is safe and sound.

Things to consider when replacing your deck

Though it’s more costly, PVC or composite decks will tend to last longer than natural wood decks. Water, bugs, and other external issues won’t be a factor with that sort of material. Mississauga Decks and Trim offer low-maintenance materials that come with manufacturer warranties ranging from 25 years to a lifetime.

If you still want a wood deck, consider heat-treated Ash, or exotic hardwoods like  Ipe, Garapa, and Cumara among others. Ipe especially is known for its durability and can last over 75 years without rot.

Should you replace or just resource your deck? Hiring a deck builder to give you expert consultation on the scope of the repairs necessary can save you money and time. 

Make sure to ask your deck builder what steps you should take towards the maintenance of your deck, regardless of whether it’s a composite deck or a wood deck. 

For a consultation on your deck, and to get an expert deck builder opinion on whether or not it should be replaced, you can contact us at Mississauga decks and trim at this link or call us at 

(647) 321-1545

Categories
Decks

Awesome Add-ons for your Custom Deck

There’s nothing worse than feeling as though something is missing, but not having a clue what that final piece could be. You spent all summer building your dream deck, came up with some awesome deck designs, but as soon as you hammered in that last nail, shined that last panel, you might’ve felt like that pièce de resistance was missing.

You might not know what it is yet, but us at Mississauga Decks and Trim are here to help. From pergolas to built-in cabinets, and everything in between, the amount of awesome custom deck add-ons to complete your dream build are limitless.

A reminder that it’s always important to understand what sort of add-ons will compliment the custom deck build you’ve already got in place. If you’ve got a pool deck, an area with some shading might be ideal, or maybe even a screen for some extra privacy. Your deck should always be a good blend of functionality and aesthetics.

Check out some of our favourite custom deck add-ons below!

Shading

Regardless of what sort of deck you’ve built for yourself, whether that be a pool deck or one fitted with as much seating and lounging style relaxation as possible, it’s important to have shading. If the moveable umbrella just isn’t cutting it, it might be time to install something bigger. Enlist the help of a deck builder, or start planning your own build for something like a gazebo or a pergola

–  Gazebos are great if you want to be outside no matter what mother nature is throwing your way. With an enclosed roof protecting you from the weather, neither rain nor sunlight will put a damper on your R&R. Gazebos can be a pretty big addition to your deck, but its versatility is unmatched. Gazebos can do more than just complement your custom deck designs, it can be a key feature, and be the best eye-catcher you could ask for.

–  Pergolas are better if you’re just looking for shading, and protection from harsh sunlight. Most people opt for a pergola with an open-top, allowing for some sunlight to get through the beams. They’ve usually got a flat top, as opposed to the pitched roof on a gazebo, and look perfect installed next to windows, or the back/screen entrance to your home. Not only does it provide shading outside, but it restricts sunlight from coming into your home, making it cooler indoors. It’s also perfect for hanging greenery or lights from the beams on the roof.

Privacy Screens

Perfect for your seating areas or by your pool deck, privacy screens keep the unwanted elements away, and keep the fun in. It’s a simple build, consisting of a deck railing turned into a longer or higher screen. If you’ve got views from your backyard you don’t want to see, or if you have nosy neighbours always peering, privacy might do you some good. The huge number of deck designs it can be incorporated into gives it versatility, and it rarely sticks out like a sore thumb.

Greenery

It’s not up to debate, every space is better with a little green. Having plants and any sort of greenery complementing your deck is a must, and can spruce up the space with utter ease. Whether you just put some vases or build some built-in planters or railing-mounted planters, you can’t go wrong with some of that extra life in your backyard. Looking for deck railing ideas? Look no further. Installing a planter on your railings, letting some gorgeous vines hang from it, or adding colour with flowers, can add brightness to an otherwise normal-looking railing. Don’t forget that you can also use something like a pergola to hang vines or greenery from!

Storage

When people think of storage, it rarely feels like an aesthetic addition to a custom deck. Implementing built-in storage is too often forgotten when considering deck designs, but it’s essential. Building a deck doesn’t have to mean that you have to forgo storage space for other important backyard pieces. You can easily install something like a built-in cabinet, or built-in bench storage, to maximize the functionality of your deck. Using existing features in your deck, you can easily convert them into multi-purpose systems, perfect for hiding away things like baseballs, pillows, blankets, and anything else you might need. Consider installing a built-in cabinet beside your pool deck for easy access to floaties and pool noodles!

The Perfect Lighting

Once the sun starts to set, the true colours of your custom deck start to show. The best decks should be able to hold their own and sustain a good time no matter the time of day. The key to having a lively deck, even at night, comes down to the lighting you decide to implement. Everybody’s favourite choice right now is the string light, stair riser, deck pot lights, post light, or wall-mounted lighting are many options to brighten up your deck.

These hanging curtain railing lights bring a beautiful rustic romantic cottage-Esque ambiance to any backyard! Made to keep you warm on a cool night!

Outdoor Bar

If you really want to raise the bar, consider building the perfect spot to serve and prepare drinks for all your lovely guests (and for yourself of course). The edges of your deck are the perfect, often unused space, to set up a bar. A simple build needs only a ledge, just enough room to set your drinks on, and some extra barstool-type seating. If you want a more complex build, consider installing an awning, or some sort of roof/protection from the weather.

 It’s also the perfect excuse to make more built-in cabinets to store your cups, mixers, and special beverages.

Decks can be so much. A place to relax, something to show off, a hub to entertain and enjoy your summer. It’s perfect for laughing, cuddling, and building deeper connections with all those around you. Though your deck is more than likely impressive and functional as is, all those moments become that much more special when everything is brought together with impressive and well-thought-out deck add-ons. Deck designs are tough, and implementing all these extra assets can be a challenge, but it’s always worth it in the end.

If you can turn a simple deck into a backyard good enough for a pandemic-style wedding, who’s really going to say no to that?!

There’s beauty, and more importantly, even better times that can be had when you go the extra mile for yourself and your deck.

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