Planning your new deck project during the winter may seem like the last thing on your mind. For many of us, winter is a dark and cold season that makes us want to stay indoors and hibernate until spring arrives, trust me, we get it.
But what if you could save money and time planning the custom deck of your dreams right now?
Here are Mississauga Deck & Trim’s 6 reasons to start planning your new deck project during winter:
1. Save Money
Although there is less demand for building projects in the fall and winter, most building companies remain active all year. This is a great opportunity for you to take advantage of the off-season, which is typically the cheapest time of year to build a new deck.
Given the cost of building materials tends to spike during spring and summer, your new project may not be as expensive during the winter months.
Some deck building contractors in Mississauga even offer off-season pricing, typically discounted from their regular rates as winter is a slower season.
Moreover, if you inquire with a building company early enough, you can get a better sense of the cost and start budgeting for your project so you are more financially prepared.
With the money you save, you can then invest in a high-quality decking material like PVC or composite, which will upgrade your outdoor living space.
Click here to learn more about the difference between PVC vs composite decking.
2. Save Time
During peak times, it can take weeks to set up an initial meeting with a deck-building company so you can share your vision with them. Given they are spread quite thin during these times, your deck-building project may be prolonged if you don’t start planning early enough.
It may also take them longer to acquire the necessary building permits and resources to build your new deck due to high demand and potential issues with their supply chain which can cause substantial delays.
If you get a head start during the off-season, however, acquiring building permits and resources should be a lot easier and faster. Deck-building companies may also have more uninterrupted time to spend exclusively on upgrading your backyard.
Consequently, the builders can construct your customized deck quicker, which saves you time and money as the project will not be constantly delayed.
3. Optimal Time for Deck Staining
It is a common misconception that spring is the ideal season to stain a hardwood deck; however, this is not the case. The weather is often muggier in the spring and summer than at other times. Wood has the propensity to take in the moisture that is present in the atmosphere.
When you stain wood in settings where there is a lot of humidity, you run the risk of it peeling and cracking. Because of this, it will be more difficult for the wood to take on the staining procedure. Additionally, watermarks on the wood might be produced by direct sunlight.
Staining wood in hotter temperatures is not a good choice for a number of reasons, including the possibility that the stain will evaporate before it has a chance to penetrate the wood. When staining wood, temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit are recommended as being optimal; all the more reason to start planning your project earlier.
4. Minimize Potential Damage
Typically, decks are constructed using pressure-treated wood. Due to its inherent moisture content, this wood will go through a drying process throughout the first few months.
Drying time for wood may be prolonged in humid environments. Wood drying in direct sunlight during warm weather is prone to warping.
Building a deck in the winter allows the wood to dry out more gradually. This is helpful since it eliminates the potential problems of cracking or twisting and minimizes any potential damage.
5. Spend More Time in Your Backyard
If you start planning your new deck project earlier, you can spend more time making memories with your family and entertaining guests in your backyard all year round.
The time it takes to build a deck depends on your preferences regarding the size, materials used, and customized features that you want but if you choose expert deck builders with a team of skilled professionals, they should be able to complete the project in no time!
Wondering why you would want to be outdoors during the coldest months of the year? There are various features you can add to upgrade your deck and backyard so you can truly enjoy your outdoor living space during the winter.
For example, check out these backyard oasis ideas that will transform your outdoor space.
6. Access The Best Contractors
It can be very difficult to find professional deck-building contractors who are available to work on your project during the peak season.
Take advantage of the “off-season” during winter when construction companies have more time on their hands to customize and perfect your new deck.
We at Mississauga Decks & Trim know that planning your new deck project can be overwhelming. If you’re ready to get started but not sure how, reach out to MDT today so we can help you build the custom deck of your dreams.