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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
