Late Autumn Or Early Winter Could Be The Ideal Time To Have Your Deck Installed
If you're saving money to install a deck in a year or two, you may want to think about having the work done in the autumn or winter months. There are a few advantages to having the work done during that time of year, and the best of all is that your deck will be finished and ready by the time the first warm days of spring roll around. Here are some reasons to consider having your deck installed in the winter or autumn:
You Might Save Money
Spring and summer are usually the busy seasons for construction contractors. By arranging to have your deck installed in the off-season, you might save money on both labor and building materials because they are in less demand. Your contractor may be able to buy bulk building materials cheaper in the winter, and if so they will hopefully pass the savings on to you.
The Work Is Easier To Schedule
If you have a particular contractor you like, you might have difficulty scheduling the work during the busy season, especially if you need to schedule it around your spring or summer vacation. Since fewer people will have their decks built in the winter or fall, you'll have an easier time scheduling your deck installation for a time that's convenient for you.
You Can Enjoy The Winter Outdoors
If you plan to install a hot tub on your deck, the winter is a fantastic time to break it in. If you have your deck put in before winter is over you can enjoy a hot soak in the tub while you're surrounded by winter silence and starry skies. You can also cook outdoors during all seasons of the year--just because you have a deck installed in the winter, it doesn't mean you have to wait until spring to enjoy using it.
The Weather Is More Stable
In late fall and early winter, the weather is usually more consistent. It's easier to find long stretches of days with dry, cool weather, which is perfect for building a deck. This helps the work go faster, and it may even be better for your deck since pressure-treated lumber cures quicker in dry weather. When a deck is built in the summer, it takes the lumber longer to cure, which increases the risk of it warping. Add in the hot sun exposure and temperature swings, and the risk of cracking and wood damage increases. When the weather is cooler and dryer in the winter, there is less risk of problems developing with pressure-treated lumber.
There May Be Less Disruption To Your Landscaping
Spring and summer may be a busy time for you and your yard if you have a lot of flowers and you like to put in a garden. The last thing you may want is a construction crew walking all over your garden or destroying your plants and flowers. In the winter, most of your flowers and plants may be past their prime and the ground will be dry and hard, so there is less risk of damage to your yard.
Although it's possible to have a deck installed during any season of the year, you may run into fewer problems with weather delays and scheduling conflicts if you schedule the job for the off-season. However, if you can't wait until then, be sure to schedule the work as soon as you can so you can secure the best time slot to have your new deck installed for your summer enjoyment.