The Deck Building Season

The deck-building season is essentially the fall and winter. It's a time when the weather is less likely to be harsh, but you'll still want to start preparing for the project. During these times, you can apply stain to the wood to prevent cracking and discoloration. If you're not ready to start work until spring, you can stain your deck during the fall.

Build a deck in the fall or winter

The fall or winter season is a great time to build a deck. This time of year is less hectic for contractors, and you can start construction early to enjoy your new deck before the heat and humidity of summer sets in. Furthermore, fall weather is more predictable than summer weather, so construction crews can finish projects faster and avoid any delays.

Wood is a traditional material for a deck, but it's highly susceptible to damage due to high temperatures and the sun. This can cause the wood to warp, which makes it difficult to align. Cold temperatures prevent the wood from expanding and will help it maintain its shape. If you're worried about your wood warping, you should choose a non-wood material. Non-wood options include PVC, aluminum, and composite decking.

Cost

The cost of a Deck Builder Oakville project depends on the type of materials you use. Pressure-treated wood, for example, costs $6 to $12 per square foot and will require around $18 in labor. These materials are also prone to cracking and require a strict maintenance schedule. In addition, they require galvanized screws, which can corrode and rust when exposed to water.

A composite deck can cost anywhere from $16 to $33 per square foot when installed by a professional. Prices vary depending on the material used, the amount of wood used, and the number of stairs and railings. A composite deck can run from $5,800 to $10,800 in total, so it's important to compare multiple estimates.

Permits

If you're considering building a new deck, make sure you obtain the proper permits before you begin. Building without a permit can result in fines that are often more than what you spent on the permit. In addition, you risk having to redo some of your work, or changing the scope of your project. Unfortunately, over 70 percent of projects are built without a permit, and many people feel that the risk is minimal. The danger of building without a permit is that inspectors don't drive around looking for unpermitted work; instead, they have to rely on complaints and signs of a deficiency.

The cost of a building permit will vary by town and city. In small towns, the fee can be as low as $75, while large cities can charge hundreds of dollars. A building permit will also allow you to obtain the correct construction materials.