Summer’s over, winter is coming, and you didn’t get your deck built like you thought you would…is there still time?
The short answer is, yes! You can still have your deck built this year.
It may seem counterintuitive to have a deck built in late fall or winter, because you won’t get to use it right after it’s built. However, the fall and winter seasons can actually be a great time for a deck build.
Read on to learn why this is the case, as well as a few things to consider with a fall or winter deck project.
Pros of Having a Deck Built in Fall or Winter
Potential Cost Savings
Because winter is the slow season for deck contractors, you can often negotiate a lower rate for your deck build. The amount and details of a price reduction will vary from contractor to contractor, but most offer some kind of discount if you schedule your build in the off-season.
More Contractor Availability
Since fewer people are having decks built during the late fall and winter months, contractors will have more availability than they do in the summer. This means you’ll have more flexibility when scheduling your build.
It also means your contractor may be able to give you more focused attention, as they have fewer projects on their docket. While a good deck contractor will always work to give you excellent service—no matter the season—it can be difficult to juggle the demands of the busier months. The slow season offers more space to focus on customer service.
Less Stress on Your Landscaping
As the ground thaws in the spring, it’s full of moisture, making it less stable. This leaves your landscaping more susceptible to damage during your deck build. The drier, more solid ground of late fall and the frozen ground of winter will help protect your yard from damage as your deck is being built.
Plus, if you have your project completed before it’s time to start gardening in the spring, you won’t have to worry about protecting your garden beds during construction.
Start Enjoying Your Deck as Soon as the Snow Melts!
When you build during the summer, you have less time to enjoy your deck once it’s finished. Plus, during the build, you’ll have less outdoor space to enjoy, with building materials, tools, and equipment taking up part of your yard.
Having your deck built during the cooler months (when you’re spending more time inside anyway) means you’ll have the entire spring and summer season to enjoy your outdoor space and your new deck!
Considerations for a Fall or Winter Deck Build
There are some considerations for a late fall or winter deck project that you don’t have to think about during the warmer months. Building a deck during this time is still possible—these are just a couple of items you’ll need to factor into your build.
Footings
If your deck is built in late fall before the ground freezes, footings aren’t a concern. But if your build is scheduled for the winter months, they could be a complicating factor.
Since footings need to be dug into the ground, they’ll need to be completed before the ground freezes. If you schedule a winter deck project, your contractor may want to dig the footings and pour concrete in late fall, then finish the build at the scheduled time.
Weather Delays
Generally speaking, the fall season tends to be much drier than summer. However, once we get to late fall and into the snowy season, weather can become an issue. Rain, sleet, snow, and high winds can delay your deck build, so you’ll need to keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
If you’re looking to have a deck built yet this year, it’s not too late. Contact the team at Outdoor Solutions to schedule your late fall or winter deck project today!