Building a deck can make your house feel more inviting and comfortable, plus they’re a great space to entertain family and friends especially in the summer. There are a number of steps to deck installation which is why it’s best to contact your Grand Rapids decking contractors at Avio Deck Builders. Read on to learn more about what to do before deck installation.
Deck Installation
Keep Your Materials Options Open
It’s best to keep an open mind when considering decking material. Many homeowners are surprised to find that there are more decking materials than just wood. For example, composite decking is a material that imitates the look of wood without all the maintenance wood decking requires. Take your time to explore all your options.
A reputable decking and railing contractor, like Avio Deck Builders, can point out materials that would be a good fit for your home’s exterior design so you can make the best choice for your budget and design preferences.
The average cost of deck installationis $7,695 According to HomeAdvisor.com. Since deck installation is an investment in your home, it makes sense that you would use high-quality materials.
Look at Local Regulations
You will need to check your local building codes before making a new addition to your home. Following the building codes for your area will ensure that your deck is structurally sound and safe to use. Your decking installation contractor should obtain the necessary permits before building a deck.
Contact your local government or stop by city hall in order to find the building codes for your area. A city official will be able to help you find the information you need.
Consider Your Design
You’ll want to design your deck so it looks like it was built at the same time as your house because this way it will add the most value. This means making sure your backyard deck is in proportion to your house.
Using deck materials that complement your home’s exterior design can help make your new deck a worthy investment. Many homeowners make the mistake of designing a deck that is too big for its respective house or yard. The unbalanced proportions can make the deck seem like an awkward addition to your home.
The Most Important Part: The Foundation
The quality of your foundation directly impacts the quality of your deck. If you build your deck on shifting or uneven ground, it won’t be structurally sound. You’ll need to make sure your footings are set in concrete below the frost line, which will vary depending on your location. Check to make sure you don’t need to drill through unexpected rock layers in order to get there.
Use a level during the construction of your deck to make sure the base is perfectly straight, especially where it attaches to your home. This is crucial because a slight tilt at the start of your deck building process will result in an uneven deck.
Your Deck’s Appearance
Using nails or screws to hold your deck together will have an effect on its appearance. There are also ways to hide the nails or screws so they don’t show at all. There’s no wrong choice, but it’s important to know what you want your deck to look like before you get started on building.
Call Avio Deck Builders Today!
Whether you’re ready to get started on your deck installation or still considering what you want, give our Grand Rapids deck builders a call today at (616) 608-9713. We offer free quotes and fast installation.