Are you looking for ways to take advantage of the health benefits of spending more time outside? Adding a custom-built deck to your backyard is a great way to do it. But, before you dive headfirst into your project, there are a few important things that you should know.
Keep reading this guide to learn more about the process of building a new deck so you know what to expect once you do get your project on the books.
What Purpose Will Your Deck Serve?
Before you do anything else, you need to think about how you plan to use your new deck. Are you looking for a simple place where you can relax after a long day? If so, then a basic deck design will probably work for your needs.
But, if you envision hosting parties for your friends and family or watching your favorite sports team while you hang out on your deck, a more complex design may better suit your needs.
We recommend making a list of your “must-haves” and your “nice-to-haves” during the planning phase to help you prioritize the most important features of your deck.
Which Material Should You Use?
Next, you’ll need to think about which material you want to use for your new custom deck design. The two most common deck-building materials are wood and composite boards.
If you opt for a wooden deck, keep in mind that it will require ongoing maintenance, like repainting and re-staining it every few years. Additionally, wood decks are susceptible to damage from moisture and pests like termites or carpenter ants.
Composite decking, from a brand like Trex, on the other hand, is a much more durable option. It has built-in protection against UV damage, so you won’t have to stain it or paint it in the future. You also won’t have to worry about it rotting or deteriorating over time like you would with a wooden deck.
While composite boards can be a bit more expensive upfront, compared to a wood deck, most of our customers find that they end up saving money over the lifetime of the deck, since they don’t have to continue spending money on maintenance and repairs.
Who Should You Hire for the Job?
While you may be tempted to go the DIY route when adding a custom-built deck to your home, we advise against it for most homeowners. Unless you have extensive building experience, you’ll likely spend more time and money trying to build it yourself than if you were to hire a professional in the first place.
Instead, put your trust in an expert deck builder that has great customer reviews and a strong portfolio of past work.
When you hire the Sunburst Construction team for your project, you’ll have peace of mind that you’ll get the best possible customer service combined with high-quality craftsmanship. We’ll help you navigate the building process with ease, taking care of any required permitting and building you a safe and secure deck that your family will enjoy for years.
Add a Custom-Built Deck to Your Backyard
Now that you know more about how to start planning for your Northern Virginia custom decking project, it’s time to take the next step toward starting your project. Our team would be more than happy to give you a free estimate for your custom-built deck project so you can get one step closer to the backyard of your dreams.
Contact us today to get started!
