New Deck – Tufdek

Although it’s roughly three months (give or take a snowstorm) until the deck-building season begins, now is the time to start planning your new deck. Start planning now in order to be positioned to complete your project this year; especially if you actually want to enjoy your new deck surface before the snow begins to fall again. The following tips from Tufdek will help you get started right away.

Plan Your New Deck

Write your ideas down on paper to get an idea of the scope of the project and easily communicate to a contractor (if required) for an accurate estimate. Are you looking for an entirely new deck, an extension, or a new Tufdek waterproof vinyl deck membrane? How about vinyl railings? Sketch out what you are looking for so you can begin the budgeting process.

Budgeting Your Project

Once you know what you want, you can start looking at a budget for your project. Decide whether you want a single contractor to manage your project or simply want one to do the “heavy lifting” while you complete the rest. Also, what type of materials do you want for this project? For example, you could choose luxury glass panels to enjoy your view or more affordable vinyl deck railings. You can request a range of quotes, to find one that matches both your desired budget, as well as your vision for your deck.

If you’re planning a second-story deck extension or installation, consider the space underneath as well, as it presents an opportunity to develop a second outdoor living space or storage, depending on your needs.

Consider Building Regulations

The advantage of starting early is that it gives you time to consider all the various issues that can arise with a building project. If you are building a deck or extending an old one, then odds are that you’ll need a building permit, which can take a few weeks to issue. If you start early, you’ll be able to ensure that your permit is in place in time for the project’s commencement, instead of the possibility of encountering lengthy delays.

Don’t skip this step as there is an alarming trend of unsafe decks. Building without a permit may cost you down the road if your new deck or balcony isn’t up to code.

Prepare For Construction

Even if there is still snow on the ground, you can start gradually preparing your deck for spring construction. Remove as much snow as you can (as this will speed up the melting process when the weather warms). However, ensure that you aren’t blocking access to the deck or filling in areas where your contractor may require access, such as around the footing area of the deck, or the base where an extension is going to go. Remove all furniture, barbecues, plants, etc. The clearer everything is, the quicker your project can get started.

Now that all this is done, all you have to do is sit back and wait for spring! In the meantime, you might want to browse Tufdek’s vinyl deck photo gallery for ideas on vinyl decking colors or check out the latest trends for vinyl and roof decks for inspiration.

Book Your Contractor, Now!

Once you have the details, permit, and a detailed estimate, you’ll want to book your Authorized Tufdek Dealer as soon as possible. Once the weather begins to warms, they will quickly book up and you might not get your project completed.