If you’re thinking of adding a deck or pergola to your home, you might as well do it the winter before! Homeowners mistakenly think that you can’t build a deck in the winter, but in reality, there’s really no good reason to wait until spring. In fact, there are several advantages:
Deck Builders and Contractors Have More Availability
One of the biggest benefits of building a deck in the winter is the fast turnaround time on the project. Contractors are much less busy in the winter months because typically people don’t think about building a deck during cold weather. But that makes it the ideal time because you’re zigging when everyone else is zagging. Because contractors are less busy, they can get to your project right away.
No Waiting: Enjoy Your New Deck or Pergola Immediately
If you wait until spring, you won’t be able to enjoy your new deck until construction is finished. This can push you into May or June in some cases, as an example. Why waste all that prime outdoor time waiting on your deck to be finished when you can get a head start and be enjoying it on the first nice day?
Be Ahead of the Spring Permit Pile-up
Depending on where you live, a deck often requires a building permit. Like all things paperwork and red tape, this can take several weeks. The sooner you get started planning, the sooner your deck can be built. Plus, don’t forget that in the spring, everybody is trying to get permits approved, so it can take longer to get through the system.
Protect Your Lawn and Landscaping
Harder ground in the winter means all of the foot traffic, ladders, wheelbarrows, and tools won’t cause as much damage to your lawn and landscape plants. When the spring season begins, the ground thaws and can get muddy and messy. Plus, plants start to bloom and grow bigger making them more susceptible to damage from being in the way.
Better Building Conditions For Better Quality
If you are building with real wood, the lower humidity in the air will allow the wood to dry more thoroughly and evenly resulting in less movement once the deck is in place. Lower humidity levels in the winter also make it a better time to stain your deck. Too much moisture or heat can make it hard for the wood to absorb the stain causing peeling. Too much heat can cause evaporation of the stain before it can fully be absorbed into the boards. Temps of 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit are best for staining. Things start warming up to 50 degrees in late winter right before spring, making that the perfect time to stain your new deck.
If this comes as a surprise to you, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Most of our customers have no idea that not only can you build a deck in the winter, it’s actually an ideal time for many reasons. Schedule a design meeting or give us a call today to bring your ideas and backyard dreams to life!
