Getting started on your decking project
With signs of warm weather beginning to emerge, you might start thinking about ways to give your home a refresh. And there’s no better investment to make in your home right now than a deck build or remodel.
“Every penny that you put into your deck adds that as an equal amount of value to your home,” said Matt Lundquist, a sales representative at Lampert Lumber’s Apple Valley location.
A deck provides a great indoor/outdoor space to enjoy the warmer months and entertain friends and family. Not sure where to get started? Experts at Lampert Lumber can guide you through every step of the process, whether it’s working with contractors or finding your perfect material.
If you’re considering a decking project, here are some key things to ask first:
1. What is your budget?
One of the first things you’ll want to do is figure out how much you’re willing to spend on a deck project, and how much time you have. Setting these expectations right away will help prevent frustrations down the road and keep you on track.
Timelines can vary by project, but sales representative Derrick Rang said it can generally take a few days to a few months. Thankfully, the team at Lampert Lumber can help you find a material to fit your budget and timeframe.
“If somebody absolutely has to hit a timeline, we will direct them toward products that we know we can deliver as part of that timeline,” Rang said.
And if you’re looking for a quick turnaround, working with contractors to get the job done is often faster than tackling the project yourself.
2. what kind of wood?
One of the most important factors when it comes to the look and longevity of your deck is what you choose to build it with.
If you’re looking for a deck that will endure the most wear and tear, Lundquist recommends a synthetic wood, or one made completely out of manmade materials. These types of wood typically have the longest warranty compared to traditional wood.
“The expectancy of traditional wood decking is about 15 to 20 years,” Lundquist said.
“And a lot of these low maintenance options, the warranties start about 20 years and then go up to 50 years. So when you factor in maintenance costs, the low maintenance materials do pay themselves off.”
And composite wood, made of both synthetic materials and wood flour, often offers many of the same benefits at a lower price point, Lundquist added.
Want to get a feel for all of the wood options available? Check out a Lampert Lumber showroom to see a wide array of synthetic and composite varieties for your deck project.
Lampert Lumber is a proud dealer of Trex decking products. Visit us to learn more about this high-quality, durable composite decking.
3. What other materials?
Now that you’ve decided on your wood, it’s time to think about what other materials will complete your project, including railings and fencing.
Synthetic and composite options are an easy way to match your railing with the rest of your deck. And for a less expensive option, consider aluminum railings.
Railings can also affect the view looking out from your deck (and looking in). Want to keep things open? Cable or glass railings might be the way to go. To keep things secluded, a privacy fence is a good option to consider during your deck build.
And if you’re concerned about safety for children or pets on the deck, Lampert Lumber offers safety gates to go with the railing you select.
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