Building your new deck, the right way.

Did you know that beer tastes better on a brand new deck? It’s true, our researchers at C Brannon Construction have pulled long hours putting this theory to the test. Hey, it’s a tough job, but someones got to do it. In all seriousness, a new deck can transform the way you enjoy your home and your outdoor space. If you can believe it, summer is right around the corner so now is the time to start planning for those backyard barbeques, sun-soaked afternoons with a cold drink, and cool evenings by a fire.

If there was ever a year to build, repair, or upgrade your deck, this is it. Having a great outdoor living space is always a plus, but in 2021, it is more of a must. Make the most of being at home by creating a stunning, functional extension of your living space with a brand new deck or veranda.

While it won’t be a one-day job, building a quality deck doesn’t have to be daunting. With proper planning and careful considerations from an experienced team, you could be enjoying that sunshine in no time. To get you started, we’ve outlined some items to consider to help you plan your next outdoor project. With us, you’ll spend less time sweating the details and more time enjoying your new outdoor living area.

Materials

There’s a lot you can do with your deck, whether you’re ready for a full-on overhaul or just a simple refresh for summer. The majority of decks built in Canada are constructed from pressure-treated wood because it’s typically the most durable and best overall valued option, but there are other options such as composite, sheet vinyl deck, deck tiles, cedar decking or lastly, pressure- treated decking.

Pressure-treated lumber is protected against termites and decay, but the most common myth that prevails is pressure-treated wood is moisture resistant. Even though PT lumber prevents long-term decay when exposed to the weather as deck boards are it can still discolour and slowly decay over time.

On the other hand, something like composite decking is made from a combination of natural wood fibres and durable resin, PVC products. Designed to resemble real wood, composite decking requires no painting or staining and won’t splinter, crack, warp or rot.

The living room area also saw a major makeover, with some structural changes along the entrance to the dining room to open up both spaces. The living room also saw new paint, flooring, casing, and lighting throughout.

Planning

Plan, budget, and permit – a good plan makes for a successful project. The rule “measure twice, cut once” applies to all the aspects of construction and decks are no exception. If you have a vision but don’t know how to bring it to life, get in touch with us and we can help turn it into a reality.

1. Size: When designing a deck, one of the first things we will need to determine is the right size. Together, we can figure out how it will fit within your existing landscaping as well as the activities you plan to do on your deck – such as dining, entertaining and a space for your kids.
2. Materials: The next important decision is going to be the materials that you use. This is typically based upon your budget, usage, and your willingness to take care of the material. As mentioned, you can go with a basic pressure-treated lumber deck which will save you costs initially, but long term it will require a lot of maintenance. If you’re looking for something a little more low maintenance, you may prefer a composite deck or a hardwood Ipe deck. Something to keep in mind here: we suggest that you get into planning mode now as it’s not uncommon for there to be a shortage of materials (because, well, it’s Canada and we all only have a few months to enjoy the glorious warmth).
3. Fundamentals: Based on the structure of your home and the existing landscape, we will decide if your deck should be freestanding or attached. Opting for a freestanding deck will spare your home’s structure from the added loads, and will keep things intact. The tradeoff is the cost of adding footings and framing to the structure. Should you settle on attaching the deck to your home, the deck and home structures will have to safely connect. To do this, we will need to locate the home’s rim joist, strip the adjacent exterior finish, and attach a ledger board. We will ensure to cover the ledger with corrosion-resistant flashing to prevent water from contacting the rim joist.

While this is a very brief intro into how we can transform your outdoor space, it’s important to start thinking about it now. If you’ve been dreaming of that perfect outdoor space, let’s start building it. After all, it’s where your family will eat, play, and relax this summer. Whether you’re interested in a traditional style or want something bi-level to hold your smoking hot BBQ, get in touch with us to get started.