There are few additions to a backyard paradise that add as much enjoyment as a deck. While kids may think the lumber and time would be better spent on a play set, a deck is an ideal place for adults to gather. During the summer months, there’s no better place to chat with friends, eat dinners with the family, or just relax with a beverage after a long day of work. But before you start hammering this project together, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
Paperwork.
Before you start construction, you’ll need to talk with your municipality in order to obtain a building permit. You’ll likely have to submit designs that meet size and height specifications. Depending on your neighborhood, you may also have to negotiate with them on your plans. Once you have your permit in hand, call your utility providers. They’ll check that there aren’t any pipes or lines that could cause your problems or fines in the future. You can submit a locate request here.
Purpose.
While you’re putting together your design for the city, think about what functionality you want your deck to serve. A lot of Alberta families use their deck as a summer dining room. It functions as an outdoor living space to eat, drink, and entertain. How far will your deck be from your kitchen? Generally speaking, the closer the better. Will there be room to barbecue on the deck? Do you need to make your design child-safe? Finally, keep in mind how many people you typically have over — will you need seating for five or twenty?
Materials.
If you take a look around, many of the older decks are made of some type of lumber. Cedar and MicroPro® Sienna treated can be found at TimberTown. But if you’re thinking about investing in a deck that requires no maintenance, we suggest considering either PVC decking or capped composite decking. Simply put, the Alberta climate is very hard on wood. Both PVC and composite decking create beautiful, wood-like decks, but there’s no splintered boards, rotten lumber, or peeled paint to deal with. Our clients often find the difference in price is more than made up by the time saved.
Are you ready to begin your summer project? This is a great time to begin the planning, design, and paperwork stage. By getting all of the red tape out of the way now, you’ll be ready to begin as soon as the ground thaws and the flowers sprout. In the meantime, if you have any questions about your project, come into the TimberTown closest to you! Our experts would be happy to assist you in anyway we can.
