3 unexpected ways to save time and money by building a deck during the off-season – Longview News-Journal

With temperatures cooling and leaves changing from golden yellow to deep auburn, theres no denying that its the season of all things cozy and comfy. And as you begin to hunker down and bundle up indoors, the thought of embarking on a deck building project might not be top of mind.

While home improvement retailers position transitional months as off-season for outdoor projects, industry insiders know there are advantages to beginning deck construction once temperate weather days arrive. From scoring a deal on building materials to booking the most in-demand builder, here are three ways you can build your dream deck under budget and in record time this off-season.

Since spring and summer are the busiest times of year for contractors and building professionals, youll have a better chance of booking the most in-demand deck builder in your community during transitional months. With summer projects wrapped up, workloads are naturally lighter. As a result, deck contractors have more flexibility in their schedules and can see a project through from start to finish much quicker than when theyre juggling multiple builds. Theyll also have a better chance of securing necessary building permits on a quick turnaround. With fewer permit applications in the queue for local government officials review, there should be fewer delays in the permitting process.

Contractors and decking brands alike offer homeowners plenty of incentives to take advantage of during transitional seasons. For example, building professionals may offer reduced rates to fill gaps in their schedules. Home improvement and decking brands, like most retailers, offer competitively priced products around the holiday season to reduce inventory and make room for new products. Taking advantage of these savings opportunities can substantially lower upfront costs associated with building a deck. The best part? Now you can splurge on stylish accessories like railing post caps or LED lights ... and still stay within budget.

Deck construction can take a toll on landscaping, particularly during prime building season. In the spring, lawns tend to hold more moisture as the ground beneath begins to thaw. As a result, the ground can become increasingly soggy and is primed to muddy up shoes and retain unsightly footprints. Whats more, grass and flowers are just beginning to reemerge after winter. With increased foot traffic from builders coming and going, theres also the risk of accidentally damaging budding flora. Rather than disrupt spring and summers bloom, schedule deck construction when your yard is already gearing up for its annual hibernation. Since many plants go dormant as the air cools and the ground freezes, its one of the best times to build a deck without significantly impacting landscaping. By the time warm weather rolls back around, youll be ready to tackle landscaping projects surrounding your beautiful new deck.

To create an outdoor space you can start enjoying now, consider building materials that will help extend your decks open-air season. For example, bamboo composite deck boards and light-gauge steel frames are resilient, durable and generally low maintenance.

When composite decking is coupled with steel framing, it forms a durable deck system thats well-equipped to host year-round and designed to last decades longer than lumber, said Toby Bostwick, VP of Product and Brand, Fortress Building Products. Composite deck boards provide benefits like slip- and moisture-resistance to not only keep deck systems looking great year-round, but also make them safer to enjoy during any season.

If youre feeling inspired to deck out your backyard and savor more days spent outdoors, take note of the time and money-saving ways to tackle deck construction during the off-season.

Read more:
3 unexpected ways to save time and money by building a deck during the off-season - Longview News-Journal