5 Must Know tips before renovating your Deck

Renovating your existing or adding a deck addition will surely enhance your outdoor living space. 

It creates a functional space for relaxing, cooking, dining, entertaining and spending time with family.

A deck also adds resale value to your home and can have a good return on investment. Compared to most home renovations, a new deck offers one of the highest returns on investment.

Decking Specialists in Toronto are surely knowledgeable and experienced deck builders and deck maintenance providers. A DIY deck renovation is first thing many homeowners think about, restoring decks and fences could be a great idea for many handyman and hands on home owners who have time, tools and the know how, but if one of those aspects are missing, you have to rethink your strategy before starting such costly project.

In 2020 lumber prices have skyrocketed, making a DIY project very hard to achieve. One wrong cut could mean extra $50 and more in purchasing of lumber! Proper tools are essential in achieving the desired goal, not many homeowners have the need for investing $5000 - $15000 in equipment.

To make your decision easier and cost effective, we have put together 5 tips on how to reach your Goal most painlessly as possible.

Plan and book your project early

Snow might be covering your backyard, Holliday season feelings might still be in the air, but one thing we would like bring up to your attention is to book your contractor far in advance. If you did have the opportunity in the past to look for good and reliable contractor than you know what we are talking about. Since the pandemic, this process has become even worse. Lumber and tools supply chain issues and labour force shortage has made a on time deck project goal challenging. It’s not too soon to start planning your spring deck building project in summer or fall year ahead. When the first signs of spring arrive, many home owners start thinking about spending more time outside, and finding deck builders on short notice can get, well you can imagine yourself. Start planning now if you did not do so already, so you can have everything in place and your construction project scheduled for the spring. Early planning will ensure you get couple estimates from contractors, time to decide and most important your project will go smoothly and according to the plan and your set budget. 

Consider your commitment to deck maintenance

When choosing decking materials, consider how involved you want to be in maintaining your deck. If you choose a cedar or pressure treated wood deck, be prepared to spend a little more time and resources maintaining it than a composite deck. Wooden deck initially costs less than a composite one but will require staining every 2-3 years to keep the good looks and structural integrity for the future years to come. Otherwise, it will fade into a silvery grey, or even dark black which some people don’t mind but the trouble could be lurking beneath the surface. Decking professionals can advise you on the amount and type of maintenance each deck material, age of the material and place will require, so you can make a decision that best suits you.

Create spaces for outdoor living

The best thing about having a deck is that it gives you designated outdoor living space. Decide how you would like to use that space. Would you like to use it for relaxing only, entertainment for friends and family members or a combination of all the good things. D you need a structure to provide shade? Do you want your new deck to include built-in garden boxes for your flowers? Would you like a large, spacious deck to give your children room to play? Do you envision a space for grilling, cooking, and dining? Considering how you want to use your deck will allow your deck builders to create a design and maintenance program for you.

How much does a new deck cost?

The average homeowner spends $3500 to build a 10x10 foot deck. This should cover the costs of material and labour charges your contractor might charge. If you require a city permit and architect structural drawing, this cost could easily increase. The cost to build a deck with pressure-treated wood, hardwood, or composite is about $38 per square foot, for both materials and installation. The final cost depends on the materials used, size, level built on, and any extra options.  

What maintenance schedule awaits me after the installation or repair of my deck?

Because decks are exposed to the elements all year round, it’s a good idea to establish a routine of upkeep that’ll protect your deck and prevent expensive repairs.

Spring: Wash the Deck with pressure washer or by using water and soft bristle brush

An unwashed deck is an invitation to mold and mildew, which can cause rot. Here’s how to wash your deck:

1. Remove debris from between deck boards using a putty knife. Pay special attention to the areas where deck boards cross the joists -- the structural members underneath the decking.

2. Protect all shrubs and plantings. Wet them and cover them with plastic sheeting. 

3. Thoroughly sweep the deck.
 
4. Choose an appropriate cleanser.

• Wood deck: Use a standard deck cleaner and follow its directions. Some require the decking to be wet first. Some don’t.
• Composite deck: Use a cleaner specifically formulated for composite material. Attack grease and oil stains with a commercial degreaser and detergents.

• Vinyl (cellular PVC) deck: You’ll only need to use warm water and a mild soap to remove mold, mildew, and dirt.

• Composite deck: Scrub with a soft brush. Do not use a pressure washer -- it can permanently damage the decking and will void any warranty. Remove rust and leaf stains with a deck brightener containing oxalic acid.

• Vinyl deck: Scrub in a circular motion using a stiff broom, then rinse thoroughly.

5. Let deck dry. Wait two days before sealing.