What to consider when looking for a deck builder:
Remember sitting on your friend Dave’s back deck for a barbeque? And deciding that you wanted one for your own home. Are you browsing the internet and getting excited looking at those perfect poolside decks and lounge areas?
By now, you have probably imagined your own new deck and what it could bring to your home. Maybe you’ve even come up with a design! Or maybe you don’t know where to start and need a professional. Here are the main points to consder:
What is the best decking material?
The primary consideration for your new deck is what material to use. There are lots of different types of wood to choose from. Some of the best Australian decking materials are:
Hardwoods:
- Spotted gum
This type of wood is popular for its beautiful grain structure and durability even through the unpredictable Australian weather.
- Merbau
Merbau is your go-to timber for a ruddier hardwood and is incredibly resilient against the Australian climate. However, you do want to consider if it has been ethically sourced.
- Jarrah
Is a western Australian timber naturally resistant to weather, rot, and termites, and it ranges from deep red and brown to lighter orange and yellow tones.
- Teak
Teak has a beautiful tan colour and is probably the most durable hardwood out there, lasting up to 40 years at a time but this high-quality timber comes with a high price.
- Blackbutt
This gorgeous decking wood is usually state approved for its fire resistance and is hard-wearing against warping and splitting.
- Grey iron bark
Its silvery steel sheen makes it an exquisite choice, however it is considerably less durable than the other wood types available.
Pressure-treated timber:
- Treated Pine
Radiata Pine timber is specifically treated to resist rot, pests, and decay, and has a clean golden white colour that is perfect for staining. There are pros and cons however it’s resistance to fungal decay and termites and attractive price-point make pressure treated wood an outstanding choice for the construction of your deck.
Composite Woods:
It is also possible to build your deck using durable wood composites. Some composite woods are ecofriendly as they are made from recycled materials, which makes them a good choice for those who are environmentally conscientious. Composite timber is generally a mixture of wood fiber, plastic, and a binding agent which makes it more dense, strong, and heavier than timber. Synthetic materials such as plastic lumber or Recycled plastic lumber (RPL) are also commercially available.
All of these have different looks and textures, so choosing the “right” material is entirely up to you. Overall, a great deck builder will be able to help you pick out materials that are long-lasting and fitted for your needs.
What makes a genuinely great deck?
Choosing the primary material is just the first step of the process! You may also want to investigate the following considerations when conceiving your perfect deck.
Functionality
When constructing a deck – or anything in your home for that matter – it is always important to lay down the essentials first. No matter what type of deck you intend to build, you will want lighting for those balmy evenings, ambiance, and to guide you through those late nights!
Lighting:
- Wall-mounted lights,
- Post cap lights,
- Solar lights,
- and even strung fairy lights for a whimsical look all year round.
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If you plan on adding steps, you may want to add in recessed stair lighting or even illuminated railings.
Stairs and railings:
Wide steps, for example, can ease mobility, or add a wow factor.
Overall, your deck builder should be committed to creating the safest deck for you, your family, and your guests. They should also be able to install the perfect deck railing for you while following standard railing safety guidelines. The only work that you’ll have to do is choose what railings you like!
- Glass,
- Wrought iron,
- Wooden,
- Wire and post.
A great deck builder will help you bring that vision to life.
Patios & Awings:
One last consideration is your deck’s adaptability to year-round use. Perhaps a roof covering, beautiful awning or pergola is worth considering as part of the construction for shade and rain coverage.
Appearance
Popular types of decks include:
- Raised decks – the best choice in areas with a good view,
- Wraparound decks
- Attached decks
- Detached decks- easiest to build
- Pool decks
Maybe you have a Zen garden for yoga and meditation in mind, or even a sunken fire pit, where you can chill with friends and enjoy hot drinks and roasted marshmallows. Either way you’ll be having fun in your backyard before you know it!
Longevity and maintenance
Decks are prone to wear and tear over time. Sunshine will eventually cause wood to fade, while rain will cause rot and decay. Thus, in building the perfect deck, you must consider any possible maintenance and repairs. This usually varies based on your initial choice of decking material. Wooden decks normally require more upkeep over time, and yearly refinishing and re-staining are advised to keep the wood in tiptop shape. It is also worth noting whether your installer is quoting with or without an initial stain or oil. Composite wood and plastic timber do not require as much care, as most problems can be solved with a good power wash. While maintenance for composites and synthetics is low cost they are more expensive upfront than pressure-treated timber.
Decks also need proper drainage. Competent deck builders will be capable of ensuring such a system, as well as offering you reparation and maintenance services when you need them.
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How to find the best deck installer
- The number one consideration when choosing a deck installer is communication! The best deck installer for you will listen to your needs, understand your vision, and advise you of what is possible in your budget.
- Experience; It’s true that you’ll want to work with someone who’s had years of experience to ensure you get the best quality deck possible.
At the end of the day, your chosen deck builder should be able to foster a great working relationship with you as a client and have your satisfaction as their number one priority. Handyman Maitland provides construction and repair services with this goal in mind, which is why they are the best contractor for installing your deck!
Why should I choose Handyman Maitland as my deck installer?
Handyman Maitland’s number one priority is providing the best services possible for its customers. They know how to build a deck and know how to build it well. Handyman Maitland is also focused on customer experience, meaning that they will be with you in every step of your creative process, giving you valuable feedback and insights backed by knowledge of the craft.
Besides deck installation services, Handyman Maitland can also be your one-stop shop for all thing’s maintenance and repairs. While your deck gets built, perhaps a door jamb gets fixed. While your railings are installed, perhaps your trees get trimmed. At the end of the day, Handyman Maitland will surely be your go-to all-in-one-service within Maitland, Kurri Kurri, Cessnock, Branxton, and Singleton. Yep, this is the type of service that you’ll definitely be recommending to your friends — and probably the type of service that even Dave will start to swear by. Choose Handyman Maitland as your deck installer and get your free quote today.