It makes sense. Create your outdoor space when you aren’t spending time outdoors, maximizing your enjoyment when the weather breaks. But is winter an appropriate time to build a deck, with freezing rain and snow in the forecast for Northeast Ohio?
Actually, it is.
It probably comes as no surprise that builders encourage scheduling such a project in the off season. Business is usually slower, and they welcome a project to keep the cash flow positive. However, there are benefits to the customer as well, not the least of which is better curing for your pressure treated wood and a more stable foundation.
Even if you are planning on using composite boards for your deck, the foundation will be constructed using pressure treated wood. Because humidity is low during the winter, pressure treated wood will dry more consistently, establishing a stable foundation with no cracking or warping.
Establishing holes and base support posts in hard ground rather than mud also allows for a more stable foundation, especially with elevated decks and stairs.
While you won’t want to stain your deck right away, as a Northeast Ohio winter tends to provide few, if any, sunny days, you will certainly have an opportunity to apply that needed protection before the hot days of summer turn your wood gray. If the deck surface is dry and the temperature is at least 50, you can take advantage of a few sunny days and stain and seal your deck, likely ahead of spring rain.
Are you considering having your deck built in the winter? Additional benefits are timely scheduling and lower materials costs. Many builders and suppliers will lower their prices, as well as delivery fees, to encourage winter scheduling of projects. Projects also tend to be completed more quickly because there are fewer demands on the builder’s time.
One of the biggest benefits to customers is the full season of enjoyment they get when their deck project is completed by the spring thaw. Don’t cut into your spring and summer fun. Contact Precision Siding and Construction for details on how they can build your deck this winter. Click here for additional information regarding all your home improvement projects, from Roofing and siding to kitchen remodels.