Winter is coming, which means its time to think about your deck replacement.
If you’re thinking about installing a deck, you may already be picturing your life with it.
From spending summer evenings on the deck grilling to bundling up with pumpkin spice lattes as the winter sets in, a deck is a versatile addition to your home.
When it comes to scheduling a deck installation, most homeowners are eager to get it started. Replacing a deck, however, comes with different considerations.
That means taking a step back and thinking about the best time of year to replace a deck.
As a homeowner, you want to get the most out of your deck each year. Still, putting off a much-needed deck replacement can have negative side effects. Depending on the condition of your deck, it could even be dangerous.
So, let’s settle it. Today we’re talking about the absolute best time of year for a deck replacement so you can be sure to get the most out of it.
How Long Does Replacing A Deck Take?
Wondering how many summer barbecues you’ll miss out on while your deck is being replaced? Worried that a long deck replacement process will leave your home unsightly for the Thanksgiving gathering?
A deck replacement doesn’t need to take that long. In fact, it generally takes between 1 to 3 weeks, with customizations or more difficult installations taking up to a month. Plus, with a bigger team working on it, you could end up with an even faster deck replacement.
When Is Peak Season, And Why Avoid It
Peak deck season is that high-traffic time when we look for any and every excuse to be outside.
As such, that’s when deck installation also peaks – everyone’s got the same idea!
If you’re looking to have your deck replaced in the spring or summer, you’ll be up against busy contractors trying to meet the needs of multiple clients at once. Depending on your order in line, you could even deal with delays.
Waiting till the fall can be a great idea. Given that autumn is considered the off-season for deck installations, you’ll have more choice in contractors, timing, and budget. Thanks to low demand, you’ll benefit – and there’s a good chance you’ll get the replacement done faster, too.
Aim for Milder Weather
Many homeowners think they have to have their decks replaced during the summer. While the weather can be great for sitting out on your deck and enjoying a cool drink, it’s not ideal for working conditions.
The same heat you’re enjoying is a lot less enjoyable for the teams having to work. Especially when you consider they’re likely booked on multiple jobs, this is less than ideal.
Waiting too long can put you up against harsher winter conditions. Storm delays and freezing temperatures are just a few of the weather-related situations that can affect a deck replacement’s timing and cost.
Waiting for the milder, cooler fall weather, though, could lead to a quicker, more efficient build.
And though spring offers similar mild weather, there’s the risk of more thunderstorms and rain delays causing problems. Plus, if you’re hoping to have your deck ready to enjoy as soon as spring hits, you’ll want to have it replaced beforehand.
When choosing the timing for your deck replacement, the fall offers both milder weather and the right timing to get you set for the full year.
Make the Most of Your Time Outside
Given that the average deck replacement time is a matter of weeks, this is not a project that’s going to end your outdoor time completely.
As these projects can often be finished in a matter of weeks, a well-timed deck replacement can even extend your fall season.
Think about this: a deck replacement shortly after Labor Day would leave you with all of October and November to enjoy the changing leaves, cooling temperatures, and autumn season.
Get Deck-Building Materials From Johnson Lumber
Want to get a feel for the materials you could use in your next deck replacement?
Stop by the Johnson Lumber showrooms and check out our stocks for yourself. Both our Millersville and Edgewater facilities are both open from 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM on Monday through Friday and from 8 AM to 1 PM on Saturday.
For more information on how Johnson Lumber can help with your deck replacement, get in touch with our team here.
