The Benefits of Building Composite Decks in the Fall

While there’s little doubt that summer is arguably the best time to enjoy an outdoor deck, it’s a little more challenging to say exactly when the best time is to build a new deck. In a perfect world, homeowners and deck builders alike would have all the time they need to decide on the size, shape and type of decking that’s most appropriate. The weather would always be dry and comfortable, crews would never be shorthanded, tools would never break, and materials would always arrive onsite and on time.

Sadly, we don’t live in a perfect world.

And since this idyllic scenario is rarely experienced, most homeowners will not even consider building a new wood composite deck until well into June. Frantically scrambling to find someone to build a new deck by the Fourth of July, homeowners are often left with few options when it comes to who they hire and what gets built.

Timing Can Be Everything When it Comes to Building a New Deck

Smart homeowners have known for years that, with a little advanced planning and a little patience, there is a better way to purchase everything from automobiles to plane tickets. The trick to saving both money and avoiding the stress that’s often tied to timing is being aware of when most ‘other’ people are typically shopping for the same product or service…and making a conscious effort to make your purchase well before, or well after this time.

In the outdoor construction business, the off-seasons of late fall and early spring can be the best time to build a new composite deck. There are several reasons for this. First and foremost, homeowners can be more thorough in their research and certain that they are hiring the best contractor to design and build their new composite deck. And, as the summer rush comes to an end, more families tend to turn their focus on other things, such as getting kids back to school, fall sports schedules and remodeling projects inside their homes. This often means that contractors who specialize in building outdoor living spaces won’t be as busy, and have more availability in their schedules to meet, discuss the project and complete the work. 

How Fringe Season Deck Building Benefits Contractors and Homeowners

With smaller workloads, deck builders and the crews they might hire for excavation, demolition or accompanying masonry work, are all able to deliver better service, giving each project their undivided attention. Also, without the anxiety of having to move to the next job, contractors can take the time to try new products and develop new processes that could save them time and effort in the future. 

For example, deck builders find that new fastener systems can take some time to get used to installing. In the case of the Step-Clip^® hidden fastener system from DuraLife, new composite decking can be installed 50% faster (requiring much less bending and straining) simply by attaching pre-measured, pre-spaced strips along the top edge of the deck joist. This new product experience can really make a difference when the busy deck building season reaches its peak again next summer.

Another benefit to working with a decking contractor during their off season is that they may be more willing to negotiate with you on pricing. As a result, homeowners can then use the savings to potentially upgrade to a higher quality of composite decking used to build their new deck. 

The Benefits of Scheduling Composite Decking in the Fall

Lastly, homeowners can benefit by scheduling their deck building project for late fall because it reduces the impact on the landscape. Heavy equipment used for site preparation and excavation work can sometimes damage lawns and other vegetation on the property. However, as summer turns to fall, the natural cycle of most outdoor plants has shifted from growth to dormancy. That means that any exterior damage caused by high foot traffic or construction equipment will more easily be absorbed and later repaired the following spring.

The caveat is that, while most outdoor construction projects can continue well into the fall, freezing ground temperatures can make it more difficult to dig post footings for your new deck. The good news is that If you are building or resurfacing a new deck with composite decking, its inert ingredients will enable it to be installed regardless of the time of year, or temperature. Resistant to moisture, polypropylene composite decking experiences only minimal expansion and contraction from one season to the next, meaning that even if the decking is installed on a 35°(F) day in November, it will remain solid, safe and secure in June when temps hit 90°(F).

So, go ahead and contact a few local professional decking companies now and know that you’ll most likely end up with a better looking, less expensive deck to enjoy next summer.

Get samples of DuraLife composite decking. Select any capped composite decking samples in any combination of collection, profile, and color. Order your samples now!