1)  Poor Design – Like any major project, it will pay to plan ahead before designing your deck. Several factors must be considered, the main one being overall size, which will be determined by what you plan to use your deck for. You may want to include areas for a barbeque, dining table and chairs, sunbathing, a hot tub or an outdoor kitchen or bar. A small conversation or reading area. A second level may be beneficial for privacy or to break up a larger deck into separate areas. A good deck design will incorporate your requirements and ideas while providing unobstructed access to house or deck entrances and stairs.

2)  Choice of Accessories and Features - A basic requirement for most decks is a railing, and there are several styles of wood, PVC and metal available to enhance the appearance of your deck. These materials may also be used to create privacy/wind screens, perimeter beams for hanging flowers or overhead sunfilters if some shade is required. These items are usually the most visual components of your deck and modest upgrades in styles or trim may prove more than worth the extra investment.

3)  Choice of Contractor – There are several things to consider when deciding on a contractor. How long have they been in business and will they be around in the future to respond to any problems I might have? Are they insured against property damage and injury? Do they have specialized experience in deck design and are they familiar with bylaws and building regulations? Can they provide photographs of past work and references from clients? You should obtain three estimates, or more if you wish. This will give you a good indication of the final cost of your project and should provide you with a variety of designs and ideas.

4)  Choice of Materials – Lumber products, including pressure treated wood and cedar, remain the most widely used decking materials. These materials provide several years of service with regular maintenance and the application of sun/weather protection. However, the development and use of alternative products, such as PVC (vinyl) and composite materials, have grown rapidly over the past couple of decades, and although relatively expensive at the outset, these products will extend the usefulness and appearance of your deck by several years, after wood decks require replacement. Because of the large number of manufacturers and products now available, it is recommended that you do your homework to be sure that your choice of materials will perform to your expectations.

5)  Deck Maintenance – Regardless of type of materials chosen to construct your deck, maintenance of some kind will be necessary to retain the appearance of your deck and may be required to satisfy your product warranty. Wood product maintenance will involve time and material expense (i.e. stain, etc.), but your deck will last longer and look better if periodically cleaned and protected from the weather. Low maintenance products, like PVC and composite materials usually only require occasional washing/rinsing to maintain their appearance.