Any woodworker can appreciate the fine craftsmanship of a lovely deck – as well as its excellent utility. A good deck turns your Kennett Square yard into an entertainment paradise, allowing you to host in comfort all throughout the warm months.
You also understand how important it is to take care with every aspect of its construction in order to ensure that it will stay standing for years.
A carpentry project on this scale takes research and design know-how, not to mention a great deal of elbow grease. These are the most pivotal components of a successful deck project in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Should You Work With a Contractor?
If you are a fan of all things wood, you may believe you can handle nearly any project on your own; you’ve probably done quite a few house upgrades in your free time, whether that is adding shelving to a custom closet or creating an heirloom dining room table with a beautiful finish. However, there’s no shame in having a highly accomplished, professional team work with you to develop a fantastic and safe deck.
They have the experience to build things safely and to handle any permits that may be necessary when adding a permanent structure; they can also get good deals on materials that may not be available to the average person.
When deciding whether to work with a contractor, you want to consider a few things, such as your familiarity with design concepts, your budget, and the quality of the company itself. Search for “deck builder near me” and review the listings, particularly in regard to their customer feedback. Explore their portfolio of finished projects and reach out to any references they provide. You also want to get quotes from multiple contractors to ensure that your preferred company is within an acceptable range.
How Will You Use Your Deck?
Decks are, of course, meant to be utilized frequently, especially when the weather is nice, which is why you need to have a good idea of what kinds of activities will be taking place on your deck before you begin the design process.
Do you expect to have large family gatherings or more intimate meetings with your close family? Will you be eating dinner outside, or is it more a space to relax and birdwatch by yourself?
These will all determine the size and layout, as well as dictate what types of additional features you may want. For example, if you’re going to have the whole family over for dinner, you want plenty of open space, storage, and seating options, so putting in a water feature or firepit may not make sense for you.
What Style Should You Choose?
There is a dizzying array of options when it comes to making a deck. You can choose an elevated deck, either on the second floor or flush with the first floor; if you choose this option, you’ll want to think about drainage under the floor of the deck to ensure you don’t get waterlogged.
Railing is a good idea if you have children or pets and want to protect them from a nasty fall, and it will also serve as a nice place to hang plants or lanterns for sultry summer nights.
Many people choose to go for a curved style, either a complete circle or gently curved bumpouts, as they add a more modernistic finish. This requires specialized knowledge to get right, which is why it’s important to work with a good contractor if you’re interested in this option.
What Materials Are Best?
A good deck should harmonize with your home and the overall environment, which is why you should look to your existing house for inspiration. Try to match the color of the flooring in the home to offer a seamless transition from interior to exterior; if you have a brick exterior, consider how you can incorporate these colors into the overall design. It’s not always possible to exactly mimic the colors of your property, but the closer you get, the easier it will be to overlook a slight mismatch in the material.
Another option is to consider Kennett Square’s own environment, such as its native rock and tree options. For example, if you’d like to build a fireplace on the deck or want a water feature, consider incorporating local rock that will blend with your home. The area is known for light-colored gneiss, which can range from striking black-and-white bands to subtle variegated browns; this material works incredibly well in both interior and exterior construction, as it’s very hardy and can handle weathering.
Planning Ahead of Time Ensures a Perfect Deck Experience
The old adage of “measure once, cut twice” is paramount when it comes to building a deck. Thoughtful development, as well as working with an accomplished contractor, will save you a great deal of money and stress so that you can focus on what’s most important: enjoying time with your family on your new deck in Kennett Square, PA. Think about things like utility, style, and materials ahead of time, and you’ll create a paragon of tranquility that will last for years.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fred Felton
Content Creator / Editor
Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the wooden arts and crafts space, focussing on innovative wooden product design. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.
