Summer Decks Are Made in Winter: Getting Summer Ready

Here are some key things to consider and keep in mind if you want your new deck ready in time for the warmer months.

Booking trade

Get in early to avoid disappointment! A continued surge in renovations coupled with the recent damages due to natural disasters has resulted in a significant shortage of tradespeople and is resulting in huge waiting times for qualified trade. Book your trades asap.

Buy local

World events are impacting the building industry significantly with extended waits on building supplies. Buying from Australian manufacturers may help reduce waiting times and unforeseen costs associated with overseas shipping delays.

Choose your materials

Give yourself enough time to do your research and choose the decking material that is right for you.  With an abundance of deck options available such as traditional timber, composites or aluminium, choosing your decking material can easily blow out your time frame. Research each option thoroughly and compare the benefits of each to help make your decision on what works for you. Some things to consider:

• – Temperature: How hot will the deck get on a typical summer’s day?
• – Install time: How long will the deck take to install?
• – Safety: Can the chosen material be safely installed around pools or wet areas?
• – Maintenance: How much time and money are you willing to spend maintaining the deck each year?
• – Fire Safety: Can your chosen deck material be used in bushfire areas?

Considering these factors will help you make the right decision, with no regrets down the track.

Anticipate the weather

If this year has taught us anything, it is that the weather can be very unpredictable. Unfortunately, the weather can sometimes mean your chosen tradesperson simply cannot complete an outdoor job. Getting the process for a new deck started early can ensure you have plenty of time up your sleeve in case bad weather hits and will have you enjoying your deck as soon as the weather warms up.

Development Applications

Depending on a variety of factors, you may need a DA before commencing any works. Once lodged, DA assessments can take anywhere from 21 to 90 days for a decision to be made, depending on the council. This can potentially put out your project timeline significantly if not factored in. Check with your local council as DA exemptions vary.

Pandemic repercussions

Although the days of lockdowns are seemingly behind us, COVID and other illnesses are still having an impact. With isolation requirements still being mandated across Australia and this winter seeing some of the highest cold and flu cases in a long time, unfortunately tradies and other services like freight companies are still be affected. Factoring in these types of delays and starting early will impact how quickly your materials can arrive and how soon your deck can be installed.