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Top 10 Things to Consider When You Build Your Deck

After 32 years of building high quality wood decks, fences, and screened porches in Manassas, VA, the professionals at Hal Co know a thing or two about building a deck. Here are our "Top 10 Things to Consider When You Build Your Deck":

1. LOCATION
   Most decks are placed off the kitchen. You can install privacy panels or walls to reduce noise and provide relief from passing neighbors and motorists. It is also important to consider the view from inside your home. Other factors include wind and sun exposures, and placement relative to any existing structures, including windows, clearance for doors, plumbing or electrical fixtures, and pools or patios.
2. SIZE
   The size and shape of your deck will, in large part, be determined by the location, the load calculations, the support needed, and the terrain. Local zoning typically requires a "setback" distance between the property line and your deck perimeter.
3. LEGALITIES
   Make sure you use a current site plan, obtain a building permit, and incorporate ADA (The Americans With Disabilities Act) or other building code requirements. Recent incidents of wood deck collapse remind us the structural integrity of your deck is paramount.
4. COST
   The size, materials, and load requirements all factor in to the cost of your new deck. A professional deck contractor will guide you in making choices to support your budget. Allow for maintenance and repair costs over the life of your wood deck. Some materials require much less maintenance and therefore, cost less over time.
5. DESIGN
   Deck shapes, flooring and railing patterns, materials and finishes, accessories, lighting, complimentary structures like gazebos, pergolas, arbors, screened porches, and outdoor features like fireplaces and outdoor kitchens can contribute to your custom deck paradise. The sky really is the limit!
6. MATERIALS
   Our wood decks are not our father's wood decks. Modern technology and market globalization have intertwined to bring a dizzying array of choices in wood deck building products: teak, white cedar, and pressure-treated lumber to name a few. Now we also have synthetic woods, or composite deck materials. Durable and low-maintenance, these are great choices for outdoor building projects.
7. FLOW
   Your family traffic patterns, the variety and versatility of uses, and other landscape elements can dramatically enhance your deck. The more sophisticated your design elements, the more planning goes into consideration and placement of items like stairways, entryways, seating, and lighting.
8. USE
   Whether you plan to cook or grill, dine under the stars or entertain friends and family, how you plan to use your deck has a key bearing on your deck design. Many of our clients incorporate a pool, a hot tub spa, or a Zen garden to bring an added dimension of enjoyment and relaxation to their outdoor construction project.
9. SHADE
   Decks get hot in the sweltering summer. When you plan your wood deck installation give thought to how you will provide relief from direct sun. There are many creative ways to bring ample shade to your deck, including awnings, arbors, gazebos and pergolas, landscape elements, and strategically placed umbrellas.
10. STYLE
    You can find an architectural aesthetic to match or compliment any home landscape. Use accessories like railings and caps, seating and lighting, color and texture to contribute to the mood and sensibility of your deck. The possibilities are endless.

Our Hal Co deck professionals are experts in guiding you through the deck design and construction process. We hope our "Top 10 Things to Consider When You Build Your Deck" has given you a solid head start toward building the custom deck of your dreams.

More about...

Decks

• Why a Deck Builder is Highly Recommended for Arlington, VA Homeowners
• Finding a Reputable Deck Builder in Washington, D.C.
• Wood Deck Builder Adds Outdoor Rooms With a View in Manassas, VA
• Budgeting for Decks in Northern Virginia
• Wood Deck vs. Patio Options for Homeowners in Manassas, VA
• How to Choose the Best Deck Builder in Arlington, VA
• Proper Rapport with Your Deck Contractor in Washington, D.C. is Essential
• Selecting a Wood Deck Builder in Leesburg, VA
• Suggestions for Hiring a Deck Building Contractor in Washington, DC
• Considerations Before You Build a Deck in Warrenton, VA
• Planning to Build a Deck in Gainesville, VA?
• Discuss Permitting Before Hiring a Deck Builder in Washington, D.C.
• When You Build a Deck in Leesburg, VA, Planning Details are Critical
• Are All Deck Builders in Arlington, VA the Same?
• Build a Deck in Washington, DC with Engineering Privacy
• Five Important Things to Know Before You Build a Deck
• A Deck or Patio for Your Northern VA Home?
• Want a "Green" Deck in Arlington, VA?
• Indoor Outdoor Spaces
• Screen Porches In Northern Virginia, Where Design Is As Important As Function
• A Unique Northern Virginia Deck Experience With the Right Lighting
• Your Deck Contractor's Reputation Makes All The Difference in Northern Virginia
• Choosing The Right Deck Contractor In Northern Virginia
• Northern Virginia Decks Can Be Adorned with Many Outdoor Furniture Materials

Safety

• Safety Tips to Follow When You Build a Deck in Arlington, VA
• How to Prevent a Deadly Collapse Involving Custom Decks
• What else can a deck contractor do for you?
• Deck Safety Checks
• Pool Safety
• Decks, Cookouts and Grilling Safely

Maintenance

• How to Preserve Your Deck in Reston, VA with Proper Deck Maintenance
• Preserving Your Wood Deck in Reston, VA
• Removing Mold From Your Composite Deck
• Deck Care and Fence Maintenance Tips
• How to Maintain Your Wood Decks And Fences
• Save Your Northern Virginia Deck from Winter Weather Damage
• General Cleaning and Care For Your Composite Deck

Design

• Working With a Professional Deck Builder in Gainesville, VA
• How to Make a Custom Deck Stand Out in Leesburg, VA
• A Deck Contractor in Manassas, VA - Check Them Out
• How to Benefit From a Custom Deck Builder in Washington, D.C.
• Before You Build a Deck in Leesburg, VA, Check Out This Years Design Trends
• Preparing for Your New Deck Installation in Great Falls, VA
• Planning Your Wood Deck in Leesburg, VA
• Hiring a Qualified Deck Contractor for Washington, DC Deck Projects
• Maximize Your Wood Deck's Potential
• Before Revitalizing or Building Custom Decks Explore Fresh Design Options
• Top 10 Things to Consider when You Build Your Deck
• Fence Post Caps Add Elegant Touch to Fences, Decks
• Designing the Northern Virginia Deck of Your Dreams
• Decorating Tips for Your Northern Virginia Deck
• Choosing The Right Deck Design For Your Ashburn, VA Home
• Landscaping Ideas Around Your Northern Virginia Deck
• Railing Options for Northern Virginia Decks
• Transform Your Northern Virginia Deck into a Private Retreat

Materials

• Tips About Composite Decks For Gainesville, VA, Homeowners
• The Beauty of Capped Composite Decks for Manassas, VA, Homeowners
• What’s Behind The Growing Popularity of Composite Decks in Arlington, VA?
• What Is Composite Decking Made Of — And Is Right For Your Northern Virginia Lifestyle
• Composite Decking Brings Low Maintenance Beauty to Your Northern Virginia Home
• Consider Composite Decking as a Low Maintenance Option for Your Northern Virginia Home
• Vinyl Decking Offers Northern Virginia Homeowners Durability and Low Maintenance
• What is Pressure-Treated Wood for Decking?
• Red Cedar Offers Natural Strength, Durability as a Decking Material