You’ve decided to add a deck and you are beginning to speak with Calgary builders. It is a good idea to arm yourself with as much information before you shop. Here are some tips that may help.
There are a number of options about where to place the deck. Most are attached to a back door but they can also be freestanding or on a second story like a balcony or with steps to the lower level that can be a patio area. Some big box centers have software that will allow you to help you create the best design for your space.
Footings
Footings must comply with all municipal codes and be properly installed. The footings should be set in concrete and the depth will depend on the terrain, weight of the deck, and be below the frost line. If the deck is attached to a home, it must have a properly set ledger. This is a large beam attached to the home and to which the deck’s substructure is attached. It also must conform to code. Joists must be set in parallel rows and accurately set to provide adequate support.
After these safety and preliminary measures are complete, you get to add the flooring. Wood is always a popular choice. Be sure it is either naturally weather and insect resistant or has been chemically treated to be so. Another option that is becoming more popular is composite decking. This starts out with a higher initial cost but saves money over time in low maintenance especially in the fact that a composite won’t need replacement. Many have up to a 20 year warranty.
Boards
The boards need to be secure so you have to decide on nails or screws and visible or invisible. If you want a seamless appearance there are screws that attach from below or at an angle. Whichever you decide on, make sure they are rated for exterior use. They are usually called deck screws or deck nails.
If you have gone with wood boards, they will expand and contract over time with heat, cold and moisture. That is why most contractors will use a spacer to keep them about 1/8 inch apart. You can use manufactured spacers or a few screws. A wood deck will also need a final coat. Most start with a stain to achieve the color you want and then use a finish. Treated lumber means you need to wait a few months before the finish can go on. After that, it will need to be redone every few years.
At Project Landscape we build high quality, large or small decks at affordable prices. We work with all types of decking materials including low maintenance composites and natural wood products. Contact us to set up a preliminary meeting so that we can discuss your needs and wants. In that way we can design the best type of deck and use the materials that will best apply in your situation.
Deck builders in Calgary will tell you that each construction takes on the personality of the owner. Each has its own style that reflects the neighborhood, architecture of the home, and attitude of the household.
Elevation
The first step is to look at the availability of space and the terrain of the current landscaping. Extending a deck from the door, the deck elevation or height from the ground will determine much. Low decks may not require guardrails but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have them. The underdeck can become a haven for small animals, or insects, so some type of barrier is recommended. It is usually a good idea to create some sort of ventilation to prevent mold or mildew from forming.
Higher decks can appear more lightweight. They will either require steps or can be constructed as a multi level area. Guardrails will be necessary but that also means you can attach permanent bench seating along the perimeter to make entertaining easier.
Traffic Patterns
Your deck will take a lot of foot traffic as well as static areas for seating or dining. For safety reasons, the stairs should be accessible from all areas of the deck. That means you should carefully consider where you place your grill, the position of the door to the house, and other accessories like a fire pit. Thinking of these items prior to actual construction will give you a better concept of the final product.
If you are leaning toward multiple levels, be cautious to avoid severe changes in elevation, not just for the aesthetics but because they can become dangerous. Tripping is always a concern and if the stairs are difficult to identify, you have an additional problems. Sometimes you can use a cascading wrap to help the stairs be more navigable and to blend into the landscape.
Materials
The right kind of decking for your design is equally important. There is real wood like cedar, redwood, or other imports. There are manufactured decking materials as well. It will also depend upon how much maintenance you are willing to devote like cleaning or re-staining. Consider the various colors and textures as well.
You can contrast the border placement with the decking. You can also place the boards diagonally or in a pattern like herringbone. It will depend on the character you want to convey and even where to guide the eye of your guests like toward a particularly nice area of planting.
To secure the boards, you can use hidden fasteners, nails or screws.
Options
Much of what you choose will depend on your overall vision and the intended uses. Play areas for children need different materials than adult, or older adult entertaining. While it is nice to emulate your neighbors, creating your own design will set you apart from the rest.
Check with our experts at Project Landscape. We have a lot of ideas to share with you and can make your dreams happen within your established budget. We can also help with the surrounding landscaping to make your outdoor area perfect.
Here you sit in Calgary and want to make some changes to your deck. Perhaps you want to add it as a new feature to your home, modify something you already have, or do a tear out and rebuild. Your problem is knowing how to find a reliable contractor that will do the job correctly.
Deck Building Credentials
The best place to start is by verifying that the contractor has met all the legal requirements. That may be a business license, bonding, or other criteria.
Insurance is one of the critical elements. They should have general liability coverage and workers’ compensation at a minimum. You should ask to see a copy of the insurance certificate and make note of the limits. Then it is not a bad idea to give your homeowner’s insurance agent a quick call and find out from them what your liability might be should something go awry.
After you have narrowed down your choices, check references. Don’t rely on the testimonials on the website. Ask for names and addresses so that you can check out the workmanship. At that time you can also chat with the homeowner to see how they felt about the job. Ask about any snags that happened (and there usually are a few) and how the contractor dealt with the problems. If the deck has been there for a few years, see how it has held up under the Calgary weather.
Regulations
A good contractor will know all of the regulations around building a deck in Calgary. It probably means securing the permits, and the contractor should take care of that detail. Be sure they contact the utility companies and arrange for any inspections necessary.
Don’t agree to any work without a written contract. This should include payment terms.
Range of Deck Building Services
Most builders will have a preference of materials, but some only work with specific types like composite. Selecting a contractor that is uncomfortable with the materials can be problematic. Unless you are positive about the type of wood you want, be sure your contractor can provide you with a list of options and explain the benefits and disadvantages of each. You should be able to make a good decision based on your needs and budget. Some will offer extras like lighting, custom seating and planting options.
At the end of the design phase, ask yourself if it is really what you want and will it work for your lifestyle. Having two or three estimates and designs to choose from should make the decision easier. Making changes during the building can mean added costs, delays and other complications. Also find out about any mess that might be involved during the process like where the materials will be stored, noise, whether it will mean relocating items like a satellite dish, cables or sprinkler system.
Project Landscape would like to be on your list of potential contractors. We are happy to share all of our deck building documentation and ideas. Contact us through this website for more information.
Having the perfect deck will enable you to spend more time in your outdoor space, relaxing with loved ones and entertaining guests. More so, it will also increase your property’s value if you ever consider selling. However, a poorly built deck will have a reverse effect on all these benefits.
Finding the right team for building a new deck in Calgary or repairing an existing one can be difficult. Since you and your family will be using the space more often, it will take more than a quick search on the internet to get a good deck builder.
Discover with these tips what to look out for when hiring a deck builder in Calgary to ensure you’re getting the best for your project.
● Research Different Companies
Take your time to search online for professional deck builders around Calgary. You can check on online directories like Yelp or ask your neighbors with excellent decks for recommendations. This is more beneficial since you can already see the quality of jobs they can do. If they meet your requirements, then you can save time from searching all over the internet and check them out right away.
● Check for Online Customer Reviews
Besides researching deck builders near you, go further by checking their social media pages and websites for customer reviews. This helps you ascertain if other customers were satisfied with their work or not before you go ahead and hire them.
● Experience
Check how long the business has been in operation to gauge their experience. Consider selecting a deck builder who has been in the industry for a long time and has gathered enough professional experience.
● Ask for Photo Samples
Ensure you request for photo samples of their previous works. Any good company won’t hesitate to show off their best results to their prospective customers. After all, the last thing you’ll want is for a deck builder to use your deck as an experiment. You can choose a sample similar to what you had in mind from checking the photos of their best jobs.
● Request References
Ask the company for references and ensure you speak to homeowners that have previously used the deck building services. Doing this will help you uncover problems they might have had with the contractor. These problems may result from poor communication and customer service, the project taking too long, budget issues, among others.
● Check for Insurance and License
Make sure the company you choose is insured and has a valid license. This will exempt you from bearing the cost of any damage to your property during the deck installation process.
More so, this will save you from future legal problems if there was an accident or incident involving the workers while working on your property.
● Compare Cost Estimate to Your Budget
Request for the cost estimate of the project and make sure it matches your budget. Also, ensure you select a contractor who, besides offering a friendly price, also gives you value for your money.
Going the extra mile to hire a good deck builder ensures you’re getting your money’s worth. A good deck building service will consider your unique needs while designing the deck, answer your questions regarding the project with confidence, and have excellent testimonials.
Our team at Project Landscape possesses extensive knowledge and experience in building decks that Calgary homeowners love. If you’re interested in adding decks to your home, contact our experts so we can get started right away with making the deck of your dream.
Decks are a great addition to your home. They allow for outdoor entertaining and personal respite. They add value to the property. If you don’t currently have a deck and are thinking of incorporating one into your landscape, here are some things to consider.
Be Legal – The first thing is to find out if your municipality or province will require a permit. If so, what will you need to present? There can also be some requirements about space to the property line or setback regulations. A few phone calls can save you much grief.
Learn the Lingo – If you are planning to get estimates to have the deck built, you need to understand the terms the builder is using. If you don’t understand, ask questions. If they can’t explain it to your satisfaction, think about whether this is the company you want to work with. If you are planning to tackle the project yourself, you need to be able to talk with the suppliers so you get the right materials. Big box stores may give you the right price, but the person helping you load your cart may have little or no knowledge of how to actually build anything.
Start at the Bottom – The foundation is critical for safety. Remember that this structure will be supporting the weight of a number of people, plus furniture, potted plants and other items. You need to know the composition of the soil so that you can provide the best foundation. The support pilings should be secured into concrete for the best stability.
Surface – You will need to decide whether to use wood or composite for the planks that will form the floor of your deck. Composite is a plastic material that can be used for the floor only, not the supports. It is expensive but it has a long lifespan, only needs power washing every year or so. Wood is the traditional choice. If you go that route, you have a lot of options like pressure treated or natural wood. There are varieties of wood, each with its own benefits like red cedar, white cedar, Hemlock and Douglas fir.
These are some of the first things you need to bear in mind as you start the planning for your new deck. There are many, many more details to consider. If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed, don’t worry. Contact us at Project Landscape in Calgary. We have experts who are happy to discuss your plans and who can give solid advice. Even better, we can complete the project for you so you will be certain the job is done correctly.
If you’re interested in a new deck in Calgary this year, why not give composite decking a chance?
Homeowners in Calgary and beyond are really starting to realize the benefits of an alternative to wood for their decking, and the best alternative around has got to be composite WPC decking. It’s super simple to maintain, eco-friendly, and, best of all, can last years longer than a natural wood deck.
What is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is a manufactured product made up of wood fibers, plastics, and a small amount of bonding materials. Often, the plastics and wood fibers are recycled from other sources. This makes it a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to timber decking.
So here are our 4 amazing benefits of composite decking in 2020.
Low Maintenance
A traditional wooden decking requires maintenance, as with most wooden structures outdoors. It’s often recommended that you perform this essential maintenance at least twice throughout the year, ideally once in spring to prepare for the summer months, and once in the fall to prepare for the colder winter months.
With a composite deck, on the other hand, you’re only going to need some soapy water to maintain your deck at its installed quality over the course of its lifetime. It’s also going to be resistant to stains in a way that natural wood is incapable of being.
Durability
Composite decking is built to last. This is seen not only in its ability to resist stains and fading, but the materials it’s made from are much more resistant to things like rot, mould, or other dampness and weather related issues.
On top of being resistant to wet and windy weather, composite decking isn’t going to crack and warp over time if left in inclement weather, the kind of weather we can get in Calgary!
If you’re a family with pets or children, you can also rest safely in the knowledge that composite decking is splinter-free, providing a safer environment for the little ones to run around.
Sustainability
Just like you, we’re interested in materials that are eco-friendly and sustainable. It’s no secret that changing the way we think about the materials we use in construction can only be a good thing in coming decades, and composite decking is the best of both worlds.
Not only will the use of composite decking mean that you’re less likely to have to purchase another deck so soon, from bad weather or rot that wooden decks are susceptible to, but you’re also buying material that has been made to recycle plastics that are often polluting oceans.
Composite decking doesn’t contribute to deforestation in any way, and that’s just a big plus in our books.
Style
If you’re anything like us, you’re interested not only in quality materials and a low-maintenance lifestyle, but you’re interested in living life in style.
Composite decking comes in many colours, textures, and styles so they really appeal to the homeowner with a good eye. You can go for the traditional look and choose an almost perfect match to your favourite wood, or you can go bolder and choose something not normally available.
The best part about the stylistic choices of composite decking is that not only will your home look amazing, it’s going to keep looking amazing for decades.
Next steps
So, if you’re interested in a new deck in Calgary, you should contact us today. We’re here for you and to provide you the best decking for your needs. Our top rated team of experienced landscapers will be delighted to help you find the best decking to match your desires.
Every time summer hits, everyone is in a rush to book a summer vacation. Very few people know that they can bring that summer vacation closer to them with some fresh landscape designs on the residential homes.
Even when it’s not summer yet, people tend to spend most of their time at home with family and friends. For this reason, there is a need for a backyard getaway. The truth is backyard staycations are the best, but it can be challenging to start one, especially without enough information and ideas.
The ideas shared in this post will keep you searching for a perfect vacation home no more. I want you to trust that your ideal vacation home is in your backyard. If you already have enough space, you just need Calgary landscaping experts to come and create a little piece of heaven for you.
Shade structure-Pergolas and Planting for privacy
When you are considering your home as a vacation home, lazing beneath a shady pergola during the summer is one of the crucial experiences of the season. You need shade structures not just for shade but for making your outdoor living more private and pleasant.
On your summer vacation, you can agree with me that a cedar pergola is not just for the looks; they are preferred to provide shade from harsh summer rays of the sun. With these ideas, a great view of the blooming garden or a sparkling pool is also guaranteed. What will be missing is a book and a drink for your summer experiences.
Put up a Pergola
As you enjoy your summertime in your backyard, there’s a need for privacy. One of the best ways of achieving that private feel on your deck without blocking the stunning views of the surroundings is putting up a Calgary Pergola.
I know you are wondering how a pergola can offer you privacy when there’s no wall. Besides that, would it provide security or just privacy? That is true; putting up a pergola will not guarantee 100% privacy and security, but yes, the beams and the wood columns will offer some obstruction from your neighbors.
Many homeowners prefer putting a Pergola atop an elevated deck. This provides additional privacy and, at the same time, improves your summer experience. Summer in your home should be the best thing because you have privacy and you are in control. All you should do is to put up a pergola to offer minimal obstruction from your neighbors and consider other privacy measures such as Planting a pergola.
Plant a Pergola for Privacy-
For an additional touch of coziness and shade, choose a Calgary landscaping expert to help you fill the sides and top of the Pergola with twinning plants. It’s a good idea to select climbing greenery or other Calgary plants that can climb on the poles and crossbeams to give your home vacation a romantic and serene touch. This means that you can comfortably relax in your outdoor living space without worrying about a neighbor spying on you from a distance. It’s advisable to plant your Pergola early enough because it may take a lot of time for the vines to go up to the top of the structure.
Hangout with your Greenery
Another amazing method of making your home vacation comfortable, serene, and private is the use of greenery. This can be challenging, but with Calgary Landscape services, it’s an achievable idea. You can fill your Pergola with herbs and vegetables to obstruct the neighbors and maintain the privacy of your outdoor activities.
Dining Outside-Paving Stone patios and Composite Decking
It’s time to extend your indoor to the backyard and enjoy the summer vacation in style with a paver patio. Although installing the paver stones patios needs some expert assistance, you can install it on your own or opt for the Calgary landscaping expert services.
To set up your Dining outside, you need to choose the easiest to install patterns. Some of the available options that are easy to install include running Bond and Jack-on-jack patterns. If you have enough time, you may also want to consider pinwheel and herringbone, which needs more cutting. For homeowners with the least time, it’s a good idea to consider stamped pavers that resemble stone.
When you are installing your outdoor Dining, make sure the patio is big enough for the furniture and the space you need. It should also allow enough space to walk around. If you need to add a large grill, it’s also important to go for thicker pavers.
It’s also recommended to pick a patio location strategically. It may be in areas such as near the doors and windows. Consider how that can affect the doors and the windows and eventually pick the best location for the project.
Modern Deck and Patio Ideas and Designs
Patio and decks provide you a perfect opportunity to enjoy your summer vacation at home. Space usually includes some protection from some elements which can be achieved through privacy screens, a roof, railings, and Pergola.
The choice of some ingenious and attractive patio and deck ideas offers improved landscaping and improves the looks on your backyard. Here are some of the Calgary decking ideas that you can choose from.
Pergola Retreat
For the people living in the city but still want to turn their backyard into an amazing vacation home, this is the option. It can easily be attained by adding a deck and a pergola to the decking and patio. Calgary plants should accompany it for a vivid hue and vibrant colors. Although this idea seems simple to implement, it can be challenging if there’s a lack of information and time. If that defines you, choose Deck Builders Calgaryfor expert help.
Curtained patio
A family with an old and tired stone patio would think of ways of transforming it into a dress-up hub or a beautiful bath tab area. The best ideas, in this case, are using the curtained patio as well as refinish the tile floor and the stone. After that, consider installing curtains and shades. For your summer vacation, it’s a good idea to add some charm with sofa sets and old seats.
Pavers and Pebbles
This is a new patio that matches perfectly well as an option for family owners that wants a beautiful and charming feeling during next summer. It is defined by white curtained Pergola. The Pergola is placed over pebble floors and garden pavers. It may include a fire pit in the middle for people that want to enjoy all seasons in their homes. Lastly, big sofas should side the patio offering an incredible outdoor comfort for summer bees.
Pool, Pergola, and Patio
The summer is coming, and all you need in your backyard is a pool, Pergola for privacy and patio for that charm look and comfort. It’s a good idea to include a cooling dipping pool, a protective pergola, wood decking, and a fire pit in your backyard to enjoy to the fullest. If this interests you, then this is a 2020 trend that cannot pass you unimplemented.
Glass-enclosed patio
Sometimes people want to enjoy the outdoors across all weather conditions. For that reason, you should waterproof your outdoor patio. You can choose a wood-floored patio or a paver stone patio for your outdoors but still engrave it with waterproof glass. This allows you to spend some quality time on the outdoor living spaces every season of the year, whether there’s wind, rain, sun, cold, or snow.
Modern White Minimalist
I want to think that plain and bare concrete flooring is also your thing. If that is true, consider a minimalist white patio, which is a modern trend for summer bees. Just slice coffee table and a small sofa for comfort. It’s also good to add eclectic seats and few potted plants for extra charm.
Interlocking Deck Tiles
This decking idea is a modern trend and an exciting choice for all the people that don’t want to drain their financial reserves for out of town summer vacations. Enjoy your summer staycation with some wood-themed deck tiles with the interlocking pattern. This trend gives your outdoor character and exciting feature. This idea can be complicated to implement on your own, given the work invested and the knowledge needed. Get an expert that is versed with Calgary Decksand someone that can offer services at affordable prices.
The above are some of the ideas that you can implement for your summer months. There are many other ideas that are easy to implement if you have the information. You can choose the half-covered Pergola. This provides your outdoor dining area, both light and shade. It can also be accompanied by a built-in seating which can be created in solid concrete and dressed with cushions. The cushions can be removed during winter months. The built-in sitting structures are left intact for another outdoor activity somewhere in the year. It’s also easy to implement covered patio designs in Calgary for your vacation.
Each day more homeowners are joining the composite deck bandwagon of landscaping – comprising good waste, fillers and recycled plastic as the ultimate low-maintenance, eco-friendly solution for their outdoor/front door spaces.
Also factor in the fact that the wood grain patterns and colors of the composite family are becoming even more realistic. These Calgary composite decks can be adorned with rails designed from wood, glass or even stainless steel wiring. Activity-specific spaces can be added and these decks can well be built on various levels to be in sync with the natural terrain, and to lay emphasis on specific views or vistas.
Well, my guess is before you make the decision to opt into the composite fever landscaping, you want to first be thorough about it. So, without further ado, let’s get slices of this new cake and get to know it pros and cons of this Calgary mouthful.
Pros of Composite Decks in Calgary
Very different from wood, Composite decking in Calgary never require you to stain or sand them – what they need is occasional cleaning with soap and water or the more brilliant idea of a power wash.
These decks are very good for the environment because the manufacturers of these materials use million-pounds of both pre and post-consumer waste plastic that would otherwise end up in landfills.
They put recycled wood into their employ, thus saving the environmental hazards that come with the felling of new trees. So you are doing the ecosystem a greater good buy buying one of these more recent models, while enjoying the long-lasting feature they offer when compared to regular treated wood.
It is also in the books that as a result of composite decks’ longevity of stay, they stay out of the landfill for a much longer time.
Landscaping today have been designed to be very impermeable to water, while it is just as important to be religious with basic precautions to prevent molding. Generic advices say that they should be installed at least 24 inches above the ground for it to have sufficient ventilation – that the best way they are enjoyed.
According to reliable sources, composite decks in Calgary can be cleaned of developing mildew or mold with the use of a specially designed solution which happens to be eco-friendly and instantly effective.
Composites are weather resistant and they are not in the habit of splintering or rotting, compared to its treated wood counterpart.
Cons of Composite Decks in Calgary
Well, you know the first – it costs more than treated wood. Yes, composite decks would demand 50 percent more cash that pressure-treated decking and somewhat more than cedar or redwood- it all depends on the lumber grade.
The upfront cost is made up for in the longer run, nevertheless, as you would be thankful you have made a move to save yourself maintenance costs. Composite decking is available in various grades, and what any of them would cost you is dependent upon on some factors such as the kind of material used, the deck’s UV protection and scratch resistance – mentioning only a few.
Composite deck landscaping takes higher numbers when put on a scale than wood per linear foot, while woods are not as strong. A good number of manufacturers call for 16 inches on center framing for straight runs and 12 inches on center for diagonal runs.
Composite decking is not really a structured product but it is usually installed over a frame of pressure treated lumber. The deck can be stained by with cooking grease and the plastic can be melted by hot coals.
You also need to keep in mind while buying that the boards which are attached with hidden fasteners are especially hard to replace. These hidden fasteners can be fastened using a system of clips hidden beneath the decking, which adds a little cost. But it does give the deck a cleaner appearance, and it happens to be more permanent than the fastening system.
Some problems also associated with composite decks is that a number of them may look obviously fake or cheap and some brands can be slippery to walk on. When they are put under shades in Calgary and other regions, these much lauded decks are not resistant to molds and mildews, after which they will likely show signs of ageing and decay.
Footings must comply with all municipal codes and be properly installed. The footings should be set in concrete and the depth will depend on the terrain, weight of the deck, and be below the frost line. If the deck is attached to a home, it must have a properly set ledger. This is a large beam attached to the home and to which the deck’s substructure is attached. It also must conform to code. Joists must be set in parallel rows and accurately set to provide adequate support.
Your deck will take a lot of foot traffic as well as static areas for seating or dining. For safety reasons, the stairs should be accessible from all areas of the deck. That means you should carefully consider where you place your grill, the position of the door to the house, and other accessories like a fire pit. Thinking of these items prior to actual construction will give you a better concept of the final product.
Insurance is one of the critical elements. They should have general liability coverage and workers’ compensation at a minimum. You should ask to see a copy of the insurance certificate and make note of the limits. Then it is not a bad idea to give your homeowner’s insurance agent a quick call and find out from them what your liability might be should something go awry.
Besides researching deck builders near you, go further by checking their social media pages and websites for customer reviews. This helps you ascertain if other customers were satisfied with their work or not before you go ahead and hire them.
