Homeowners thinking about upgrading their backyard with a low-maintenance composite deck will find many options available for their properties.
Before You Build: Planning and Permits
Planning for Deck Construction in Boulder means dealing with heavy clay soils and unpredictable mountain weather before you ever lay a board. Homeowners need to figure out their layout, check setback requirements with the city, and pull the right permits. While individuals can sketch out their dream layout and pick their board colors themselves, handling the structural engineering and local building department paperwork is usually best left to a professional crew.
Primetime Decks Boulder sees property owners try to fast-track the permitting phase often, only to get held up because frost depth requirements were not met. Property owners must make sure their footings go deep enough to beat the freeze-thaw cycle we deal with every winter.
During the Project: DIY vs. Pro Execution
Once construction gets underway, reality sets in regarding what homeowners can realistically tackle on a weekend. Individuals can certainly save some cash by handling the final deck staining of surrounding landscaping, patio furniture setup, or even helping with basic site cleanup. But framing, ledger board flashing, and laying composite boards with hidden fasteners require specialized tools and serious precision.
- Demo and hauling old wood: Great DIY sweat equity.
- Post placement and structural framing: Call a pro.
- Laying composite decking and hidden fasteners: Detail-oriented, tedious work.
- Building custom stairs and multi-tier levels: Leave to experienced builders.
After the Build: Care and Upkeep
Composite decking does not need annual staining or sealing, which is why most homeowners choose it in the first place. That does not mean it is entirely maintenance-free, especially living near the foothills where pine needles, cottonwood fuzz, and heavy UV rays take a toll. Property owners should give their deck a good rinse with a gentle soap and a soft-bristle brush a couple of times a year. Homeowners must keep up with clearing wet debris so mold does not get a chance to creep in during the damper spring months, and your outdoor space will look sharp for decades. For homes and businesses in Boulder, Primetime Decks Boulder provides Deck Construction services.