LATEST ARTICLES

When we bought our house, we knew the deck would be among the first required fixes. In fact, we negotiated some cash back from the sellers to help cover the cost. Raising the height of the railings and reinforcing the posts has given us two safe summers on the deck, which is much more than we initially expected, but some of the floor boards and joists are going by the wayside now and it’ll soon be time to take it all down and replace it with something sturdier for our family.

To start the research off right, I got in touch with Maurice Meagher, owner of Archadeck in Halifax.

Herald Homes: What kind of value can a deck add to your home?

Maurice Meagher: “Outdoor-living projects are the most cost effective way to increase your living space. Decks, porches, sunrooms and patios provide a place to cook, entertain, relax and enjoy the outdoors. Outdoor living cost-vs.-value reports indicate that well constructed outdoor-living projects provide a return of 85 to 120 per cent. Outdoor-living projects can add as much value as a kitchen and bathroom renovation.”

HH: What are the best building materials to use in our Nova Scotia climate?

MM: “The best decking materials to use in our climate are pressure-treated wood, western red cedar or manufactured materials such as composite, aluminum and PVC. All of these materials will stand up to our weather. The manufactured materials are lower maintenance solutions as they will not require staining or painting.”

HH: How can we protect our decks from weather?

MM: “A well constructed deck, using the proper materials, does not need to be protected from the weather. The sun will however fade wooden decking materials. A high quality stain can change a wooden project to a chosen colour or help retain the original colour of the wood. Manufactured materials will just require annual cleaning.”

HH: What are some common safety regulations for decks that homeowners may not be aware of?

MM: “Safety regulations include width of stair treads, height of stair risers, height of railings. Building code requirements require proper attachment of decks to the home or building. Codes also require frost protection or footings to support the deck and prevent frost from heaving the structure. Lighting can also make decks and stairs safer.”

HH: Is fall a good time to add a new deck to your home or is it more ideal to wait until spring?

MM: “We build decks year round. There are some benefits to building your deck in the fall and winter. Your deck will be complete when the warm weather arrives in spring. You will be able to enjoy your deck, instead of losing good weather days under construction. Deck builders are not as busy in the fall and winter so they will typically be able to start your project quicker.”

HH: When it comes to decks, is bigger always better?

MM: “A deck should be large enough to provide the functions the homeowner requires. The size and scale of the deck should fit the scale and size of the home and property as well. There are also efficient sizes of decks, allowing them to be constructed more cost effectively. So bigger is not always better.”

HH: What is your top piece of advice for homeowners planning a new deck?

MM: “Think about how you want to use the deck functionally, consider the design elements, and decide on the esthetic features that you like and that will complement your home. You will also want to consider a budget for the project. Hiring an experienced reputable builder will also ensure project success.”