Whether you’re looking to improve your home’s curb appeal, increase your privacy, or just add a little extra living space, a deck or fence is the perfect way to do it. But with so many options on the market, how can you be sure you’re making the right choice? This blog post will help you navigate the world of decks and fences so that you can find the perfect one for your backyard.
Decide what you want your fence or deck to do – provide privacy, keep animals out, etc.
The first step in choosing a fence or deck is deciding what kind of “function” you’re looking for it to serve. Do you want to increase your living area? Block off an inconvenient view? Add some much-needed privacy to your backyard? Once you’ve thought this through, it will be much easier to measure out the size of the deck or fence that will best fulfill your intention.
Consider the size and shape of your backyard
Before you order any materials, take a good look at the area where you’d like to install a deck or fence. Check the size of your deck, especially if you want a bar on your deck. Do you have enough room? If not, will you be able to expand it? And what about the shape of your yard – is it long and narrow or deep and wide? Add these factors into consideration as well when figuring out how big a deck or fence you need.
Choose a material that will fit with the style of your home and is weather-resistant
It’s crucial to consider the style of your home when choosing a fence from Cedar Mountain Fence. If you have an older house with ornate moldings and features, you might want to go for a more decorative look. If your home is sleek and modern, something sleek and modern will complement it well. Another thing to think about is how much exposure your deck or fence will have to the elements. If it’s going to be placed in a low-traffic area, you can go with a lighter, more delicate design. But if it’s going to get a lot of exposure to rain and sun, then a strong material that won’t warp or crack after time is probably best. If you want to know more about different fencing styles and materials, you could learn more here.
Deck and Fence materials depending on their purpose:
Wood: Wood is a classic material for fences and decks, so it’s no wonder that it’s still one of the most popular choices. Wood comes in a variety of species – from cedar to pine, each with its own unique qualities – and has a good insulating value as well. An important thing to remember about wood is that it might require maintenance over time – you’ll have to repaint it every few years and check for rot.
Iron: Iron is a beautiful choice for a fence or deck, but also a costlier one. It can be made into just about any design or style, from modern to ornate, straight to wavy. Iron oxidizes easily when exposed to the weather, so it will need to be coated with paint or another protective substance if you want it to stay rust-free.
Vinyl: Vinyl fences and decks are lower maintenance than wood while still offering the beauty of iron without the cost. Since vinyl is not made of organic materials like wood, there is no need for paint or other treatments that would keep it looking good over time. Vinyl is also great if you have a young family or pets, since it won’t warp or splinter.
Concrete: As concrete ages, it takes on a beautiful reddish hue that many people prefer to the stark whiteness of new concrete. But because of its porous nature, concrete doesn’t make a very good choice for a deck or fence, since it requires repeated applications of sealant to prevent the elements from deteriorating it.
Steel: Steel is an affordable option that can be used in both fences and decks. It’s lightweight yet resilient, making it perfect for areas where wind is an issue. However, like concrete, steel has a tendency to rust if not treated with sealant.
Different styles of fences and decks – http://www.modernfencesupply.com/style-types/
Get quotes from fencing and decking contractors to find the best price
In order to get a feel for what your new deck or fence will cost, it’s wise to get quotes from a few different contractors. This way, you can compare prices and materials as well as materials used. If one company uses treated wood while another uses cedar, you’ll want to know about it so you can consider the pros and cons of each.
What should be in the quote:
-materials used
-labor cost
-delivery fee (if needed)
Make sure you understand all the terms in the contract before signing it
Once you’ve chosen a contractor that meets your needs, they will draw up an estimate for your deck or fence based on what you want. Make sure all of the “fine print” is included in the estimate so you know exactly what will be delivered.
The terms in a fencing or decking contract:
1. Agree on a start and completion date with your contractor. If you can’t be flexible at all, make sure that they understand beforehand so there is no confusion later on.
2. Make sure you know the exact date of payment before work begins, and whom to make the check out to. You’ll also want to ask for a written estimate in case something comes up that might require more money on your end (a broken slab of concrete, for example).
3. Understand all insurance issues at hand. If you are adding to an existing fence, ensure that your contractor is fully insured for demolition work. If you are building a brand new fence or deck in place of an old one, make sure that the company is covered in case anything happens while they’re on your property (like someone breaking their neck because the railing wasn’t secure).
4. Never sign anything you don’t understand. If something looks strange to you, ask a friend or family member to read it over for you. There could be a simple explanation that makes no sense to someone who isn’t in the construction business.
5. Don’t let your contractor rush you into signing his copy of the contract just because he wants to get paid and go home. Stand your ground and make sure you understand every point before you put your signature on it. If they really want to get paid, they’ll be willing to take a few extra minutes and explain the contract to you.
The following list of terms in fencing and decking contracts is not exhaustive – just some things that homeowners should watch out for.
-Deposit: Some contractors require a certain percentage to be paid before work begins. Make sure you know how much your contractor requires and when they want it by so that the project doesn’t stall out if you need more time to come up with the money.
-Penalties: Watch out for clauses in which you could be fined for not finishing on time. If the project is delayed because of you, it should be up to you to pay any extra costs, not your contractor.
-Changes: Homeowners sometimes want last-minute changes, but if they aren’t included in the contract, they can spell financial ruin for a contractor. Make sure that you’re aware of what costs are involved in changing the job, then talk to your contractor before you sign it.
Enjoy your new backyard oasis!
When it comes to decking and fencing, there are so many options available that it can get overwhelming trying to choose just one. But by considering these basic factors – how much area your fence or deck needs to cover, whether this area is long or wide, and what kind of material you’re looking to use – it will become much easier to come up with the perfect design for your yard.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a fence to keep your pets and children in or out, privacy, or just something to make your backyard look nicer, Maple Ridge Fence and Deck has the perfect solution for you. If you’re planning to turn a part of your lawn into a poultry farm, invest in quality netting and fencing options. They keep your flock in a designated area to stop them from wandering off and making a mess. The fencing also protects them from poultry predators. We have a wide variety of fences and decks to choose from, so you can find the perfect fit for your home. And our team of experts will help you every step of the way, from choosing the right materials to installation. So what are you waiting for? Contact us today and let us help turn your backyard into your dream oasis.