Everything You Need to Know About Decks in Toronto
If you enjoy entertaining and spending time outdoors, a deck will add value to your home. A Toronto deck construction can improve the exterior look of your property. In addition, it provides an excellent extension of your living space where you can relax and entertain during parties. Adding a deck also increases your living area, especially if you don’t have a backyard. It is a practical addition that can make your home more enjoyable. In this article, we’ll discuss what you should know about decks in Toronto.
Benefits of Adding a Deck
Adding deck in Toronto homes is a great way to expand your living space without making permanent changes. Decks can be as simple or elaborate as you want them to be, but they’re always functional and beautiful additions to any home.
A deck can increase the value of your home and provide an additional source of income if you decide to rent out rooms. They also look great in photos when trying to sell your house. What’s not to love about having a deck?
Here are some benefits of adding a deck:
- Increased home value: Adding a deck can increase the value of your home by thousands of dollars. Real estate appraisers will often use the square footage of decks to determine whether or not they’re worth including in their estimates.
- Benefits of increased square footage: Square footage is king when it comes to selling your home! Square footage means more room for entertaining or relaxing with family and friends. Having a large backyard may be appealing, but large yards have their issues – namely maintenance costs and privacy concerns – so it’s often easier to add on an extra room instead!
- Deck designs are versatile: Deck designs are versatile, so you can be sure to find something that will fit your home and yard perfectly. Whether you want a large deck for entertaining or something more intimate to enjoy with family and friends, a design out there is perfect for you!
- It’s easy to maintain: While it’s true that decks can be expensive to install, they’re also easy to maintain once they’re up and running. You don’t have to worry about them caving in or rotting away as other structures do over time; they’ll last as long as your house does! Plus, if any repairs are needed, they’re usually easy to fix with basic power tools and materials found at your local hardware store.
- They can be used year-round: Another benefit of adding a deck is that most designs are multi-functional! They can be used not only for entertaining guests during the warmer months but also for relaxing with family during the colder ones! Because decks allow you to move outside year-round without sacrificing comfort or convenience, they’re an excellent investment that will never go out of style!
Types of Decking Materials
Even though wood is the most common material used for decking, it’s not the only option. Many other materials can create a beautiful and functional outdoor living space. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular choices.
Pressure Treated Wood
Pressure-treated wood is a popular choice for decks because it’s durable, lasts for years, and does not require much maintenance. Pressure-treated lumber is created by subjecting the wood to high pressure and treating it with chemicals that prevent rot and insects from destroying it. The most common type of pressure-treated lumber is southern yellow pine. This type of lumber comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from 3/4″x6″ to 1-1/2″x12″. The most common board size for residential decks is 5/4 x 6 because it’s strong, easy to cut and install, and relatively inexpensive.
Cypress
Cypress is another popular decking material because it has many qualities similar to wood. However, cypress doesn’t need to be stained or sealed like wood does and can last up to 20 years without any maintenance! Cypress also comes in many colors that add character or contrast to your deck design! Composite decking materials are made from recycled plastics and resins formed into boards that look like wood but don’t require staining or sealing!
Vinyl
Vinyl is the most popular decking material. It is affordable, durable, and easy to work with. Vinyl is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, a petroleum-based plastic. Vinyl decks are available in many colors and styles to match your outdoor decor. Vinyl decks have an average of 20 years or more, depending on usage and care.
Cedar
Cedar has been used for centuries as a building material because it’s strong, durable, and naturally resistant to insect damage. Softwood cedar boards are milled from Western red cedar trees that grow along the Pacific coast from British Columbia to Baja California. Hardwood cedar boards are milled from Eastern white cedar trees that grow east of the Rocky Mountains across Canada and the Midwest United States.
Teak
Teak is a hardwood that comes from tropical trees. It has a rich, golden color and is considered one of the most durable decking materials. However, it does require regular maintenance to keep it looking good. If you have an outdoor space in need of a new deck, teak may be your material.
The biggest downside of using teak as decking material is its price tag. Teak is an expensive wood, especially when compared to other options such as plastic or composite materials. This makes it ideal for high-end projects but not so much for homeowners looking for a more affordable option.
Plastic Composites
Plastic composite materials are made from recycled plastics, and wood fibers pressed together at high temperatures under pressure. It’s easy to see why these materials are gaining popularity – they’re inexpensive and easy to install. They also come in many different colors and styles, so you can find one that perfectly matches your home’s exterior décor!
Types of Decks
Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling your existing one, choosing the right type of deck is an important decision. Before you begin, you need to consider how and where you plan to use your deck. Here are some types to consider when choosing a deck.
Attached Deck
An attached deck is attached to the side of your house. It can be straight or curved, but it must be continuous from one side of the house to the other. This type of deck is a good option if you have a small yard or want to make the most of limited space.
Island Deck
An island deck is a freestanding structure surrounded by an open area on all sides. This type of deck can be as large or small as you like and will give you an open feeling with no adjacent structures around it. Island decks are ideal for entertaining because they allow plenty of space between guests and walls or fences nearby. If you have a large yard, an island deck can also help divide the space so it doesn’t feel open.
Wraparound Deck
A wraparound deck creates one continuous wall around an area, usually with steps leading up to it from the ground below. A wraparound deck is typically used when there isn’t enough room for an attached or island-style deck because it takes up less space than either option while still offering plenty of seating options.”
Side Yard Deck
Side yard decks are great for homeowners who want to maximize the space on their property without taking up too much room in the house. They can be as large as you want them to be and can be made from any material you like. You can also make them as elaborate or simple as possible by adding railings, stairs, and other accessories.
Entryway Deck
An entryway deck is a great way to make your home look nicer when people come over for social events or parties. This type of deck is smaller than a backyard deck but larger than a front porch deck. Usually, it fits right in front of your front door so that people can step off their cars onto it when they arrive at your house instead of walking up the driveway or sidewalk with their shoes on (which could be messy). Entryway decks are usually made of wood or composite materials such as plastic or fiberglass.
Multilevel Deck
Multilevel decks connect two or more levels with different heights and angles, such as those found in split-level homes or multi-storied buildings like condos or townhouses. Each level has its entrance and stairway down to ground-level parking spaces below them on different levels.
Entryway Deck
A simple deck can help add value and beauty to your home’s entryway. A well-designed entryway deck can also provide a welcome place for guests to wait for you or your family members as they arrive home from work or school.
Rooftop Deck
Roof decks are becoming increasingly popular because they offer many advantages over traditional outdoor spaces. They’re also great places to entertain guests or relax by yourself with a book or glass of wine after dinner.
Deck Styles
If you’re thinking about adding a deck to your Toronto home, you should consider the different styles of decks available on the market. Each style has its unique look and feel that can complement your home’s design. Here are the top deck styles.
Craftsman-Style
The Craftsman style was designed to reflect rural America’s simple, rustic aesthetic. The style emerged from a reaction to the ornate Victorian styles. Natural materials like wood and stone characterize the Craftsman style. It also features asymmetry, with uneven roofs, overhangs, and exposed rafters.
Scandinavian-Style
The Scandinavian design uses modernist principles in its simplicity and clean lines. It also features natural materials like wood and stone. Scandinavian design is often considered minimalist because it uses few colors and patterns, allowing the natural beauty of its materials to shine through.
Traditional-Style
Traditional architecture is characterized by symmetry, balance, and rigidity – all traits that have been popular throughout history. Traditional houses often include porches and columns and gabled roofs with dormers or other architectural elements such as Palladian windows or arched entryways.
Farmhouse-Style Decks
Farmhouse-style decks have a warm, inviting feel perfect for entertaining or relaxing with family and friends. They’re also a great way to take advantage of beautiful views and natural light without installing glass doors or windows in your house. These decks typically feature low walls and railings made from wood or stone, along with materials like brick or concrete pavers for the flooring surface. If you’re building an elevated deck, consider using cedar beams instead of pressure-treated wood framing because they’re more durable and attractive than their traditional counterparts.
Craftsman-Style Decks
If you like the look of wood and don’t mind spending a little extra time taking care of it, this is your style. A craftsman-style deck features wood slats laid across beams and posts, making them easy to maintain and extremely sturdy. Not all decks need to be made out of wood; some people choose composite material instead, so they don’t have to worry about painting every few years. The best part about composite materials is that they can be made to look like real wood – so if that’s what floats your boat, go for it!
The Classic Deck
Consider a classic deck if you’re looking for a simple design with some flair. These decks are made from pressure-treated wood that has been stained or painted black and white, which gives them an elegant appearance. This style works well in homes with a traditional exterior design or in more modern settings where it can be paired with other materials such as glass or metal railings.
Mid-Century Modern
If you’re looking for something fun and retro, consider this decking style. It features angular lines and geometric shapes that create an interesting look reminiscent of mid-century architecture. This style works well with modern homes because of its clean lines and lack of detail – there’s no need to match up parts or worry about painting them because they already come pre-stained or painted in bold colors like red and yellow.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Deck
If you’re thinking about installing new decking and railing, several factors to consider when choosing the best materials for your project.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a deck.
Size
Decks come in all shapes and sizes. Your property, budget, and family size will determine which size deck is right for you. A larger deck will allow more people to gather comfortably, but it can be expensive and difficult to maintain. For small decks, consider adding features like benches or tables that can be moved around easily.
Style
Wood or composite? There’s no right answer here – both materials have advantages and disadvantages. Composite decks are often less expensive than wood, but they may not last as long as wood decks with proper maintenance. If you live in a wet climate or want a long-lasting outdoor space, stick with natural wood species like cedar or redwood because they’re naturally resistant to moisture damage from rain and snowfall.
Durability
A good deck should last for many years. If you have a limited budget, you may be tempted to purchase the cheapest deck. However, you should consider that a higher-quality deck will last longer and require less maintenance than a cheaper one. Over time, this could save you money in the long run. However, the decking experts in Toronto you hire can also determine durability of the deck.
Cost
The price of any product depends on its quality and features. A good deck should be durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. The cost of the materials used in building it can vary between $500 and $10,000 depending on the size of your deck, its location, and other factors such as design complexity or degree of customization required by your specific project requirements.
Location
The location of your deck will determine what type of material it should be made from – wood or composite materials like PVC or aluminum are ideal for colder climates. In comparison, lighter materials like vinyl or aluminum are best suited for warmer climates as they won’t warp or crack as easily when exposed to extreme temperatures over time.
Appearance
You want a deck that looks good and blends in with your home’s exterior design. Consider staining or painting new wood decks to match other features on your property (e.g., trim). Or choose a material that already has a color that matches other parts of your home (e.g., cedar).
Decking Material
Once you have decided on the type of wood you want for your new deck, it’s time to think about what kind of material you want between each board. Many people choose to use composite decking materials because they are much more durable than traditional wood boards. They don’t need any maintenance throughout the year like other materials might require if they experience any damage or wear-and-tear over time.
Advantages of Hiring Professional Toronto Deck Builders
If you are planning to build a deck, you must be wondering whether you should DIY or hire a professional deck builder in Toronto. There are many advantages to hiring a professional deck builder. Here are the benefits you’ll enjoy when hiring a professional deck builder.
Save Time and Money
The first reason to hire a professional deck builder is that they save you time and money. If you try to build the deck yourself, you’ll waste a lot of time trying to figure out what materials and tools you need. You also run the risk of making mistakes that can cost you more money down the line. When you hire professionals, they already have all of this information to get started right away on your project.
Superior Materials
Another reason for hiring professional deck builders in Toronto is because they use superior materials in their projects. They know exactly what kind of wood or other material will withstand weather conditions such as sun and rain for many years to come. If you try to cut corners or save money by using cheap building materials in your project, those materials may not be strong enough to last as long as they should, leading to costly repairs down the line!
Quality Work
It’s important to make sure that the deck you build will last for years. It’s also important that it looks good and is built with quality materials. A skilled deck builder will know how to find the right materials, including wood and fasteners, while also knowing which ones are best for your climate.
Experience
Professional deck builders in Toronto have years of experience in their industry and have worked with many different types of decks. They have seen what works and what doesn’t work and use this knowledge to help you design your new deck to last for years to come. This can save you money because you won’t need to replace or repair your deck as often as you used a less experienced builder or DIYer.
Safety
Safety should always be a top priority when building any type of structure on your property, especially if it is going over a water or above ground level where people might fall off of it at any time – such as a deck! Having an experienced deck builder in Toronto ensures that it is safe for everyone who uses it, including your family members!
Understand Construction Standards
The first advantage of hiring professional deck builders is knowing construction standards. This means they know how to build your deck according to code requirements and local building codes. They also know how to build your deck safely and according to industry standards so that you don’t have any problems with your insurance company later on down the line.
Professional Deck Builders Have The Right Tools And Equipment
When it comes to building decks, there’s no need to have all the right tools and equipment. If you try to tackle this project without having everything you need, it could take longer than expected and cost more than anticipated.
They Can Build Custom Decks
Many homeowners want something functional but also look beautiful. Professional Toronto deck builders have the expertise to create custom decks that match any decorating style or home design theme. In addition, they can suggest other ways to make your space more functional or usable (such as adding stairs). By hiring a professional, you’ll get exactly what you want without thinking about it too much yourself!
They Can Offer You Advice on Maintenance and Upkeep
If you want your deck to last for years, you must maintain it properly so that it doesn’t become damaged from weather conditions or insects like termites or carpenter ants (which can destroy wood by eating away at it). A good professional will offer advice on how often you should clean your deck and how best to care for it.
Final Word
One of the most beautiful and integral parts of a home is a deck. You will love spending time on it with your loved ones and friends and its enjoyment to your life. But before you start building the deck you have been thinking about, you need to ask yourself enough questions to find the right deck for your home. This page has covered all you need to know about decks in Toronto.