A new deck is one of the best ways to add living space to your home. But a deck is also a structure, and the decisions you make at the start will decide how it looks, how safe it is and how much upkeep it needs.
Start with how you'll use it. A small landing for a grill needs a very different design from a large deck for family dinners. Think about how many people you want to fit, where the sun hits in the afternoon, and how the deck will connect to your yard with stairs.
Choose your material. Pressure-treated wood costs less up front and looks great when it's kept up, but it needs regular staining or sealing. Composite decking costs more, but it won't rot, splinter or need staining, which makes it a popular choice for busy homeowners.
Don't forget the railings. Railings are a safety requirement on most decks, and they make a big difference to how the deck looks. Wood, white vinyl and black aluminum are all popular, and aluminum balusters give a clean, modern look with an open view.
What's underneath matters most. Footings, beams and joists are what keep a deck safe and level. Footings need to go below the frost line here in New York, and the ledger that connects the deck to your house has to be properly attached and flashed to keep water out of your walls.
Check the permits. Most towns in Westchester require a building permit for a new deck. A good contractor will know the local requirements and build to code.
Thinking about a new deck? Call G & Sons Contractor Corp at (914) 386-0438 for a free estimate. You can see decks and stairs we've built in our gallery.