This informal CPD article, ‘When is the best time of year to install decking?’ was provided by Arbor Forest Products, one of the largest independent timber importing businesses in the UK, providing outstanding service and distribution to merchants.
Spring and summer are widely regarded as ‘decking season’, with more homeowners and business owners likely to be thinking about how to use their outdoor space more effectively, resulting in a busier time for installers, landscapers and specifiers.
However, many professionals are beginning to see higher demand for installation outside of this traditional seasonal peak. Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages for installing a deck throughout the year.
Spring and summer
Clearly, one of the biggest advantages of installing a deck during spring and summer is more reliable weather. Not only is installing a deck in warmer, drier weather likely to be more pleasant, but it also holds a number of practical benefits.
It’s easier to assess and rectify any damage to the landscape in spring, which can then be built into the cost of the project. What’s more, drier conditions – which are more likely to be the case in summer – minimise the level of dirt and other mess created through the landscaping and installation process, which is likely to result in higher overall customer satisfaction.
Longer hours of daylight also mean that projects can be completed over a shorter space of time and as a result, a higher number of jobs can be booked in across the season. Another practical advantage of installing a deck during the traditional decking season is that suppliers are likely to have a greater supply of materials readily available, so projects are less likely to be delayed due to waiting for materials.
While there are a variety of positive reasons for installing a deck during spring and summer, it’s important to note that this often means the homeowner or customers may not be able to use it for long before the weather deteriorates and the days become shorter.
Autumn and winter
On the other hand, installing a deck before the traditional decking season begins means that it can be enjoyed throughout all of the warmer, lighter months – which may make customers feel like they’re getting more value for their money. Steps can also be taken for decks installed in autumn and winter that mean they can be used straight away, such as the addition of canopies and heaters.
It's also a great time of year to install a deck as most landscapes will be dormant after summer, meaning there’s less disruption to the existing outdoor space.
Composite decking is particularly suitable for installation during autumn and winter, as there’s no thermal expansion to the boards which means it can in fact be easier to install the deck than in hot and humid conditions. There’s also no need to factor in applying protective layers – which can be time consuming – to quality composite decking boards.
Of course, working outdoors in the colder, wetter months can present some challenges, including potential delays due to weather conditions. Furthermore, installing a deck outside of the traditional season means that materials may be less widely available and also more expensive, so it’s important to consider this during when quoting customers.
With pros and cons to installing a deck at any time of year, there’s certainly no need to rule out projects during autumn and winter.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from Arbor Forest Products, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
