Yes, you can build decks in Michigan’s winter months. It’s important to consider factors like frozen ground, potentially lower working temperatures, and the need to take extra precautions with materials; however, some advantages of building in winter include less damage to your yard due to dormant vegetation and potentially lower costs from decreased demand for builders during this time.
Can You Build Decks in the Winter? – Yes you can
1. Save Money On Material and Labor Costs
Low demands in the winter often lead to discounts!
Deck material suppliers can sometimes lower their prices in the winter because the demand isn’t as high. The same can be true for your contractors. Since winter is not usually a busy time for them, the cost of building a deck might be lower than usual.
2. Contractors Have More Availability in the Winter
Less work leads to more availability!
Because winter is the off-season for most contractors, it’s easier to secure a spot in their schedules and start your project promptly.
3. Installation Is Easier When You Aren’t Using Your Space
Avoid recreational disruptions
The best time to build a deck is often while you and your family aren’t using that space. That way, construction won’t interrupt outdoor activities like bonfires, BBQs, and summer parties. Easier for you to build decks in winter.
4. Secure Permits More Quickly in the Winter
Less demand means faster turnaround times!
Getting the necessary permits can take some time in the summer. However, with fewer people requesting building permits in the winter, you should be able to secure them more promptly.
5. Have Minimal Effect on Your Property
A firmer ground protects your property
Your landscaping won’t be as affected by foot traffic in the winter months. A firm ground with dormant grass means any damage to your turf will likely start growing again by spring.
6. Cold Temperatures Are Better for Installing Wood – Build Decks in Winter Months
Avoid wood warps, cracks, splits, and twists!
The summer heat can damage wood boards, causing swells and warps that are hard to work with during installation. But the cold winter temperatures prevent the boards from expanding, making them easier to install.
Note: This doesn’t apply to non-wood decking materials like composite, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and aluminum.
7. Winter Provides Optimal Curing Conditions
Give pressure-treated lumber time to completely dry
Decks built with pressure-treated composite or timber need time to cure, evaporating the moisture contents from inside the boards. This process can take a few months in low humidity, and even longer in high humidity. Because of that, winter provides the perfect conditions.
8. You’ll Get Better Results When Staining Your Wood Deck
Avoid streaking, cracking, and peeling when staining
During winter, the dry air and cold weather prevent the wood from absorbing moisture and causing cracking, peeling, or streaking in the stain. However, there is such a thing as too cold. You will want to avoid staining once temperatures get below 40°F. We build decks in winter.
9. Your New Deck Will be Ready To Use By Spring in Metro Detroit
Use your new deck on the first warm day of the season!
When you build your new deck in the winter, it will be ready to enjoy as soon as the weather turns warm. Not to mention, you’ll have plenty of time to personalize your deck before hosting any outdoor gatherings spring may bring.
Save Money – Less expensive to Build Decks in the Winter
Deck material suppliers can sometimes lower their prices in the winter because the demand isn’t as high. The same can be true for your contractors. Since winter is not usually a busy time for them, the cost of building a deck might be lower than usual.
Winter is a surprisingly ideal time to build a new deck. Contractors’ schedules are more available during the winter months. Heat damage to the wood during installation is minimal. You can potentially save money on labor and materials
You can install Trex composite decking in the winter. It is designed to withstand cold temperatures and is resistant to moisture from snow and ice, making it a suitable option for winter installation compared to traditional wood decking; however, be sure to account for proper thermal expansion gaps between boards due to temperature fluctuations.
We Build Decks in the Winter – Southeast Michigan
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Weather resistance:
Composite decking is made to resist warping, splitting, and rotting even in cold weather, unlike wood decking which can be affected by moisture and temperature changes.
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Maintenance advantage:
You don’t need to worry about applying additional protective treatments like stain or sealant during winter installation as composite decking is already protected.
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Consideration for expansion gaps:When installing in cold weather, ensure to leave larger gaps between boards to accommodate potential expansion as temperatures rise
What month is best to build a deck?
Is it cheaper to build a deck in Michigan winter?
Deck material suppliers can sometimes lower their prices in the winter because the demand isn’t as high. The same can be true for your contractors. Since winter is not usually a busy time for them, the cost of building a deck might be lower than usual.
734-432-0099
