If you are a resident in Minneapolis, you have probably figured out by now that our backyards have to do a lot of work. Outdoor spaces here are asked to endure a lot of things. One moment it would be a humid July evening with the whole family outside, and the next, it turns out to be 6 months of snow, ice, and freeze-thaw cycles that are so strong and relentless that they seem like they want to challenge every board, post, and fastener Deck Builder in Wright County, MN.
Therefore,
deck conversations with homeowners around here are very seldom just about
looks. They are about strength, maintenance, drainage, and the best way to make
use of the short yet lovely outdoor season.
At
Castle Deck, we have been spending time in local backyards so much as to
realize that it is a pattern: the majority of homeowners do not want something
showy. They want a deck that is really solid, matches their home, and will
still look good after several years from now.
Reasons why old
decks around these parts tend to get damaged quickly without the expectation
The
majority of decks around 15-20 years old were built with nice intentions and
might not always be built keeping the Minnesota weather in mind.
We
often spot wood decks of an older generation with soft spots, loosening
railings, twisting boards, popping nails, and stairs that are gradually losing
their steadiness every spring. However, that does not always suggest poor
workmanship. Sometimes it simply implies years of snow on surfaces, wood
getting wet and freezing-thawing again and again.
Exposure
to sunlight is a contributor too. Besides getting severe cold in winter, during
summer many yards in Minneapolis get a lot of sun especially those which are
newly built and do not have enough mature trees yet. That kind of hot sun in
combination with wet winters is very likely to cause the materials' life to be
shortened much faster than people would expect.
One
of the homeowners expressed his frustration to us by saying, “It seems like I
am staining this deck every other year just to maintain it.” People tend to
relate to that a lot.
The backyard
issues that homeowners in Wright County, MN tell us about
While
being a Deck Builder in Wright County, MN, we find that homeowners continue to
share their worries, a lot of which are the same.
Some
of the properties have problems with the slope of the land whereby water flows
towards the house or accumulates near where the deck will be built. The others
are open exposure which means that they get strong winter winds and snow that
drifts. Besides, some families have small suburban lots where every single foot
counts.
Although
no two yards are alike, Minnesota through its characteristics does create some
shared realities.
The weight of snow on the deck is more important
than people realize
The
decks in the areas with warmer temperature do not experience the same kind of
weight that we have during our winters. Snow accumulation can contribute to
stress on the structure in a significant way, especially when it is an old one
or if it is not a deck that was properly planned.
This
is exactly why the skeletal structure, the depth of footings, spacing, and the
choice of hardware play a crucial role. Although homeowners do not see the
things that make a deck structurally sound, they are definitely able to tell
when their deck is rock solid as compared to the one that starts moving after
just a few seasons.
Drainage can be ignored, but only for a while
Water
is one of the primary things that we want to avoid if we are planning a
long-lasting deck.
The
melting of snow in spring is the time when you find out if there were any
problems with the level of the land and you had them all along your house while
the snow was concealing them. Consequently, if the water runoff is accumulating
near the posts or under the stairs, it will result in wetness, muddying, and
early wear and tear.
We
keep telling our clients that drainage is one of the two things involved in
designing a deck, along with the color of the boards. Even though it might not
be the most exciting thing, the problems that it prevents are worth it.
Picking materials
based on the reality of one’s life
Aside
from material selection, the choice between natural wood, composite, or a mix
is a big decision.
Natural Wood Decking for that Inviting Look and
Feel
Despite
the drawbacks of natural wood, these are a few reasons why people are still
attached to it. Outdoor living and the natural feel of wood often go hand in
hand.
Traditional
wood decking retains a certain level of appeal for many people. After all, it
has been used on decks for decades and when canned and sealed well, it is very
durable and attractive.
Composite Decking for Those Who Don’t Like
Maintenance
Some
people just want a simpler option.
Those
who are always on the go, seldom home, or simply are fed up with the constant
sanding and staining of the wood decking normally choose composite. It really
is a good idea because next to the hassle of maintenance, it also guarantees a
great look, and no splinters for the kids running around barefoot during
summer.
Often
we meet the younger generation of home owners who, rather than getting
interested in trends, thinking about how they will be able to find time to use
and enjoy the deck instead of maintaining it is their biggest concern.
Materials Combinations in One Design
Composite
decking accompanied by metal railings, or wooden accents combined with
low-maintenance surfaces are some examples of material combinations which are
quite trendy presently.
The
homeowners benefit mainly from this style of design: they get wood where they
love it and metal where they have to.
Later on, small
design choices become big changes
Some
of the smartest decisions concerning decks seem pretty insignificant at first.
Position the Stairs at the Place Where You
Normally Walk
It
is obvious that at the moment stairs should be at a place where people are
walking rather than just tucked wherever they fit. However, many old decks have
stairs in the first category and not in the second one.
Try
to think of your yard and your movements. Do you mostly go to the area where
you grill? The garage? A garden? A patio? Proper placement of the stairs will
make your deck to be seen as part of the whole yard.
Light Makes Such a Difference
Evenings
can be lovely in Minnesota, but the sun goes down pretty fast for much of the
year.
Step
lights, which are either built-in or really discrete post ones, make decks much
safer and even more desirable. Most homeowners discover and treasure this
feature only after the installation.
Privacy without the feeling of being totally
closed in
A
tall fence-like structure around the deck is not, by any means, what everyone
shares as a desire.
The
think privacy brings about the notion that a place is somewhat separate and
intimate, however, this is not necessarily true in the case of a deck. In fact,
a decorative screen, a planter box, or strategic landscaping can be a little
separation without making one becomes totally isolated.
Common Questions
from Homeowners
How Large Does a Deck Need to Be?
More
than you initially think - but not huge at all.
There
are a lot of cases where people have planned space for their table and only
later when they are eating there they notice they need room for sliding the
chairs, a grill, foot traffic, and possibly even a few guests.
Simply
put, a deck should not necessarily be bigger than a house but it should offer
some room to breathe.
Are Permits Really Important?
Absolutely.
Local permits are there for a reason: safety, structural integrity, and
compliance with regulations. It may seem very tedious, but eventually, it is
going to keep one safe and secure in one’s property.
Is it Possible to Install a New Deck Attached to
an Older House?
In
most cases, yes, but it is definitely not the location of the joint that is the
issue. The house’s framing, siding details, moisture barriers, and structural
condition are only some of the factors that have to be looked at.
What Kind of Features Make a Property Value
Increase the Most?
This
is a trick question as every homeowner is looking for different things. From a
practical point of view, factors such as good layout, quality materials, safe
railings, and overall deck being like a natural extension of the house are the
ones that most often do lead to an increase in value and sale price.
Here’s an Example
of a Family Who Thought They Needed “Just Enough Space”
One
of the projects that made a lasting impression on us was with a family who only
wanted a small landing right outside their backdoor. They simply thought, “We
really don’t need a lot of space.”
After
visiting in ways of living with them – children, a dog, summer dinner, inviting
friends from time to time - the realization was that ‘just enough would be”, in
fact, “immediately too tight.”
The
family made some slight modifications to the design. Not a major change. Just
sufficient space for a dining table, arrangement for grill, and clear prepath
allowed for walking.
Later
they told us that they talk about how much they use the space day in and day
out.
In
fact, this is a lesson that we have learned several times: home owners tend to
wrongly estimate their use of the decks in Minnesota when warm weather comes
along.
Think Year Three,
Not Day One
Most
likely, this is the worst advice we can give you.
Never
only think about what life is going to be like today. It is a good idea to
start looking at those changes which are going to be happening in the future.
Will
kids grow up? Will you be entertaining more? Will lowering maintenance be one
of the things that you want as your schedule gets busier? Will family members
who are getting older require easier stairs or wider access?
The
finest decks are capable of evolving along with its household.
From the
perspective of a local neighbor, Final Thoughts
Outdoor
season in Minneapolis and Wright County feels quite special as it is short.
While waiting for winter to be over, we keep thinking about those initial warm
evenings when everyone steps out of the house, the first meal cooked on the
grill, and the first weekend when one can savor the morning coffee on the back
deck.
The
reason behind that is why here you spend time and put plans into building a
deck that is a good fit for your house, life, and weather.
A
quality deck is not about flaunting or showing off. On the contrary, it is
about establishing a spot that will garnish and emphasize your life, that will
endure the weather, and give you one more reason to love your home.
And
in the case of Minnesota, when summer is finally with us the kind of space that
is the result is totally worth every single square foot.
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