62 THE QUEENS COURIER • AT HOME • OCTOBER 11, 2018 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
at home
Why fall is one of the best seasons to build a deck
As the weather starts to shift and the
crisp air settles in, your fi rst inclination
might be to head indoors, cozy up with a
blanket and save that deck project you’ve
been researching for next year. Not so
fast. While home improvement stores sell
spring and summer as the seasons for all
things outdoor home improvement, fall
is actually one of the best times to build
a deck. Here are fi ve reasons you should
take advantage of the transitional months
and make your deck dreams a reality.
1. Use fresh summer memories
to plan to perfection
With memories of backyard barbecues
and lazy summer days still fresh in your
mind, fall is the perfect time to evaluate
your outdoor lifestyle and plan a deck that
fi ts your needs. Whether you’re building
a small, platform deck or a multi-level
expanse, think about how you use your
outdoor living space. Do you host large
summer soirees? If so, a durable deck
with handrails, built-in seating and lighting
can help you defi ne zones for socializing
and eating. Is a peaceful, deck getaway
more your style? Th en consider designing
your deck to frame a view, incorporate a
hot tub or include a small reading nook.
Whatever your preference, make sure you
keep transitions in mind. Clear pathways
between frequently used openings like the
kitchen door, stairs and the backyard will
improve your use of the space.
2. Avoid project delays
When deck building is at its peak and
contractors are working from dawn to
dusk, it can be hard to nail down the
right professional and get a start date
on the calendar. Far too oft en, project
delays turn dreams of days lounging on
a new deck with a lemonade in hand into
a source of frustration that mars summer
fun. But as fall approaches and construction
demands slow, these become
issues of the past. Homeowners can oft en
secure top-rated contractors and negotiate
a convenient start date. And with full
project crews, many decks are built at a
quicker pace.
3. Take advantage of
seasonal savings
Fall marks the start of the off -season
for decking. Whether brands are clearing
inventory to make way for new products
or contractors are off ering incentives
to keep their schedule full, there
are plenty of seasonal opportunities to
save on decking materials and installation
costs. By taking advantage of these
discounts, you can create your dream
deck under budget. You might even free
up some money for a few splurges like a
trellis or fi re pit.
4. Protect your existing
landscape
Th e telltale cool air of fall means one
thing - improved working conditions.
Grass, trees and plants start to go dormant
as temperatures drop and the
ground freezes, making it easier for you
or your contractor to build a deck without
harming your landscape. Th e season’s
milder weather also lends itself to a
more comfortable working environment.
5. Extend decking season
Decks are no longer reserved for summer.
With the right decking material, you
can create an indoor-outdoor space that
spans multiple seasons and keeps you
breathing fresh air all year long. Look for
decking products that are as durable as
they are beautiful. Th is will help ensure
your outdoor living space remains in
top shape throughout Mother Nature’s
harsher months.
“By using products like ChoiceDek composite
decking that are extremely durable
and water resistant, homeowners can
broaden the scope of their home,” said
Josh Landis, senior marketing manager
for ChoiceDek composite decking. “Th e
boards resist rotting and splintering and
are easy to clean, a combination that will
keep decks looking ready for summer all
year long.”
Courtesy BPT
Specializing in:
FREEFREEFREE
COUNTERTOPS
STARTING AT $45 PER SQ. FT.
Including Installation
$600
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100-07 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills
718.544.2634 Fax: 718.263.2032