The composite choice on this project was a non-stocked item, and the start date was tailored to accommodate the delivery ETA.
This all-treated lumber multi-tiered deck was completed within a week.
With the abundance of unseasonably mild days this winter, the bare roads and grassy yards have likely sparked some excitement to begin planning an impending backyard upgrade. Historically, deck builders begin scheduling in the first three months of the year for upcoming projects spring and summer projects. For me, a good portion of my exterior builds were pre-booked as early as last October for this coming season. If a deck build is in your immediate future, best get on it sooner, rather than later.
Generally, the framework for most deck projects is constructed using treated lumber: 2x8s and/or 2x10s for the beams and joists, and 4x4s or 6x6s for the support posts that either sit atop concrete pads (and adjustable deck jacks), or adjustable screw piles. Typically, once the deck design has been confirmed, a take-off (the board count based on the design) will then dictate what type of lumber is required. If the deck is an all-lumber deck, the required 2×6 top-decking, as well as 4x4s and balusters for railings (if needed) is included. The ETA on delivery after placing an order for an all-lumber deck package from the supplier is usually measured in days. In other words, if the order is placed on a Monday, the package can usually be delivered within a couple of days so that the build can begin within the week.
If the intended deck project requires composite top decking, it is important to note whether the composite choice is a stocked item — suppliers often stock the most popular colour choices to have on hand, to minimize wait times for delivery. When stocked, the composite is usually shipped along with the lumber for the support and framing, and can meet the aforementioned ETAs. If however, the composite selection must be custom ordered through the supplier from the manufacturer, wait times can increase enormously. In recent years, a non-stocked composite may require four to six weeks lead time when placing the order. As such, it then becomes inherently strategic to place the order well enough in advance to ensure the materials arrive on site, for when the build is set to commence.
Other factors that can delay the deck-build process (beyond Mother Nature), include the installation of screw piles (usually achieved by a third party), and custom railings such as aluminum posts with glass panels — custom railings require a railings design layout, and the glass panels are then cut to the appropriate lengths based on this design. In my experience, screw piles must be pre-booked at least a few weeks in advance (which can hinder the start of the build), whereas custom glass railings can sometimes take as long as six to eight weeks to arrive (which will obviously delay completion).
No matter your desired style of deck, it is always important to inquire as to the status of availability and ETA for all required elements before placing the order. My suppliers have always bent over backwards to ensure I have what I need on site, for when I need it. This is why deck packages should be established well ahead of time, even for decks that will be completely built with treated lumber. During the hectic exterior builds season, unexpected delays due to a lack of due diligence is never an option. Best to have things ready and waiting so when the delivery trigger is pulled, the order can be shipped asap.
Historically, my exterior build season, which usually runs from late May (or when the last interior project is completed) until mid-to-late October, is already 50-75 per cent pre-booked by this time. That is to say, pre-booked projects are scheduled based on when the project was formally confirmed. As such, it is best to contact your preferred deck builder right away to reserve a date — not all decks can be built in the first few weeks of “warm weather.” Something about that early bird, comes to mind.
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