Most people, with the exception of a few, must stick to a budget and figure out how to make the most of their hard-earned money. Installing a deck, like any other project, may be costly if not done correctly. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to guarantee that your new deck is both affordable and a long-lasting, high-quality addition to your home.
1. Always have a plan!
Have you ever heard the saying “measure twice, cut once”? Before you take up a tool, make sure you have a clear plan of action in place to avoid any unexpected complications.
Consider what you want to achieve with the deck. Do you want it to be accessible from a single or several locations? Because repairing these faults after the deck has been built can be costly and difficult, any structural ramifications must be thoroughly thought out.
This is also the time to plan how to deal with any issues that may develop during your construction. It’s worthwhile to include some research and useful advice in your preparation process. The more you prepare, the more likely it is that everything will happen as planned, even if no plan is flawless.
2. Reduce the number of offsets you have
You can make better use of your material and save money by lowering your offsets, or the amount of material you squander. You will waste fewer boards if you carefully plan your deck. Here are some pointers we would recommend:
- Organize your deck based on the supplies you want to purchase. Our boards, for example, come in two lengths: 5.4m and 5.8m. You can properly plan your decks if you know the size of your materials.
- If necessary, widen your deck with picture frames and breaker boards, which are perpendicular to the deck’s orientation.
- Arrange your boards according to your imagination. To cover more ground with fewer boards, consider combining orientations such as east/west and north/south.
Order 5% more boards than you need just to be safe.
Advantages of arranging additional decking board orders:
- Enhances your flexibility in the event that things don’t go as planned (even the best of us might hit a roadblock).
- Reduced the possibility of material shortages on the day. This removes the need for further visits to the store or waiting for delivery.
- Any necessary repairs can be made quickly and easily because the remaining boards are conveniently packed away.
3. Recognize your spending limits
Knowing your budget or how much you’re willing to spend is essential for any renovation endeavor. When it comes to what you can fairly afford, you must be open and honest with yourself and the person with whom you are working. Knowing these features will help you make the most of your hard-earned money and calculate how much you need to spend.
Determining your amount of financial flexibility is also a good idea. Is the amount you’ve estimated the maximum you’re willing to pay, or are you willing to spend more if necessary? The good news is that with a little innovation and cunning, you can still build an incredible deck on a limited budget.
4. Consider both immediate and long-term expenses
We understand that the immediate costs of your building project will be your main worry while installing a new deck. It is simple to focus on your current spending without considering the future.
Timber, for example, may be the cheapest material, but you’ll soon realize that it has problems. Examples include rot, water damage, warping, splinters, and, most importantly, termites. Another well-known disadvantage of wood is that it requires annual polishing and care.
Selection of materials
At this point, you should be asking “what material is the best value for money” rather than “what is the cheapest material.” Even if timber decking is initially less expensive, composite decking is more cost-effective in the long run. It is not only easy to install and environmentally friendly, but it also requires minimal maintenance.
Selecting quality materials gives the following extra benefits:
- Looks better and keeps that appearance.
- Is less susceptible to the elements than lumber. This stops fading, splintering, warping, and rotting.
- You don’t have to worry about termites with composite decking.
Long-term maintenance of decking
Maintenance for your new deck is one of the most significant long-term expenses to consider. You want your new deck to appear great because it will most likely be a favorite area in your home for family gatherings, parties, and simply resting.
You also want it to be safe, especially if you have young children roaming around. Maintaining a timber deck can cost up to $2000 each year. After a few years, that adds up, and we’re convinced you can find better uses for your money. In this area, the material you select can have a huge impact, so it’s worth researching multiple options to see which is best for your deck.
5. Consider the value for money
A “cheap deck” is not what someone means when they say they want to build a deck on a tight budget. In other words, they want to save money, buy high-quality products, and get the most bang for their dollar. It will take some patience to find the ideal plan that meets your budget while still providing value for your money, as you may need to consider multiple options.
6. Don’t use low-quality materials
Keep in mind that boards will only account for 33% of your deck’s overall cost; labor and subframe construction will make up the remainder. Many buyers have a natural desire to save money by selecting less costly decks, but in fact, this will not save you much money and will result in a poor deck. This results in increased long-term expenses, which are both annoying and costly.
The best course of action is to spend a little more money on high-quality composite decking boards because the benefits are worthwhile.
7. Use your existing foundation
The more money you save on your new deck, the more you may use your existing structure and foundation. Costs will quickly add up, for example, if you need to excavate the area where you wish to build your deck and cut a new entrance.
If you already have a deck, you may be able to simply swap out the boards. You’d be surprised at how much new deck boards can jazz up a concrete slab, and the foundation and structure are the most expensive parts of the construction.
8. Keep things simple
Any customisation you make will result in additional charges, whether it involves unique designs, strange materials, odd sizes, or countless aesthetic touches. This is due to factors such as acquiring specialist materials, paying extra for labor, and hiring a contractor to design the job.
Keeping your design simple is completely acceptable. The most trendy and lasting designs are often those with the fewest elements. Have you ever heard the phrase “less is more?” Make use of this in your design. Decor is an excellent way to express yourself and add personality to your deck. With some wonderful furniture, plants, and decorations, your deck will quickly take on your personality. This technique has the advantage of being adaptable, allowing you to pace your décor to match your budget.
Composite Decking provides the material for you, whether you want to go all out or look for a more cost-effective option. Our composite decking is durable, low-maintenance, environmentally friendly, and has a comparable appearance to wood decking. In the construction industry, it is increasingly becoming the preferred method for producing a high-quality deck at a reasonable price.
Explore a range of decking projects in Australia that have used our cutting-edge Composite Decking Solutions for inspiration.