7 Great Tips For Decks & Pergolas Installation

• 11, February 2022

Homes having decks with integrated pergolas look spectacular and attract the attention of everyone immediately. If you are thinking of getting them for your home, it is a practical and wise decision, especially when you want to increase the market value of your property.

These house additions add aesthetic appeal and structural integrity to your property. You can hire an experienced handyman in Australia to install the fixtures, ensuring the process goes smoothly and without any hassle.

Additionally, keep the following tips for decks & pergolas installation in mind when the professionals arrive at your house.

1. Know The Reasons For Getting The Deck & Pergola

Every outdoor upgrade in your house should serve a purpose and increase the property's curb appeal. Never make the mistake of starting a house addition project because it is trending or you see the neighbours doing it. The extensions should always increase the comfort and reliability of your residence.

Thus, before planning and preparing for a deck & pergola, know the reasons why you want them. For example, many people install them to have good outdoor lounging and sitting areas during summers, spring and other pleasant seasons. They also come in handy for hosting house parties and gatherings.

2. Get The Necessary Approvals

For any construction on your property, you may need a planning permit, a building permit or both. These permits are mandated by the law and essential for your protection. Not every home addition projects require a building permit and possible exclusions include pergolas for houses, minor alterations, repair work for property maintenance etc.

Thus, before you do anything regarding the deck and pergola at your home, contact your local government department or council to seek advice.

A planning permit provides property owners to develop on their land or use it in a particular way. You can require a planning permit for planning a new home, extensions, an additional dwelling etc.

A building permit is required to ensure your new home or house addition meets the relevant building regulations by law. It is a documented approval signed by a municipal or private building inspector.

3. Ask A Professional To Design The Layout

There is nothing worse than a poorly designed deck and pergola combination that make your house look unappealing & serves little purpose. If you lack the insights, skills and talent necessary to develop the design, hire a professional architect to inspect your house and provide a good design.

Since the architects have expertise, experience and equipment, they can provide a detailed plan outlining the measurements, design, and other essential things for the deck and pergola construction.

4. Get Quality Raw Materials

Decks and pergolas are constantly exposed to dust, rain, heat, humidity and other environmental elements. Therefore, it is crucial you get quality raw materials for their constructions. You can opt for manufactured or pressure-treated wood when looking for a durable and affordable solution.

Alternatively, explore composite wood options which won't decay, crack or splitter as easy as manufactured/pressure-treated wood. However, you cannot expect the composite wood to look as appealing as real wood.

People living in places with high heat and humidity should consider PVC wood materials. These materials are termite-resistant and rot-proof but don't look like authentic wood. If you choose to install decks and pergolas made from cedar, redwood, or other real woods, they will look the best but require regular proofing, cleaning and maintenance.

5. The Deck Should Support Weight

A weak deck that crocks and creaks whenever anyone steps on is a problem. For safety reasons, you must ensure the new deck you get is stable, sturdy and durably enough to withstand many people being on it.

The raw materials affect the strength of the deck, but the most important factor is the foundation. If the foundation is weak, your deck can slope to one side, wobble or break when furniture, planters and other decorative items are placed on it.

6. Don't Let Drainage Be An Issue

A professional handyman in Australia with years of experience can ensure the floorboards of the decks and beams of pergolas are affixed with gaps for proper drainage. Water pooling these fixtures can lead to several issues such as rot, seepage, discolouration, termites etc. Therefore, discuss this with the professionals before the installation process starts.

This step is crucial for natural wood decks and man-manufactured materials because moisture and stagnant water can ruin any good deck or pergola.

7. Ensure The Additions Don't Interfere With Existing Fixtures

Every house has immovable home décor & utility fixtures that you shouldn't compromise for new building projects. Getting a deck and pergola is a significant home addition, and it shouldn't interfere with the functioning of existing doors, windows, awnings, pool etc. It is not only impractical but uncomfortable and unappealing. It is one of the reasons why getting professional help for designing and planning of decks and pergolas is important.

Conclusion

A deck and pergola at your home can elevate its outdoor space and the market value of the entire property. Therefore, it is a welcome addition that can make your house more comfortable and appealing. If you want to plan and build these fixtures, book a professional handyman service in Australia to manage the strenuous task. Additionally, follow the great tips shared above for decks and pergolas installation.