Building a deck provides you with a comfortable place to set up lounge furniture or just put your towels while you head out for a swim. Whether you install a deck with a new pool or are ready to enhance an existing one, you’ll want to be aware of these challenges that could come with trying to build one. Making sure to hire professional deck builders helps you ensure your new backyard feature is safe and lasts for many years.
Planning the Project
As the homeowner, you can get excited about the role you’ll play in the initial planning phase. Your deck contractor will offer you options for materials and colors you can choose from to create a true backyard oasis for your San Diego home. But professional deck installers will also do a large amount of thinking behind the scenes.
The planning phase for construction teams includes carefully considering how to create a deck that meets local building codes and safety standards. Your deck installer will also need to make meticulous plans that outline each step of the building process, including how to make sure the new space allows for pool maintenance equipment and other essential elements.
Selecting the Right Materials
A deck that surrounds a swimming pool will naturally need more moisture protection compared to the average type you would build for a patio. Composite deck material is a popular type that can withstand exposure to constant moisture, sunlight, and pool chemicals. However, you might also opt for treated wood or even concrete, depending on your preferences for the space.
Building a Sturdy Foundation
Much like a house, a deck is only as strong as the foundation on which the installer builds it. Every backyard is different, which means your contractor must assess the soil, slope, and other elements of the ground where they’ll be building.
The footings are the support posts deck builders put into the ground, and these must be at the proper height and depth to reduce shifting that could naturally occur over time. Your deck builder will also need to make sure all support columns and the framework are perfectly level. This process can be especially difficult when building a deck that surrounds an above-ground pool, since it’s important for it to be flush with the swimming pool’s edge.
Constructing the Actual Deck
On the surface, a deck looks like a perfectly shaped space where you can lounge after a swim or host a party for your family and friends. But it takes a lot to make the space look perfect. Construction crews must make precise measurements and cuts to form the decking materials around the pool.
If you attach the deck to your house, the contractor will also need to take careful steps to install and waterproof the ledger board to ensure it doesn’t affect the structural integrity of your property. Although it’s hard to wait, allowing your deck installer to work through each phase of this part of the project ensures your long-term happiness with your new backyard feature.Are you ready to transform your backyard into a beautiful, functional retreat? GAIA Builders & Pools, the experts in outdoor remodeling San Diego homeowners have trusted for more than 20 years, brings expert craftsmanship, premium materials, and meticulous attention to detail to every deck and pool project. Whether you’re upgrading your existing space or creating a brand-new outdoor oasis, our team will ensure your deck is safe, durable, and perfectly designed for your lifestyle. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation and start building the backyard you’ve always envisioned.