Aside from a privileged few, the majority of individuals must stick to a budget and figure out how to maximize their hard-earned money. Without taking basic care, installing a deck may become expensive, just like any improvement. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your new deck is both reasonably priced and a high-quality addition to your house that will last you for years.
- Always plan ahead!
Have you heard the proverb “measure twice, cut once”? Before you ever pick up a tool, having a clear strategy in place can help you prevent any unexpected problems. Click here to learn more.
Think about how you want to use the deck. Would you like it to be accessible from a single location or from a few? Any structural factors must be carefully considered since it may be troublesome and costly to fix these issues after the deck is constructed.
This is also the time to go through any problems you could have with your construction and figure out how to fix them. Consider doing some research and asking around for some friendly guidance as you begin to prepare. Although no plan can be 100% foolproof, the more you plan, the more probable it is that everything will go as planned.
- Cut down on offsets.
You may utilise your material more effectively and save money by reducing your offsets (the stuff you throw away). You may save wood by properly arranging your deck. We’d advise the following suggestions.
- Based on the materials you will be purchasing, plan your deck. For instance, our boards come in 5.4m and 5.8m lengths. You can design your decks appropriately if you are aware of the size of your resources.
- If you need to expand the breadth of your deck (depending on the size of your frame), use picture frames and breaker boards (boards that run perpendicular to the direction of the deck).
- Use your imagination when laying out your boards. In order to cover more ground with fewer boards, try combining orientations, such as north/south with east/west.
- Order 5% extra boards than you really need to be safe.
Advantages of buying extra deck boards:
- Increases your level of flexibility in case things don’t go as planned (even the best of us can run into a snag).
- Less likelihood of running out of supplies on the big day. This eliminates the need for extra trips to the store or waiting around for deliveries.
- The remaining boards can be conveniently stored away, which will facilitate any required repairs.
- Have a financial plan
It’s crucial to know your budget or the maximum amount you’re ready to spend before beginning any restoration job. With yourself and anybody else you’re dealing with, you need to be transparent and truthful about what you can really afford. Knowing your spending limits and how to maximise your hard-earned money will be made easier with the help of these parameters.
Choosing your level of financial flexibility is a good idea as well. Are you prepared to spend more money if necessary, or is the amount you’ve calculated the absolute maximum you’re willing to spend? The good news is that you can still build a fantastic deck on a tight budget with a little ingenuity and cunning.
- Consider both short-term and long-term costs
We understand that when installing a new deck, your mind is going to be focused on the immediate costs of your building project. It’s simple to concentrate on your current spending without taking the long term into account.
For instance, even though wood is the cheapest material, you’ll quickly discover that it comes with its fair share of hassles. This includes rot, water damage, warping, splinters and most famously, termites. Wood is also notorious for being high maintenance, needing annual treatments and polish.
Material choice
The question of “what is the cheapest material” has to be replaced with “what material offers the best value for the money” at this point. Composite decking offers superior value over the long term, even if wood decking may be initially less expensive. It is not only simple to install and environmentally friendly, but it also doesn’t need any upkeep.
Choosing high-quality materials has additional advantages, such as:
- Looks better and remains looking fantastic.
- Isn’t sensitive to the weather as lumber is. This means no rotting, warping, splintering or fading.
- Forget about termites — composite decking is termite proof.
- Long-term decking upkeep
- One of the major long-term expenditures to bear in mind is the maintenance you’ll require for your new deck, your new deck will be a popular spot in your house for family time, and events and simply a place to relax out, so you’ll want your deck looking its best.
You also want it to be secure, particularly if you have small ones running around. Timber decking may cost up to $2000 yearly to maintain. That certainly adds up after a few years, and we’re sure you can think of better things to spend that money on. Your choice of material may make a major impact in this aspect, so it’s worth studying a range of choices to discover the ideal pick for your deck.
- Look for value for money
When someone says they want to create a deck on a budget, they surely aren’t stating they want a ‘cheap deck’. What they’re saying is they want to make the most of their dollar and receive quality while being prudent with their money. This strategy will involve some patience, as you may have to explore a few possibilities to locate the ideal plan that suits your budget but still delivers you value for money.
- Avoid settling for inferior materials.
Keep in mind that only 33% of the cost of your deck will be spent on boards, with the remainder going towards labour and building the subframe. It’s common for consumers to attempt to save costs by purchasing less expensive decks, but in practise, doing so won’t save you any money and will leave you with a subpar deck. More long-term expenses will result, which will be both inconvenient and expensive.
The advantages provide you value for money, thus it is preferable to spend a little extra on premium composite decking.
- Utilise the base you have.
Your chances of saving money increase with how much of your current structure and foundation you can use into your new deck. For instance, the price of cutting a brand-new door and preparing the site for your deck construction would mount up rapidly.
If you already have a deck, you may be able to simply change the boards. The most costly aspects of a construction project are the foundation and framework, and you’d be shocked how much some fresh deck boards can liven up a slab of concrete.
- Keep it basic
Any customization you want will incur additional costs, regardless of whether it involves distinctive designs, uncommon materials, odd sizes, or many aesthetic touches. This is due to elements like purchasing speciality materials, the additional work expenses, and design charges if you engage a contractor.
Nothing wrong with keeping your design simple. The most fashionable and timeless designs are often the ones with less intricate details. Have you ever heard the saying “Less is more”? Incorporate this into your design. You may decorate your deck to reflect your personality and add some flair. Your deck will quickly take on your personality with a few good pieces of furniture, plants, and accents. The benefit of this strategy is that you may pace your décor to fit your budget and adjust it later if you’d like.
Superdeck Composite Decking provides the material for you whether you want a cost-effective solution or want to go all out. Our selection of Superdeck Decking is robust, long-lasting, low maintenance, and environmentally responsible while having the appearance of natural wood decking. It’s the prefered option in the construction sector and a great approach to construct a high-quality, cost-effective deck.