When most people think of building or repairing a deck, they envision a sunny, warm day, with the scent of freshly cut wood in the air. However, the idea of constructing a deck during the winter might seem counterintuitive.
Ever wondered about constructing a deck in the midst of winter, surrounded by snow and frozen ground? No worries at all! For skilled deck builders, snow, ice, and frozen terrain are no hindrance. Interestingly, some of us deck contractors find the cold ground conditions preferable. It makes the process of excavating footings simpler, as dealing with firm ground is much more convenient compared to navigating through spring mud (or soggy clay, depending on which side of town you live on). This method ensures that your new deck’s foundation stays at an ideal level, and the solid ground also helps prevent any potential damage to the grass and turf during the construction process.
Surprisingly, there are numerous advantages to building a deck during the colder months. Let’s take a look at five reasons why building a deck in the winter months is beneficial for the consumer (you) and us!
Availability of Contractors and Materials:
During the summer, contractors such as ourselves, often have a backlog of projects, and getting a slot in our schedule can be challenging. However, in the winter, construction demand typically decreases. This means that contractors are more readily available, and you won’t have to wait as long to start your deck project.
Some building materials, especially those made of wood, benefit from being stored in cooler, drier conditions. Winter weather can create optimal storage conditions for certain materials, reducing the risk of issues like warping or moisture damage. With fewer construction projects in progress, there is generally less traffic in the supply chains for building materials. This can lead to smoother logistics and more efficient delivery schedules, ensuring that materials are available when needed.
Faster Permit Processing:
It’s normal to see a decrease in permit applications during the winter months. As a result, the permitting process tends to be more efficient and faster, allowing you to get your deck project started without significant delays.
Less Disturbance to Your Summer Activities:
Building a deck during the winter ensures that you won’t disrupt your outdoor activities during the warmer months. Your backyard will be ready for spring and summer, with a brand-new deck that you can enjoy immediately. If you replace or build your deck during the cooler months, you’ll be ready to embrace hosting opportunities with family and friends immediately once the warmer season hits. In Central Oregon, it could even mean that you’re hosting a get together mid-February! There’s almost always at least one 70 degree day in the middle of our “winter” months, teasing us before spring hits. Not to mention, by the time spring arrives, your deck will be ready for staining or sealing, ensuring it’s fully protected and enhancing its longevity.
Flexible Scheduling:
Winter allows for greater flexibility in scheduling because you can avoid working during extreme heat that Central Oregon has been known to have in the summer months. Also, since the demand for outdoor projects is lower during the winter months, it allows for more scheduling flexibility.
Reduced Risk of Wood Warping:
Wood used for deck construction is less likely to warp or twist during the winter. Dry and cold air prevents excessive moisture absorption in the lumber, which can be a concern in humid summer months. This reduced risk of warping means that your deck is more likely to maintain its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal over time.
Wood warms in the summer months primarily due to its response to environmental conditions, specifically temperature and humidity. This warming is a result of the physical properties of wood and its interactions with the surrounding air.
Expansion and Contraction: Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it has the ability to absorb and release moisture from its surroundings. During the summer, the air is warmer and more humid. As wood absorbs moisture, it swells, causing it to expand. This expansion is a direct response to the increased humidity levels, and it contributes to the perception that wood “warms up” in the summer.
Temperature Sensitivity: Wood is also sensitive to temperature changes. When exposed to higher temperatures, the molecular activity within the wood increases. This heightened molecular activity results in the expansion of the wood fibers, causing the material to physically enlarge. The warming effect is more noticeable in materials that have a higher thermal coefficient of expansion, and wood is known for its responsiveness to temperature variations.
Solar Radiation: Wood surfaces exposed to direct sunlight absorb solar radiation. As the wood absorbs this radiant energy, it experiences an increase in temperature. This effect is most pronounced on surfaces that are directly exposed to the sun, such as the exterior of buildings, decks, or wooden furniture left outdoors.
Color and Thermal Absorption: The color of the wood can also influence its temperature. Darker colors absorb more sunlight and, consequently, more heat. In outdoor settings, where wood is often exposed to sunlight, darker-stained or naturally darker woods will absorb more solar radiation, leading to an increase in temperature.
Humidity-Induced Dimensional Changes: The relationship between wood and humidity is crucial to understanding its behavior in different seasons. In summer, high humidity levels can cause wood to absorb moisture from the air, leading to dimensional changes. This absorption contributes to the feeling of warmth in the material.
It’s important to note that the perception of wood “warming up” in the summer is not related to an increase in its internal temperature, as wood does not conduct heat in the same way metal does. Instead, it’s a result of the physical changes in the wood due to expansion caused by increased moisture and temperature.
These natural reactions of wood to environmental conditions are essential considerations in construction and woodworking. Builders and carpenters take into account the potential expansion and contraction of wood when designing and constructing structures to ensure the long-term stability and durability of the materials used.
A Handy Alternative
This is one of the many reasons why we’re proud to offer alternative decking material solutions. The great thing about installing a Trex® or TimberTech® composite deck is that the winter maintenance isn’t as tricky. Composite decking is more resilient to harsh winter weather and can withstand ice and snow without rotting or warping. This makes it a fantastic choice for our region because in our opinion, it’s the best deck material for snow and freezing temps.
Composite decking has a more stable composition compared to wood. It experiences minimal expansion and contraction in response to temperature fluctuations. In the winter, when temperatures can vary significantly, composite decking remains relatively unaffected. This stability reduces the risk of warping or twisting, common issues with traditional wood decks.
Another reason we love working with composite decking is because wood has the potential to freeze and become brittle in cold temperatures. This increases the risk of splintering, which can be a safety hazard. No one likes splinters in their hands and feet. Composite decking, being a combination of wood fibers and synthetic materials, does not have the same vulnerability to freezing. It remains durable and safe for use, providing a comfortable and secure surface.
Winter ground, or frozen terrain, can simplify the installation process for composite decking. Unlike wood, composite materials can be installed more efficiently on firm ground. This advantage is particularly relevant for the construction of footings and foundations, contributing to a quicker and more stable installation.
Building a deck in the winter might seem unconventional, but it offers numerous benefits. From availability and cost savings to more efficient permitting and better contractor attention, the advantages are clear. By taking advantage of the winter months to construct your deck, you’ll be prepared to enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest when spring and summer arrive.
So, don’t let the cold weather deter you; embrace the chill and embark on your deck-building journey. You’ll have a beautiful, functional addition to your home that you can enjoy all year round.