Why Fall Is the Perfect Time to Build a Deck

Centennial Custom Decks

If you’ve been considering adding a custom deck to your home, you might be surprised to learn that fall is one of the best seasons to start your project. With cooler temperatures, reduced demand for contractors, and favorable building conditions, autumn offers numerous advantages for homeowners in Denver, CO, and surrounding areas looking to build or repair their outdoor spaces. This article explores why fall is the ideal time for deck installations and repairs and highlights the benefits of getting started before winter sets in.

Optimal Weather Conditions for Construction

One of the most significant benefits of building a deck in the fall is the milder weather. Summers in Denver can be hot and dry, while winter often brings snow and freezing temperatures, both of which can make outdoor construction challenging. In contrast, fall offers a sweet spot for deck building, with cooler but still comfortable temperatures.

Better Working Conditions: Deck contractors and their crews can work more efficiently when the weather is mild, ensuring that your project is completed on time and with fewer delays due to weather. Extreme heat in the summer can slow down progress, while winter snow or frozen ground can halt construction entirely. In the fall, you’re more likely to experience steady progress from start to finish.
Consistent Curing: Materials such as concrete footings and sealants cure more consistently in cooler temperatures, leading to better overall results. In hot weather, materials can dry too quickly, causing issues with durability or structural integrity. Fall’s more stable temperatures help ensure that everything cures properly for long-lasting performance.

These favorable weather conditions make fall the perfect time to ensure your deck is built efficiently and to the highest standards.

Availability of Contractors

Another reason why fall is an ideal time to build a deck is that it often marks the end of the busy season for many deck builders. Spring and summer are peak times for outdoor construction, meaning contractors may be fully booked or have long wait times during these months. However, by the time fall rolls around, many homeowners have completed their summer projects, leaving contractors with more availability.

Shorter Wait Times: During the fall, you’re more likely to find a reliable deck builder who can start your project sooner rather than later. The reduced demand can translate to faster service, allowing you to complete your deck before winter weather arrives.
More Competitive Pricing: With fewer projects on their schedules, some contractors may offer more competitive pricing in the fall to fill their calendars. This could lead to cost savings without compromising the quality of your deck. Additionally, some suppliers may offer discounts on materials as they clear out summer stock, further reducing your overall project costs.

Taking advantage of the increased availability and potential cost savings in the fall ensures that you get quality work at a fair price, without the long waits typically experienced in peak seasons.

Ready for Spring Use

Building a deck in the fall means you’ll be ready to fully enjoy it as soon as spring arrives. By completing the project in autumn, you avoid the rush of trying to schedule a deck build at the start of the warm season, when everyone else is also looking to enhance their outdoor spaces.

No Delays in Spring Enjoyment: Instead of waiting for your deck to be built in the busy spring and summer months, you can have your outdoor space completed and ready for use as soon as the weather warms up. Whether you want to host barbecues, enjoy quiet mornings outside, or create a relaxing spot for your family, your new deck will be ready to go.
Perfect Timing for Landscaping: If you’re planning to add landscaping around your deck, building in the fall allows you to take care of this as soon as spring starts. Your deck will already be in place, making it easier to plan your outdoor space and seamlessly blend your new deck with the surrounding garden or yard design.

By investing in a fall deck build, you ensure that you can immediately enjoy your outdoor space when warmer weather returns, maximizing the time spent using your new deck.

Ideal Conditions for Deck Repairs

If you already have a deck, fall is also an excellent time for repairs and maintenance. Cold winter weather can worsen any existing damage, such as cracks, loose boards, or structural issues. Addressing these problems before winter helps prevent further deterioration and ensures your deck is ready for use when spring arrives.

Prevent Winter Damage: Decks that are left unrepaired before winter face additional risks from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Small cracks or loose boards can worsen with exposure to moisture and freezing temperatures, leading to more extensive and expensive repairs down the road. Fall repairs help safeguard your deck from the harsh conditions of winter, ensuring it remains safe and functional.
Extended Deck Lifespan: Regular maintenance and timely repairs can significantly extend the life of your deck. Fall is the perfect time to reseal, refinish, or reinforce your deck, protecting it from moisture damage and preparing it for the winter months. By addressing minor issues now, you can avoid the need for major repairs or even full deck replacement in the future.

Conducting repairs in the fall allows you to preserve your deck's structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, saving you time and money in the long run.

Availability of Quality Materials

Fall is often a time when suppliers clear out their summer stock, offering discounts on decking materials like wood, composite, and other construction essentials. This increased availability of high-quality materials at reduced prices can make it an opportune time to purchase everything you need for your project.

Seasonal Discounts: Many suppliers offer seasonal promotions and discounts to clear out inventory before the winter months. Whether you’re looking for pressure-treated wood, composite materials, or custom railing options, fall may be the best time to get top-quality materials at a lower price.
Greater Selection: With the summer rush over, you may find a better selection of materials available in the fall. This allows you to choose the best options for your deck design without the pressure of dwindling stock or limited choices.

Securing materials in the fall can help you achieve your dream deck without exceeding your budget, and the wider selection ensures you won’t have to compromise on style or quality.

Avoiding Spring Delays

By starting your deck build in the fall, you’ll avoid the common delays that come with spring construction projects. Spring weather in Denver can be unpredictable, with rain showers or late snowfalls causing delays in construction schedules. Additionally, with so many homeowners rushing to start their outdoor projects, you may face long wait times for contractor availability.

Building in the fall lets you bypass these issues entirely, ensuring that your deck is completed before winter arrives and ready for use when the weather warms up.

Fall is an ideal time for homeowners in Denver to build or repair a custom deck. The cooler weather, greater availability of contractors, and potential cost savings make autumn the perfect season to start your outdoor project. Whether you’re building a new deck or maintaining an existing one, getting the work done in the fall ensures that your deck is ready to be enjoyed when spring rolls around.

If you’re ready to take advantage of the benefits of fall deck building, contact Centennial Custom Decks today. Our team of experts is ready to design and construct a high-quality, custom deck that will enhance your outdoor living space for years to come.