Deck & Porch Prep Steps

Most likely you have contracted with a deck builder to have a deck or porch built. While this is an exciting time for you, your family, and your house, there are a few things that you need to prepare for before your deck builder pulls his truck up front. This article is here as a guide to help you prepare your yard for your new porch or deck.

Decking Material
Depending on the layout of your yard, your deck contractors will have to carry all of the framing material and decking from the trailer to the site of your deck. If you have an opinion on what route you want your deck contractors to take, let them know before they show up to unload.

All of the material, which will include the decking, joists, posts, and concrete will need to be stacked somewhere in your yard. If you have a patio or slab then this is great place for them to stockpile material, however, most homes don't have such a place. This will mean that some of your grass will be covered with material, tools, and cut-offs. This is just part of the process, but it doesn't mean that you don't have options.

Do your best to have the contractors pile materials in an area of your yard that typically doesn't get much shade or an area where grass is difficult to grow, this way you won't lose much. Remember that contractors won't want to walk far to material, so you might just have to compromise.

Obstacles in Your Yard
What is in the way might get broken. This is an adage of home remodeling here at ServiceMagic, and we pass it along to you so that you feel encouraged to protect your belongings. Whatever might be in the way needs to be moved out of the way, and this includes grills, play equipment, flower pots, birdfeeders, tables, chairs, etc. This will not only protect your possessions, but it will also allow your contractors to go right to work without having to slalom around obstacles in your yard.

Deck Stain
If you are having a natural wood deck or porch installed, it will not be stained or treated immediately. Most professionals will wait 4-6 weeks to let the sun even out the color of the wood and then stain after. Once you know when it will be treated, make sure to let your lawn grow long and then have it cut right after it is treated. This will keep overspray from the stain from getting all over the grass because you will have that portion cut. This is just a smart way to protect your lawn.

As with any project, ask your contractor if you can do anything to help out to prepare for their arrival. Access to a water hose and an electrical outlet will be necessary, but they might also have a few other things.