Best Deck Designs for Cold Climates
Many don’t realize that the decking design and material you use should be about more than just your budget and/or your aesthetic preference. The SEAL-A-DECK professionals recommend always looking into options that are the best for the climate you live in. In New England, our decks go through different weather situations than those on the west coast or south, for example. We know our customers need materials that can withstand large amounts of snow and ice and even excessive UV rays in the summer. Here are our top suggestions for decking materials and designs for cold climates.
Choosing a Material
The first thing you want to think about is the material you’re using. We can get really creative with any type of wood or any other composite design, but it will be in vain if the material you choose can’t handle excessive ice and snow. Our professionals suggest considering the various types of hardwood on the market. These will be strong and able to withstand any type of harsh weather that we often see in the New England area. Some hardwoods include mahogany, ipe, and cedar. The great thing about any of these choices other than their durability is that they are pleasing to the eye and come in many rich color varieties.
Design Options
Designing for the potential of snow and ice is very possible and done often throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. One design option that is easily achieved is laying the wood a little bit farther apart, about a quarter-inch separation, to give snow and ice a place to thaw and runoff. Typical construction only gives an eighth of an inch gap. If your construction does not allow for any additional give in the boards, once the ice melts it is more likely to continue freezing into sheets since there is nowhere for the water runoff to go.
Deck Amenities
There are also great options for installing amenities that make braving the winter a bit easier. Removable gates are often a popular option because they make shoveling the snow off of your deck easier. A covered deck or patio with an awning helps protect the deck floor and your home’s roof from snow and ice. These are strategically placed for optimal snow avoidance. You can invest in heaters or firepits for your deck if you want to enjoy the outdoors even on a cold night. The SEAL-A-DECK designers are always open to new and innovative ideas from our customers as well. Through a collaborative process, we can build something that is perfect for your family.
Build Your Deck
If you’re ready to talk to someone about building the perfect deck, SEAL-A-DECK is here to help. We have many years of experience with building decks that outlast many New England winters. This may also be the perfect time of year for construction since it is off-peak and we offer discounts for construction out of our busiest seasons. Give us a call today at 1-877-SEALADECK or complete our instant quote request form to get more information on your deck investment.
