Are you thinking about a new deck installation in winter? Many homeowners in Oregon and Washington don’t realize that off-season deck building can actually be faster, cheaper, and easier. With winter deck construction, you can skip the peak-season delays, enjoy lower costs, and have your outdoor space ready to use in spring. After all, the Pacific Northwest might experience a lot of rain. Still, our winters tend to be milder than in many other places, which can be surprisingly accommodating for outdoor work.
Read on to discover why winter is the best season to build your deck, how to save money with off-peak specials, receive faster permit approvals, get the most out of your deck, and get started on your deck today.
From the Tri-Cities to Salem, outdoor spaces in the Pacific Northwest may not see much use during winter, winter deck installation offers key advantages. Here’s what makes the off-season a great time to get started on your deck project:
One of the biggest perks of scheduling your deck or fence installation in winter is the possibility of landing off-peak deals. Since contractors aren’t juggling as many jobs, to keep their crews busy and maintain a steady workflow, you might see reduced labor rates, bundled packages (think deck plus railing upgrades), or special pricing on deck materials—like end-of-year clearance sales on lumber or composite boards and hardware.
These promotions can add up to noticeable savings. You might qualify for a lower installation price or get the chance to upgrade to high-quality materials without blowing the budget. And if you’ve been eyeing that fancy aluminum railing or some built-in benches, winter is the perfect time to invest since contractors are more open to negotiating extras when they have room in their schedules.
Another bonus of getting your project rolling in the winter is the likelihood of breezing through the permit process. During peak construction seasons, local building departments can be slammed with applications, which means you could be left waiting weeks—or even months—for the green light to start building. But when things slow down in the colder months, there’s much less competition, so your application typically rises to the top of the pile faster.
That said, having your paperwork in tip-top shape is important. Before you submit anything, make sure to double-check all the necessary forms, diagrams, and documentation. Include clear site plans, material lists, and any structural details required by your local jurisdiction. Getting these right the first time can prevent lengthy negotiations with the building department while taking full advantage of the quieter season.
A quicker approval also means you can break ground sooner to give yourself additional time to wrap up your project before it’s the ideal time to start enjoying it.
The benefits of building your deck early go beyond money and permits. By knocking out construction when others are hibernating, you’ll be ready to enjoy outdoor BBQs, evening hangouts, and lazy Sunday brunches the moment the weather warms up. Instead of spending those first warm weeks dealing with the noise and mess of a construction zone, your outdoor space will be the sanctuary you hoped for.
Beyond the obvious perk of having everything done before prime Pacific Northwest outdoor weather arrives, you can also enjoy some peace of mind. You won’t have to scramble to find a contractor when everyone else is—or watch the cost of materials spike along with the spring demand. Plus, you can avoid the stress of missed deadlines or last-minute hiccups that can come with peak-season construction.
One of the best reasons to start your decking or fencing project in the early winter is the added flexibility you’ll have with scheduling—and Rick’s is set to accommodate. When the busy season tapers off, our team will still be ready to learn about your project’s unique needs, offer quick start times, and give your project the attention it deserves. That means fewer delays, fewer headaches, and a smoother overall process from when you pick up the phone to the final walkthrough.
Don’t wait for spring… start your winter deck installation today! If you’re thinking about upgrading your outdoor space—adding a new deck, sprucing up your fence, or exploring one of our other off-peak specials—we’d love to help make your vision a reality!
Check out our TigerWood, Armadillo Composite, and Port Orford Cedar deck design inspiration galleries to explore materials and layouts for your home. Then, get a free estimate or call the nearest location to schedule a consultation, chat about design ideas, or learn more about our current promotions. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
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