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Can you build a deck in winter?

Trex deck in winter, railing with ice crystals.

With Custom Deck Creations, the answer is YES—building a deck in the winter offers unique advantages, and we ensure that your project is completed with top-tier quality and efficiency, no matter the season. Our specialized construction methods make winter deck builds not only possible but also highly advantageous for homeowners.

Ground Screws Make Winter Builds Possible

One of the key innovations that allows us to build year-round is our use of ground screws instead of traditional concrete footings. Installing concrete footings in winter can be extremely difficult due to frozen ground, and even when installed, the concrete needs time to cure—something that is highly weather-dependent.

With ground screws, there’s no need for concrete, meaning we avoid any issues with curing. These screws are installed using a specialized machine that drills into the ground—even through frozen soil. This method is quick, reliable, and unaffected by cold weather, ensuring your deck has a stable, durable foundation regardless of the season. Moreover, ground screws don’t disturb your existing landscaping the way traditional digging for post holes would. They’re a clean solution that keeps your lawn intact, reducing mess and protecting your yard from unnecessary damage.

Accounting for Expansion and Contraction

Building a deck in winter requires special consideration of how the materials will react to temperature changes. Composite decking materials, like Trex, expand and contract with shifts in temperature. We account for this during the construction process by following the specific guidelines set out by Trex, ensuring proper spacing between boards to allow for contraction in the cold and expansion in warmer months.

One area where this expansion and contraction is particularly noticeable is in mitered corners, which can warp as temperatures rise. To avoid this issue, we use a picture frame method for deck edges, which eliminates the risk of boards warping at the corners. This technique creates a sleek, finished look while maintaining the integrity of your deck over time, regardless of temperature changes.

Additional Winter Build Benefits

  1. Cost Savings: Winter builds can save you money. Lumber prices tend to rise in January due to increased demand, so by starting your deck project in the fall or winter, you lock in lower pricing. At Custom Deck Creations, our Price Lock Guarantee ensures that once you sign with us, your price will not increase, even if material costs rise during the build.
  2. Be Ready for Spring: Another key advantage of building your deck in the winter is that it will be ready for you to enjoy as soon as spring arrives. While others are waiting for their deck construction to finish, you’ll be ahead of the curve, ready to host outdoor gatherings and barbecues the moment warmer weather arrives.

Why Choose Custom Deck Creations?

We use waterproof tape on all joists to prevent water from penetrating, which means your deck won’t squeak as it settles. Additionally, we treat all cut ends of the boards with copper naphthenate, which seals them from the elements, ensuring every part of your deck is protected. Combined with our ground screw installation for the footings, we provide a durable and lasting solution that can be built in any season.

We go above and beyond what building codes require, and each deck we build is backed by a lifetime transferable warranty, ensuring that your investment is protected for years to come. It’s unlikely, but if you happen to notice any issues with your winter build come spring or summer, just call us. We’ll make sure your deck is perfect.

Winter doesn’t have to be a time to put off projects—contact Custom Deck Creations today to lock in your price and get started. With our seamless, no-hassle process, you’ll have a beautifully crafted deck that’s ready for spring without the stress and delays that others might face.

Trex deck in winter, railing with ice crystals.