Extend dec into the fall

II fso sAys DEcK building has to end in the fall? It may Y Y be the weather in some regions or just a mindset in others, that autumn heralds the end of deck building or deck enjoyment. But many pro dealers and their customers are finding ways to stay busy as the weather cools and days get shorter.

Mel Westerman, v.p. of purchasing for Cape Cod Lumber, North Easton, Ma., says fall's cooler weather is very conducive to deck building. "Homeowners can have a deck built now so it's ready for the spring," he suggests.

Tony Shepley, owner of Shepley Wood Products, Hyannis, Ma., agrees: "We find that our customers are not having to deal with homeowners' vacations and everyone is back to their work and school routines."

And once the deck is built, there are still ways to enjoy a fall outdoor barbecue or deck party. Here are some ideas for extending your deck season right through the crisp days of autumn... and possibly beyond.

Get a cool deal. Homeowners may be more willing to bring it outdoors if they know they can get a good deal. "With falling temperatures come falling deck installation costs," says Mike Corvino, DeckCrafters, Cherry Hill, N.J., who already has deck projects lined up through January. He explains that contractors are not as busy nor timeframes as tight as in May or June, so costs can be much lower.

And with the natural-looking composites, capped composites, and capped PVC deck products on the market, winter's wear and tear is not such a worry. "Some homeowners who choose wood for their decks feel pressured to build in the spring so they can use it before Mother Nature has her way with it," he says.

To eradicate that worry, his crew recently built a TimberTech deck for a couple in Mt. Laurel, N.J., using Legacy, a capped composite board with an added layer of protection surounding each board. The homeowners love entertaining and enjoying outdoor meals on their new deck, and say it actually looks like interior flooring.

Extend your deck season. Because it gets dark much earlier in the fall, strategically placed outdoor accent light- ing on the deck, stairs and railings help illuminate the deck and backyard. According to Corvino's partner, Luke Stewart, deck lighting can also enhance the mood within your outdoor space. "There are post rail lighting options with dimmers that can be used to change the mood," he says. "Some rail lights provide a downward glow, while others provide safe illumination of stairs-or small lights can be inset within the boards for path lighting. Quality deck lighting can extend your outdoor entertaining throughout the fall season."

Warm it up! On cool nights, Shepley says you can keep guests warm and cozy with a cost-effective outdoor heating system. They average a couple hundred dollars-from high efficiency electric, to liquid propane and natural gas options, and can boost your deck amenity offerings.

Expand living space economically. Shepley points out that it's much less costly to add living space with a deck than a home addition. "It's a great way to manage a large crowd and you don't have to worry about the mess in your house," he says.

By taking the creature comforts of the indoors outside, homeowners can enjoy outdoor entertaining right into Thanksgiving and beyond-they might even be tempted to cook that turkey on the grill this year!

With the right decking materials that stand up to harsh weather, combined with enhanced lighting options and various types of heating units, contractors can extend the deck season and maybe even offer up a new spin for the holidays. It's another way to add margins and take your deck business to a new level.

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