When’s the best time to start your deck project—spring or summer? The timing of your deck installation can significantly affect your cost, project speed, and the quality of your outdoor living space. Whether you’re hoping to have your deck ready for summer or need to plan around Longmont’s weather, understanding how spring vs. summer deck construction impacts your timeline and budget will help you make the right decision.
Deck Construction in Spring in Longmont, Colorado
In Longmont, building a deck in spring offers a range of advantages, particularly around contractor availability, mild weather, and an early start to enjoy your outdoor space in the summer. However, as with any season, spring deck building also has challenges—especially with unpredictable rain and ground thawing in colder months. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of spring deck construction in Longmont.
Pros of Spring Deck Construction in Longmont
Spring in Longmont offers moderate temperatures that are ideal for deck contractors. The cooler weather reduces the risk of expansion or contraction of composite decking materials like Trex and Deckorators MBC, ensuring they are installed with greater precision and less risk of damage caused by temperature fluctuations.
Did You Know? The 2024 year was the second warmest in Colorado Springs, with an average temperature of 52.7°. This rising temperature trend can affect construction timelines across Northern Colorado, including Longmont. As temperatures rise, materials dry faster, leading to quicker project completion.
Get Ahead of the Summer Rush
Starting your deck construction in spring means you’ll have it ready by the time the summer heat hits. Longmont residents can take advantage of early booking and avoid waiting for contractors to become overwhelmed by peak-season demand.
Contractor Availability and Focused Attention
Spring is typically a quieter period for deck contractors in Longmont. With fewer projects, contractors can dedicate more focused time to your deck project. Whether building a multi-level deck, adding a pergola, or installing an outdoor fireplace, contractors can more easily accommodate your specific needs and timelines.
Cons of Spring Deck Construction in Longmont
Unpredictable Rain Delays
Longmont’s spring weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rain showers. While composite decking like Trex and TimberTech are moisture-resistant, wet conditions can still delay your deck installation schedule. A sudden downpour may cause work to stop, impacting the project timeline.
Ground Thawing Delays
Spring marks the transition from winter to warmer weather, and in Longmont, the ground can still be soft from melting snow or spring rains. Deck footings and supports need stable soil to be installed properly. If the ground is too saturated, contractors may need to delay the start of your deck project until the soil settles, adding to your construction timeline.
Deck Construction in Summer in Longmont, Colorado
Summer deck construction in Longmont offers the advantage of consistent weather, longer daylight hours, and a quicker project timeline. However, there are trade-offs regarding contractor wait times due to peak season demand. Explore the benefits and challenges of deck building in Longmont during the summer.
Pros of Summer Deck Construction in Longmont
Consistent Weather for Faster Project Completion
Summer in Longmont brings extended sunny days, making it ideal for deck construction. Unlike spring, where rain can cause unexpected delays, summer offers more predictable weather, allowing contractors to work without interruptions. This consistency helps keep your deck installation on schedule.
Facts: Spring can be unpredictable, but summer in Longmontmore has consistent weather, with fewer rain days. Longmont experiences around 79 days of rain per year, similar to cities like Dallas and Oklahoma City, which have relatively dry conditions in the summer. This makes summer a more reliable season for construction, reducing weather-related delays.
Longer Daylight Hours for Increased Efficiency
Summer brings longer daylight hours, allowing Longmont deck contractors to work more efficiently. This is particularly important for larger projects like multi-level decks or adding features like outdoor kitchens, where extended work hours can significantly reduce construction time.
Availability of Materials
Summer is peak season, meaning decking materials like Trex decking or TimberTech are fully stocked. Whether you need composite decking, pavers, or patio covers, you’ll have access to a broader selection of materials, ensuring your deck installation goes smoothly.
Cons of Summer Deck Construction in Longmont
Higher Costs Due to Peak Season
Summer brings higher demand for deck contractors, and with increased demand comes higher costs. Prices for deck construction can increase due to higher labor and material costs. If you want to keep your budget in check, spring deck construction may offer a better cost structure, as contractors often discount before the summer rush.
Longer Wait Times for Contractors
Due to high demand, securing your deck contractor in the summer may take weeks or even months. Many Longmont builders are booked for months in advance, so if you’re hoping to work with a specific contractor, it’s important to schedule early.
Key Factors to Consider for Deck Construction in Longmont
When deciding between spring vs. summer deck construction, several critical factors influence the success and efficiency of your project. It’s not just about timing—it’s about aligning your deck installation with your budget, timeline, and material availability. Here’s a closer look at the key factors to weigh before deciding.
| Key Factor | Spring Construction | Summer Construction |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Lower costs due to reduced demand for contractors and materials. Spring pricing can be up to 20% lower than summer rates. Additionally, material prices have decreased by 1.9% over the past year, with a 0.9% decrease in September due to lower energy costs. Source | Higher costs due to increased demand in the housing market. As single-family housing permits increase in 2024, more homeowners seek construction services, increasing labor and material prices, especially for custom builds or larger projects like gazebos or outdoor kitchens. |
| Timeline | Faster completion: With fewer projects, Longmont contractors can typically complete deck installations in 8-12 weeks, allowing homeowners to enjoy their new deck by summer. | Longer wait times: High demand means delays of 2-4 weeks for most projects. Larger builds may take 8-10 weeks to complete. |
| Material Availability | Limited stock of popular materials like Trex and TimberTech as manufacturers prepare for peak season. | Full stock is available, but due to peak demand, prices will increase. Expect 10-20% price increases for Trex decking and other composite materials. |
| Weather & Delays | Unpredictable rain can delay projects in spring, especially during foundation work. Ground thawing may also delay early spring projects. | More predictable weather with 26 days of rain yearly in Longmont, ensuring fewer weather-related delays. |
Why Spring is the Perfect Time to Start Your Deck Project
- Explore Custom Features: Spring is the ideal time to plan and add features like custom pergolas, deck lighting, or multi-level decks.
- Incorporate Functional Features: If you’re considering adding an outdoor kitchen or a pergola, spring construction lets you get ahead of the peak season. It’s also the perfect time to design a pool deck that seamlessly integrates with your outdoor area, ensuring everything is ready for summer enjoyment.
- Enjoy Shorter Wait Times: Spring is typically a slower season for builders, so you’ll face less competition for scheduling and can get your project started sooner.
- Get Ready for Summer: Starting in spring ensures your deck is complete in time for summer gatherings, BBQs, and outdoor entertaining—so you won’t miss a moment.
- Better Material Availability: With demand lower than in peak season, you’re more likely to find materials in stock, helping to avoid delays and keep your project on track.
Start Your Deck Project in Longmont Today
Spring deck construction offers cost savings and quicker turnaround,, while summer deck building ensures reliable weather and efficient progress. By understanding the costs, timeline, and material availability of both seasons, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
Ready to get started? Whether you’re planning a custom deck, outdoor kitchen, or pergola, O’Keefe Built is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us guide you through bringing your outdoor living space to life. Book early to ensure your outdoor space is ready to entertain by summertime!
