If your current deck has seen better days, replacing it with Trex composite decking is a great way to bring it back to life. When working with our customers, one of the most common questions we get is: how long a Trex deck installation takes to complete?
Unfortunately, there’s no “one size fits all” answer to that question. The truth is that your deck installation project might take more or less time than your neighbor’s project. It can vary so much based on a number of different factors.
To help you feel more prepared for your deck replacement, continue reading to learn more about the different factors that can impact your project’s timeline.
Searching for a Deck Contractor in Northern Virginia
Perhaps the most important part of your Trex deck installation project is looking for the right contractor to hire. With so many options available, narrowing down your search can feel like an almost impossible task, which can take weeks or even months.
To help it feel more manageable, start by doing a search for contractors in your area and reading through customer reviews. This gives you an unbiased look at what it’s like to work with a particular contractor from the people that know best.
You’ll also want to find a contractor who has experience installing Trex decking so they know the proper way to do it. Here at DeckGuru, we’re proud to be a TrexPro Platinum Builder, which means that we have completed extensive training in installing Trex products and we adhere to the strict decking installation requirements set by Trex.
Working with a vetted and experienced Trex builder can give you extra peace of mind that your project will go smoothly.
The Planning Process
Once you find the right contractor to hire for your project, you can start planning the specifics of your project. That starts with evaluating the state of your current deck. When you hire the DeckGuru team, we’ll come out to evaluate the state of your deck to determine how long it might take to upgrade it to Trex decking.
From there, we’ll talk to you about what you want to get out of your upgraded deck. We’ll take this time to talk to you about what kind of features you want your new deck to have, such as railings, built-in lighting, and seating options.
We’ll also show you material samples so you can decide which color and style will work best with the rest of your home’s exterior. Depending on what you choose, we might have to wait for the materials to come in, which can impact your project’s timeline.
Securing the Right Permits
One of the many benefits of hiring a professional deck builder for your installation project is that they have the knowledge it takes to ensure that your project is handled correctly. When we come out to evaluate your existing deck, we’ll check the zoning laws in your area to see if we need to apply for a new permit, depending on the scope of your project.
If a new permit is needed, we take care of the application process and keep you updated about it along the way. If you do need a building permit, this can sometimes delay your project by a few days or weeks, depending on your local government.
The Building Process
The most exciting part of the deck installation process is often the part with the most variables. Once we start construction, there are a number of factors that can impact the project timeline.
The Structure of Your Existing Deck
We’ll always put safety first when upgrading your deck. This means looking at the existing structure and making sure it’s sound before installing Trex decking on top of it. If anything needs to be replaced, it can impact the length of your project.
The Size of Your Deck
It should come as no surprise that the larger your deck is, the longer it will take to complete.
The Design You Have in Mind
Installing a simple square Trex deck won’t take as much time as a more complicated layout. If your deck is a unique shape or includes complex features like stairs, expect it to take a bit longer to install.
The Specifics of Your Backyard
How easy is it to access your deck? If there are some obstructions in the way, like trees or other landscaping features that make it difficult to get the installation equipment in your backyard, your project may take longer.
The Extra Features You Add
As we talked about in the planning phase, installing a Trex deck is a great time to add those extra features you’ve always wanted. However, the more additions you add to your deck, the more it will impact the project’s timeline.
The Weather Outside
Finally, some things are always going to be out of our control during the Trex decking installation process. Since our crews have to be outside to work on your project, bad weather can impact how long it takes to complete your project.
Fortunately, we get fairly mild weather here in Northern Virginia, so weather delays don’t happen all that often. But, in the event of rain, snow, ice, or heavy winds, keep in mind that your installation may be delayed.
Get Your Trex Deck Installation Project on the Books
After reading this guide, we hope you have a better understanding of the different factors that can impact how long it takes to complete a Trex deck installation. While project timelines can vary by days or even weeks, we can usually give you a better estimate of what to expect based on the specifics of your project.
During our initial consultation with you, we’ll ask you for more details about your project to give you a timeline estimate as well as a price estimate. Then, after the project gets underway, we’ll be in constant communication with you if anything happens that may delay your project so you always know what to expect. When you’re ready to get started, reach out to our team for more information.
