If building a new deck is on your to do list this year, waiting until next spring could actually cost you more time, money, and frustration. While many homeowners think of spring as “deck building season,” experienced contractors know that August is one of the smartest times of the year to begin planning and ordering materials for a fall deck project.
By getting started now, you’ll avoid the spring rush, enjoy cooler installation weather, and have your deck ready just in time for football season, fall cookouts, and the holidays.
Here’s why August is the perfect time to start.
1. Beat the Spring Rush
Every spring, contractors become overwhelmed with homeowners who all want their decks built at the same time.
That usually means:
- Longer wait times
- Higher labor costs
- Material shortages
- Delayed project completion
By starting your project in August, you’ll often have a much easier time scheduling your contractor before their fall calendar fills up.
Even if you’re building the deck yourself, you’ll have plenty of time to order materials before demand spikes again next year.
2. Cooler Weather Makes Building Easier
Anyone who’s spent a full day installing decking in July knows just how exhausting summer heat can be.
Beginning your project in late August or early fall offers several advantages:
- More comfortable working temperatures
- Less heat stress on installers
- Shorter exposure to direct sunlight
- More enjoyable DIY building conditions
This is especially true if you’re installing hardwood decking like Ipe, Cumaru, or Tigerwood, which often require more precision during installation.
3. Have Your Deck Ready for Fall Entertaining
Autumn is one of the best seasons to enjoy your outdoor living space.
Imagine relaxing on your new deck during:
- College football Saturdays
- NFL Sundays
- Backyard bonfires
- Thanksgiving gatherings
- Cooler evenings with friends and family
Instead of watching construction crews next spring, you’ll already be enjoying your investment.
4. More Time to Choose the Right Materials
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is rushing material decisions.
Starting in August gives you time to compare options like:
Exotic Hardwood Decking
Species such as:
- Ipe
- Cumaru
- Tigerwood
- Garapa
- Teak
offer incredible durability, natural beauty, and lifespans that can exceed 50 years with proper installation.
Composite Decking
If low maintenance is your priority, compare collections from:
- Trex®
- TimberTech®
- Deckorators®
Rather than settling for whatever happens to be in stock during the busy spring season, you’ll have time to evaluate colors, warranties, textures, and price points.
5. Don’t Forget About the Deck Framing
Many homeowners spend thousands of dollars on premium decking only to install it over inexpensive pressure treated framing.
Unfortunately, today’s pressure treated lumber doesn’t always last as long as premium decking materials.
If your budget allows, consider upgrading to:
These framing systems can dramatically extend the life of your entire deck.
If Steel or Aluminum Isn’t in Your Budget…
One of the smartest investments you can make is installing joist tape.
Products like DeckWise® WiseWrap® JoistTape™ help seal the tops of your framing members, preventing water from sitting on the joists and significantly reducing premature rot.
It’s an inexpensive upgrade that can add years to the life of traditional wood framing.
6. August Gives You Time to Design the Deck You Actually Want
When spring arrives, many homeowners rush into building whatever design they can get completed quickly.
Starting now gives you time to consider upgrades such as:
- Cable railing
- Glass railing
- Picture frame borders
- Built in benches
- Pergolas
- Outdoor kitchens
- Privacy walls
- Integrated lighting
- Multi level decks
Planning ahead almost always results in a better finished project.
7. Don’t Cut Costs in the Wrong Places
Everyone wants to save money on a deck project.
But some shortcuts can become expensive repairs later.
Never Use Cheap Coated Steel Screws on Hardwood Decking
If you’re installing hardwood decking like Ipe or Cumaru, always use high quality stainless steel deck screws.
Cheap coated steel screws may:
- Corrode over time
- React with hardwood extractives
- Snap during installation
- Leave ugly rust stains
Stainless steel fasteners are the industry standard for hardwood decking and are well worth the investment.
Don’t Skip Hidden Fasteners
If your decking is compatible with hidden fasteners, they’re worth considering for:
- Cleaner appearance
- Fewer exposed screw heads
- Improved barefoot comfort
- Easier board replacement
For hardwood decking, systems like the DeckWise® Ipe Clip® remain one of the industry’s most trusted hidden fastening options.
8. Material Availability Is Often Better Before Spring
Many premium building products experience inventory fluctuations during peak building season.
Ordering early can improve availability for:
- Longer deck board lengths
- Specialty railing
- Custom stair components
- Fascia boards
- Matching fasteners
- Structural framing systems
This is especially important if you’re building with premium hardwoods or specialty composite collections.
9. Lock In Pricing Before Future Increases
Building material prices can change throughout the year.
Ordering your deck materials in late summer or early fall may allow you to avoid future manufacturer price increases that often occur at the beginning of a new year.
While no one can predict future pricing, purchasing materials earlier provides greater budgeting certainty.
Start Planning Today Enjoy Your Deck This Fall
The best deck projects rarely happen overnight.
Starting your planning in August gives you time to:
- Choose the right decking material
- Select longer-lasting framing options
- Order premium products before peak demand
- Schedule your contractor
- Avoid spring delays
- Enjoy your new outdoor space throughout the fall
Whether you’re building with beautiful hardwood decking like Ipe, Cumaru, or Tigerwood, or choosing low-maintenance options from Trex®, TimberTech®, or Deckorators®, getting started now can make the entire project smoother and more enjoyable.
Ready to Build?
At AdvantageLumber.com, we offer everything you need for your next deck project, including premium hardwood decking, composite decking, PVC decking, steel and aluminum framing, hidden fasteners, stainless steel screws, cable railing systems, deck lighting, and expert project support.
Our team can help you compare materials, estimate quantities, and choose the right products for your climate, budget, and design goals—so your deck is built to last for decades, not just a few seasons.