The third component of the question is about price.

Ten different families living in the same house will have 10 different budgets to work within. I try to design a deck to fit each family's budget. In some situations I recommend waiting a year or two until more dollars can be saved, and thereby doing the project right the first time. I don't like to design or build a deck that won't satisfy the needs of the family or won't last for the duration required. To make a deck last over 20 years, good quality materials are required and it may cost more initially. It will, however, save thousands of dollars later in not having to redo the deck in 15 or 20 years.

Stainless steel hardware, concrete footings, clear BC cedar and some maintenance-free deck materials are examples of spending a little more now that could save thousands later.

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