Timing Matters More Than You Think
When it comes to building a backyard deck, most homeowners in BC picture summer sunshine, patio furniture, and outdoor gatherings. What they don’t always think about is when to actually start the process. By the time the weather’s warm, builders are often booked up and timelines are tight.
That’s why one of the most common pieces of advice we give at All Hands On Deck is this: start planning your deck earlier than you think. The best results come from thoughtful design, clear timelines, and beating the seasonal rush, especially in a province where the window for outdoor construction can be limited.
BC’s Unique Building Season
In British Columbia, our weather patterns vary drastically from region to region. The Lower Mainland sees a lot of rain through fall and winter, which makes spring the unofficial kickoff for deck construction. In the Okanagan, winter snow gives way to dry summer heat, creating a slightly longer outdoor building season, but still one that fills up fast.
The result is that most deck builders across BC operate within a seasonal window, usually from late March through early October, depending on the weather. When homeowners wait until May or June to get in touch, they often face longer wait times, limited material availability, or rushed decisions.
Early planning allows for smoother design, proper permitting, and scheduling that works for you—not just what’s left in the calendar.
Why Winter and Early Spring Are Ideal for Planning
The off-season might not seem like the obvious time to think about decks, but it’s actually the best time to lay the groundwork. Here’s why:
First, it gives you room to breathe. You’re not making rushed choices just to get on a builder’s schedule. Instead, you have time to think through how you want to use the space, what materials you prefer, and what design fits your home best.
Second, it gives your builder time to do things right. At All Hands On Deck, we use the planning months to conduct site visits, explore material options with our clients, finalize permits, and schedule work at the ideal time. When spring hits, we’re ready to build—not just starting the conversation.
Planning early also helps you lock in your spot on the schedule before the busy season kicks off.
Permits Take Time—Don’t Let Them Delay You
Depending on your location and deck size, you may need a building permit. Municipal permitting offices often get backed up during peak season, especially as more homeowners take on renovations and outdoor projects.
Applying for a permit in winter or early spring means you’re more likely to get approval quickly—without the backlog. It also gives your builder time to ensure the design meets all local codes and bylaw requirements before construction begins.
Skipping or rushing this step can lead to costly revisions or delays mid-project. Early planning avoids all that and sets your project up for success.
Better Access to Materials and Design Options
Another advantage of early deck planning is greater access to materials. As the busy season ramps up, certain decking products—especially specialty composites, cedar, or custom railing components—can become harder to source quickly. This can limit your design flexibility or push timelines out further than expected.
When you start early, your builder can source materials ahead of time, secure what you want, and avoid the supply crunch that often happens in late spring and summer.
This also opens the door for more thoughtful design choices. You’ll have time to consider layout, finish, lighting, railing styles, built-in seating, and other features that elevate your deck from standard to spectacular.
Faster Builds and Fewer Interruptions
No one wants their deck project to stretch on longer than it should. But when demand is high and timelines are compressed, delays happen more frequently. Weather shifts, permit wait times, and material backlogs can all slow things down—especially when you’re trying to build in peak summer months.
Starting early helps avoid the rush. You’ll get on the schedule ahead of the crowd, which means fewer delays, more predictable progress, and a finished deck ready to enjoy as soon as the warm weather hits.
At All Hands On Deck, our early-season builds are always the smoothest. Clients who start the process in late winter or early spring often enjoy their new deck by early summer—just in time for patio season.
Enjoy the Whole Season—Not Just the Tail End
Building a deck is a major investment. You deserve to enjoy the full benefit of that investment, not just a few weekends at the end of August.
When you plan ahead, you give yourself the gift of a full outdoor season. Whether you’re grilling in June, hosting a birthday in July, or sipping coffee on cool August mornings, a thoughtfully built, well-timed deck turns your yard into a true extension of your home.
And if you’re considering selling your home in the near future, early construction means your deck will be ready in time to impress buyers during the prime real estate season.
We’re Booking Now—Let’s Get Started
If a new deck is on your wishlist this year, now is the time to act. Our team at All Hands On Deck is currently scheduling consultations for the upcoming build season. Whether you want a small, functional platform or a multi-level outdoor retreat, we’ll help you design and build a deck that suits your home, budget, and lifestyle.
Visit our deck services page to explore your options, or contact us to schedule your consultation.
Let’s get your deck project off the ground—on time, on budget, and ready for a summer you won’t forget.
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