Adding a new fence to your home or property can be a big financial decision and commitment. That’s why finding the right fencing contractors is so important. If you work with a bad contractor, you may end up paying more than you should, or you may end up with a poor-quality product. But when you work with professional fencing contractors, you can sit back and relax while the job gets done. In this article, we’ll outline the best ways to narrow down your search and find the best fencing contractor for you, your project, and your budget! To learn more about fencing solutions in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, contact the experts at Jay Fencing today!
Jay Fencing has 32 years of expertise and has completed over 100,000 projects!
Fencing Contractors – How to Find a Great One
With all of the options available, choosing your own fencing contractor can feel overwhelming. Finding a great fencing contractor doesn’t have to be hard – but there are a lot of bad contractors out there. The following five questions are designed to help you narrow down your search and help you eliminate any contractors and companies that don’t meet professional standards.
1. Are They Affordable?
A good contractor will be able to provide you with a thorough and accurate quote
One of the first things you are likely wondering about your new fence is “how much is this going to cost?” It’s important to find out if the contractor is affordable and can do the work you want within your budget. Before you choose to move forward with any contractor, you should get and compare quotes from multiple companies. Here are some tips for comparing quotes:
In general, it’s best to ignore the lowest offer, especially if it lowest by a large margin
Remember that lowest price doesn’t mean ‘best’ offer – in some cases, it means the opposite
Get quotes from at least three different contractors
The contractor should only give you one quote – and they shouldn’t budge on it. One, sturdy quote means they have thoroughly done their research and can give you a more accurate number
Ask about money upfront – A good contractor won’t need a lot of money upfront. If they ask for 50% before anything is even done, it’s best to ditch them. Remember, “Pros don’t need a lot of money up front. They don’t live week to week” – Mike Holmes.
Ask about quote prices – Do they provide free onsite quotes? Will you have to pay to get an estimate?
Once you have all of your quotes, it’s time to sit down and think about what you’ve collected. Of course, price alone won’t tell you very much about a contractor. It is a good starting point, but there is more research you will need to do and more questions to ask before you can confidently settle on a great contractor.
2. Do They Provide Workmanship Guarantees?
It’s important to ask about workmanship guarantees and contracts before agreeing to anything
The next answer you will want to know is “How long will my fence last?” You could get the “best deal” in the world on a fence, but if it’s poorly built and only lasts for a few years, is that really a good deal? Unfortunately, this happens more than you may think. In some cases, a poor fencing contractor may use incorrect materials, poor quality materials, or poor workmanship. In all these cases, you will likely end up with a fence that just isn’t quite right. So what happens now?
A professional fencing company will not only use correct, high-quality materials as well as proper installation techniques, they will also provide workmanship guarantees. Even the best contractor can make a mistake or run into an unforeseen issue – they are human too! A great fencing contractor knows this and ensures their customers are protected with thorough guarantees.
For example, at Jay Fencing, we offer a two-year warranty that we put into place for all of our fencing projects. This warranty covers any defects in both quality and workmanship that you may find with your fence. This is not just a verbal agreement – we put this into writing because we understand how important peace of mind is when you add a new fence to your property.
When communicating with your potential fencing contractor, you should ask the following questions:
What workmanship guarantees do they provide?
Are they upfront about their guarantees on their website or does it seem like they are hiding something?
Are these guarantees and warranty put into writing, in the contract or a separate document?
Can they guarantee the quality of the materials they will be using?
What happens if a mistake is made during the installation process?
Quality workmanship is just as important – if not more important – than price. Quality materials and quality workmanship go hand-in-hand. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at the questions you should ask regarding fencing materials.
3. What Materials Do They Use?
You should ask about the different materials the contractor can use, and the quality of each type
Quality workmanship may be pointless if a company only uses low-quality materials, prone to damage in just a short period of time. That’s why it’s important to find a company that combines both quality workmanship and quality materials. Keep in mind, quality materials doesn’t necessarily mean ‘most expensive.’ For example, wooden fences come in a wide variety of different types of wood of varying price points and sturdiness.
A great fence installer will let you know about all of your different options, materials, and fence designs available. They will let you know about the pros and cons of each fencing material, and ensure you know about the potential problems that can come with the less expensive, weaker materials such as whitewoods.
However, great companies understand the reasons someone may want a more economic fence – such as a lower budget. They will help you select the fence materials that is right for you and your wallet. If you do select a fence that is known for having potential problems – such as a whitewood fence, that is not resistant to bugs or rot – they will show you how to keep your fence in great condition.
Though whitewoods are not naturally rot- or insect-resistant, they can be regularly maintained and treated to ensure they last a long time. A great fencing contractor will be knowledgeable in all the different materials you can use, from the various wood types to chain link, to vinyl and iron. You should feel comfortable going over all of your options, and the contractor should give you time and space to select the materials you feel best going forward with.
4. Do They Provide Good Service?
Some photos of Jay Fencing’s team installing a new fence
Simply asking your potential company “Do you provide good service?” will probably not get you an accurate answer. Of course, every company will say “Yes!” Thankfully, there are other ways of finding out if a company provides great service or not. See the list below to help you find out.
Ask for licensing and references – Finding a licensed company is of utmost importance. You will also want to hear from their references and talk to those who have worked with the company in the past.
Ask to see a portfolio of the work they have completed – A professional company will be happy to show you the work they are proud of completing.
Check out their website – is it full of pictures of their projects, or are they using stock photos passed off as their own? You can also check to see if their website has a testimonials page, and how many show up.
Check Google Reviews – A perfect 5-star rating doesn’t mean much if they only have one review, but if they have generally favourable reviews from many different people, you can probably feel confident in their service.
Check the Better Business Bureau – The BBB shows ratings based on customer satisfaction, as well as information if the company is an accredited business or not (Jay Fencing has been a BBB accredited business for 29 years!).
Check other online rating websites – You can also check websites such as Yelp, Facebook, HomeStars, and more. Simply type into google (Company Name) + Reviews and a variety of rating websites should pop up if your company is reputable and well-known.
Word of mouth – if you know anyone who has used a fencing contractor in the past, ask them about their experience.
A professional company that provides good service will also ensure that you sign a contract before the work commences. This is to protect both you and the contractor. Your contract will help ensure great service. It should outline things such as schedule, budget, and a guarantee of the materials to be used.
5. Can I Trust Them?
Doing research online and speaking directly with contractors will help you determine if they are a trustworthy company
The final question you will want to ask yourself is if you can trust these contractors. If you have gone through every step of the process and still feel like something is off, trust your gut. There are many contractors to choose from, and you should go into the process feeling 100% confident with your choice. A good contractor will have excellent communication with you, making you feel confident every step of the way.
You will know if you can trust your contractor based on the questions above. You will want a contractor that provides you with a fair price (remember, fair doesn’t always mean cheapest!). You will want to ensure your contractor can provide high-quality work with high-quality materials. You will want to make sure that your contractor is reputable and can provide good service, as well as a warranty and contract that outlines all of your decisions.
You can also ask your contractor about the years that they have been in business. In general, a poor contractor won’t be able to survive very long. So if your contractor has been around for a good number of years, then it’s less likely you will have something to worry about. You can also ask about projects completed. If your contractor has only ever built 20 fences, you may not be able to trust them to do a good job – because there just isn’t enough proof that they can get the job done right. Experience and expertise are both important parts of putting your trust in any company.
Trust Jay Fencing To Install Your Perfect Fence!
If you are looking for a new fence in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Elmira, Elora, Fergus, Stratford, Milton, Brantford, or the surrounding areas, you can trust Jay Fencing to install your perfect fence. We have 32 years of experience and have completed over 100,000 projects!
When you work with a professional installation company, they can help you decide on the right deck style for you and all of your unique preferences and needs. At Jay Fencing, we value:
Top notch customer service
Providing the highest quality products and services available
Being a name that you can trust
Having experienced and hardworking staff
At Jay Fencing, we know and understand fair pricing, and will only do the highest quality work. Avoid confusion and skip right to the beautifully installed fence of your dreams with Jay Fencing!
At Jay Fencing Ltd, you can feel confident that we will only recommend products or services that are best for you and your needs. This means you won’t be buying any unnecessary products or services that will increase the price.
“We can’t say enough about Jay Fencing. Everyone, and I mean everyone that we have been in touch with, has been absolutely wonderful. We are so excited to have our deck completed this fall and will look forward to next spring and summer to enjoy it! Thank you to everyone at Jay Fencing. You are an amazing company and we will highly recommend you to anyone.”
You may know about our fences – but did you know that Jay Fencing also builds custom built decks? Decks are a great way to add a comfortable and functional area for your family to spend time outdoors. A custom built deck is the best way to make the most out of your yard’s space! Jay Fencing has completed over 100,000 outdoor projects, and in this article, you’ll learn why Jay Fencing should be your number one choice for your own custom built deck! To talk directly with the experts, contact Jay Fencing now!
What are the Benefits of Custom Built Decks?
Custom built decks by Jay Fencing
When you work with the professionals to build and install your custom built deck, you will get to sit back and relax as your dreams come to life right before your eyes! Some people choose to build a deck the do-it-yourself way. Of course, that method is often less expensive up front. However, when you get a custom built deck made by an experienced company, you won’t have to worry about fixes and repairs if something goes wrong. Check out our video below to see some photos of our past projects!
At Jay Fencing, we have the experience and expertise to ensure that you get the deck you have always wanted. We can help you add custom features to your deck, like deck lights, built-in seating areas such as benches, many styles of railings, various heights and platforms, and more!
Some other benefits of custom built decks include:
Added aesthetic appeal for your home and yard
A great outdoor space to relax or entertain guests
Helps to reduce your yard work
Can add value to your home
Creates a safe place for children and pets
Do you need some deck inspiration? Check out the 7 best tools to design your deck here! Or, check out 7 amazing decks to inspire your own upcoming project!
Different Deck Styles
When it comes to custom built deck styles, the possibilities are nearly endless! That’s because each house and yard are unique, and there are many features you may choose to add or leave out for your own deck. The gallery below outlines some of the different custom styles we have built for our valued customers at Jay Fencing!
Simple Wooden Deck
This simple tiered wooden deck sports multiple platforms wrapping around the whole deck instead of adding a small section of stairs. This is the perfect deck for those looking for a simple-style surface for all of your outdoor furniture, bbq, and more!
Deck With Built-in Gazebo
If you love gazebos but just don’t have the space in your yard for both a deck and a gazebo, or are looking for a way to combine the two – this deck style may be the perfect fit for you! With built-in shade and an ideal spot for seating, this deck combines privacy, comfort, and aesthetics!
Deck With Built-In Privacy Screen
There is a lot going on with this small deck – showing just what you can do even with limited space! This deck has a beautiful basketweave privacy screen along the sides, as well as a rail with iron bars – perfect for keeping children or pets safe and contained while on the deck.
Raised Deck With Wooden Benches
This raised wooden deck is sleek and simple, with mid-sized rails and iron bars. However, this deck has a unique finishing touch – built-in wooden benches. This is a great idea if you want a simple seating solution that you can leave outdoors all year round.
Wraparound Deck
Depending on the shape of your house, a wraparound deck may be the best way to make the most of out your yard space. Instead of protruding deep into the yard, this deck achieves impressive square footage by wrapping around your home!
Deck With Built-In Storage
This unique deck is ideal for homes that have limited yard space or are looking for a way to maximize lawn and garden space. Often, the space underneath a raised deck goes to waste. This deck makes use of that under-space by converting it into a fully-functional shed!
When you decide on a custom built deck, one of the first things you will have to decide on is what deck material will you choose. Although wood is the most common choice, composite decking is now becoming an increasingly popular option due to its low maintenance requirements and attractive appearance.
Composite decks are often built with a combination of wood fibres and plastics. These decks require very little maintenance and are rot, rust, and insect resistant. One example of composite decking that we install is VEKAdeck. If you want a more traditional option, you may choose a wooden deck instead. With wooden decks, there are many materials to choose from, all at different price points.
The most common woods to choose from are pressure treated lumber and redwood or cedar. Pressure treated lumber is the most cost-effective option, which is why it’s so popular! However, it is made with lower-quality wood and may bend and warp over time. With redwood or cedar, you will sometimes pay 2-3 times more. However, they are stronger as well as naturally resistant to rot, insects, and will not bend or warp easily.
Another less common option is a deck built from metal, such as aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight yet extremely durable and strong. However, it is not popular right now and it may be more difficult to find an installer that can build an aluminum deck. It also has a higher price point. We’ll take a more in-depth comparative look at some of the most common types of deck materials in the chart below.
Keep in mind, it’s important to talk to your installers before selecting a material. They can give you the most accurate pricing for your area (material, as well as installation prices, can greatly vary depending on your location). They can also help you select the materials that will work best with your lifestyle and your budget.
Why Jay Fencing Should Be Your Choice For Custom Built Decks
When you work with a professional installation company, they can help you decide on the right deck style for you and all of your unique preferences and needs. At Jay Fencing, we value:
Top notch customer service
Providing the highest quality products and services available
Being a name that you can trust
Having experienced and hardworking staff
At Jay Fencing, we know and understand fair pricing, and will only do the highest quality work. Avoid confusion and skip right to the beautifully installed fence of your dreams with Jay Fencing!
At Jay Fencing Ltd, you can feel confident that we will only recommend products or services that are best for you and your needs. This means you won’t be buying any unnecessary products or services that will increase the price.
“We can’t say enough about Jay Fencing. Everyone, and I mean everyone that we have been in touch with, has been absolutely wonderful. We are so excited to have our deck completed this fall and will look forward to next spring and summer to enjoy it! Thank you to everyone at Jay Fencing. You are an amazing company and we will highly recommend you to anyone.”
Fencing Waterloo – Are you looking to add a new fence to your property in the Waterloo area? A new fence can not only add privacy and security to your property, but it can also add value to your home and even act as a landscaping piece. Fences today are both functional and an attractive addition to your home. To learn more about fencing in Waterloo, contact the experts today or book a free on-site consultation!
Different Fencing Materials
When looking for a new fence, one of the things you must determine is what type of fence you want. There are a variety of fencing materials to choose from, and each come with their own pros and cons. The most popular fencing types are chain link, iron, wood, and vinyl.
In Waterloo, you can install any style of fence without any problems! Of course, you should take into account the cold winters and hot summers – ensure you properly maintain your fence. If you leave it without any maintenance, over time our harsh Canadian weather can wear away at your fence. Wooden fences can rot, metal fences may rust, and even vinyl fences can warp or become damaged. However, with proper maintenance, any of these fences can do well in Waterloo and Ontario, especially if you work with professional installers! If you are still not sure which is right for you, see below to learn more about each type.
Pros: Easy to maintain, cost-effective fencing solution, provides a secure property for increased safety, good at containing children and pets
Cons: Not easily customizable, doesn’t provide privacy, not aesthetically pleasing, can rust if not properly maintained
Ideal For: Those looking for cost-effective fencing, great for homes and commercial lots
Chain link fences are typically the most cost-effective fencing solution. They are relatively quick and easy to install and require minimal maintenance. Many homeowners choose chain link fences because they are practical, cost-effective, and secure. They do a great job keeping kids and pets safe, and make the most sense if you’re on a tight budget. However, they won’t provide much privacy and may not be the best at keeping unwanted guests out of your yard.
Pros: Beautiful option, comes in many styles and decorative designs, strong and durable, good for security fencing
Cons: Expensive fencing option, can show damage over time, doesn’t provide privacy
Ideal For: Homeowners looking for a decorative yet durable fence
Wrought iron fencing is one of the most attractive fencing options. Wrought iron fences come in a wide variety of styles, and are commonly used as ornamental or decorative fencing around gardens and homes. Wrought iron fences can be quite expensive, but are extremely durable and can hold up in the most extreme weather and climate conditions. There is also the trend of mixing iron fences with other materials, such as wood or stone, for increased privacy or aesthetic purposes.
Average Price: $$ – $$$$ (Varies depending onthe type of wood)
Pros: Beautiful and natural look, great as a privacy fence and for keeping pets and children safe, can be strong and durable, when properly installed can last a long time
Cons: Requires regular maintenance, can be difficult to DIY install, cheaper woods may not be long-lasting, can be more expensive for high-quality, durable woods
Ideal For: Those looking for a fence that is easy to customize and can provide a lot of privacy
Wood fences are extremely common. It is likely you have come across wooden fences used for both residential and commercial lots. Wood fences can be crafted in many different styles to create custom, unique fences. When made by a reputable company, they are sturdy and resistant to the elements. Since wood fences can be made from a wide variety of woods, each wooden fence will vary. For example, pressure treated pine is quite cost-effective but is not as strong as other options. Redwood fences are much more pricey but are naturally resistant to rot, insects, and moisture. Plus, they come in a beautiful red colour!
Pros: Aesthetically pleasing (often mimics wood designs), requires virtually no maintenance, comes in many colours and relatively easy to customize, durable
Cons: Can warp or bend in extreme temperatures, difficult to install, replacement or repair can be costly, costs more upfront
Ideal For: Those looking for a maintenance-free alternative to wood fencing
Vinyl fences are still a relatively new option but are quickly growing in popularity. Vinyl fence boards are usually made to look almost identical to wooden fence boards. They also come in a variety of styles; many of these styles are identical to their wooden counterparts as listed above. However, unlike wooden fences, vinyl fences require almost zero maintenance. You also won’t have to worry about rot, rust, and insect infestations.
Different Fence Styles
Once you’ve chosen your fencing material, you will have to pick a style. For some fences, your options may be limited. With chain link fencing, you won’t have much to choose from. You can sometimes pick from a few different colours, and maybe even the type of mesh, but overall, chain link fences look pretty much the same.
When it comes to iron fences, you often have many custom options – iron fences can be custom manufactured in whatever shapes and styles you like! However, in most cases, you will pick from a select few styles that your fence installer has on hand. It all depends on who you work with.
Both wooden and vinyl fences come in the same styles. As vinyl fences often mimic the look of wooden fences, you will find solid board, shadow box, board-on-board, horizontal board, post and rail, picket, and more – in both vinyl and wood.
With all of these fence style options, how do you pick the right one? Well, there are a number of factors you should consider before purchasing and installing your fence. Before you pick a fence style, ask yourself the following questions:
What do I need my fence for? – If you simply want a decorative fence, go with something unique and beautiful! If you need privacy, ensure your new fence will provide enough. If you’re looking for security, make sure your fence is tall and strong. Think about what you want your fence for, and that will help you narrow down the design.
What is my budget? – A post and rail fence will cost significantly less than a solid board fence – there is less material and less time put into the installation. Think about your budget, and what are your “must-haves” vs “just wants.”
Who is going to install my fence? – Many homeowners contemplate DIY fence installation, which of course is an option. However, if you are not experienced with fence installation, some styles may be much harder to properly install than others. If you’re working with an installation company, you won’t have to worry about this!
One of the best ways to help determine what style of fence is best for you is by doing your research and contacting a professional service if you get stuck. They’ll ensure you pick a fence that will suit all of your needs.
Fencing Prices
Your budget is an important part of choosing a fence. Fences will significantly vary based on your location (for example, some woods are cheaper or more expensive based on where you live!), the size of your yard, the height of your fence, and the quality of labour/ installation. In order to give you an estimate, we’ve listed the average prices as shown on HomeAdvisor’s 2018 fencing cost guide. Please note the prices were originally listed in USD, and we have converted it to CAD. Also, this is just an estimate. In order to find out exactly how much your fence will cost with labour, you will need to get a quote from a professional.
Fencing Waterloo: Why You Should Install Your Fence With Jay Fencing!
When you work with a professional fencing company, they can help you decide on the right fence style for you and all of your unique preferences and needs. At Jay Fencing, we value:
Top notch customer service
Providing the highest quality products and services available
Being a name that you can trust
Having experienced and hardworking staff
At Jay Fencing, we know and understand fair pricing, and will only do the highest quality work. Avoid confusion and skip right to the beautifully installed fence of your dreams with Jay Fencing!
At Jay Fencing Ltd, you can feel confident that we will only recommend products or services that are best for you and your needs. This means you won’t be buying any unnecessary products or services that will increase the price.
“The installers were very dedicated to come to install our new chain link fence on a Sunday, in the rain, no less.
We appreciate the excellent work and the safety we now have again since the fence enclosed
one end of our pool. Thanks for a great job!”
Many homeowners add a fence to their property for more than just functionality. With so many different fence designs, a new fence can be a beautiful landscaping addition to your home and yard! In 2018, there are so many different styles, designs, and materials to choose from – there really is something for everyone. If you are looking to add a fence to your home and property, you won’t want to miss out on these beautiful fence designs that will help inspire your own fencing project. To learn more about purchasing and installing a fence the right way, contact the experts at Jay Fencing now!
7 Beautiful Fence Designs
Whether you’re looking for a modern wooden fence, a classic metal fence, a simple vinyl fence, or something completely different, these amazing fence designs will help you narrow down your search!
Ideas For This Style: Traditional homes, homeowners with children and pets
There is a reason the picket fence continues to be such a popular choice. It is practical, perfect for keeping children and pets safe and contained, but it is also beautiful! The picket fence can help make any home look warmer and more inviting. Though it is traditionally white, we’ve seen a wide variety of picket fence colours over the last few years, such as black and navy blue, as well as bright colours. If you are looking for an attractive yet functional fencing solution, the picket fence may be the best choice.
Ideas For This Style: Perfect as a privacy fence, great for larger backyards
In contrast to our first traditional fencing option, we have the ultra-modern horizontal wooden fence. This gorgeous fence is the perfect privacy fence for a yard of any size. As you can see, it is also more than just a fence! It has built-in shelves, perfect for adding outdoor decor or showing off your potted plants. It also comes with built-in lights, adding to the overall look of this fence and making use of all that space. This fence looks a bit more like a wall than a fence, but if you love the modern style and need the privacy, this fence may be the inspiration you’re looking for.
Ideas For This Style: Ideal as decorative fencing, great around gardens or front yards
Wrought iron fences are known for being one of the most attractive fencing options available. This design takes an already beautiful, decorative iron fence and makes it even better by planting a garden around it. Iron fences may be beautiful, but they do lack colour. Bright orange, yellow, and red flowers can help bring out the decorative design in any style of iron fence. Of course, this particular design may take some extra work, so it’s best for those with a love of gardening and a green thumb!
Ideas For This Style: Perfect as a privacy fence, great for homeowners with children and pets
Vinyl fencing has grown in popularity over the last few years, as homeowners are realizing how attractive and easy to maintain it is! This poolside vinyl fence is not just a practical way to add privacy to this homeowner’s yard, but also acts as a landscaping piece. The red and black outdoor furniture contrasts perfectly with the bright white fence. It also matches the deck railing and helps complete this backyard oasis.
Ideas For This Style: Ideal for homeowners looking for environemntally friendly fencing options
Wrought iron isn’t your only option when it comes to beautiful metal fences. Corrugated metal fences are great for the environment, because they are mostly made from recycled materials, and can also add a unique, modern look to your yard. Like most fence designs on this list, the surrounding landscape has a big impact on design. This simple, black metal fence may not be much to look at by itself. However, it is a beautiful addition to this yard with lots of greenery surrounding it, matching furniture, and light, contrasting wooden floor.
Ideas For This Style: Homeowners who need a privacy and/or security fence, those with children or pets
Another popular choice for fencing solutions we continue to see is combination material fences. Do you love both iron and wood? What about metal and stone? With combination fences, you don’t have to pick between your favourite styles – you can have it all! This absolutely beautiful wood & iron fence shows just how good combo fences can look. Iron fences lack privacy, while wooden fences often lack the decorative gothic style found with iron. This fence doesn’t sacrifice privacy while keeping the classic wrought iron fence look!
Ideas For This Style: Perfect for homeowners looking for an attractive landscaping addition to their yard or deck
If you aren’t looking for a full fence and just need a privacy screen, this beautiful slatted privacy screen looks almost like a basketweave style fence, and even contains elements of a pergola at the top! If you love this style, it can also be converted into an entire fence around your yard, though would likely work best for smaller yards or for just a section of your fencing. This is also the perfect choice if you do not have room for a full-sized pergola or gazebo, but would still like some shelter and a place to hang your flowers, baskets, and other outdoor decor!
Other Inspirational Fence Designs By Jay Fencing
Scroll through the gallery below to see lots of different fence designs by Jay Fencing to help you find inspiration for your own upcoming fencing project. To learn more about all the different options you have, check out our fencing page or reach out to us now!
Expertly Install Your New Fence With Jay Fencing!
So Happy with our new fence. Both crews that came out were very hard working, and friendly. They made sure to have us come out and check the progress at a few different checkpoints to make sure we were happy. We are extremely pleased with the end results! – A Jay Fencing Customer – Read more testimonials here!
Call on Jay Fencing to install your new fence now! When you work with a professional fencing company, they can help you decide on the right fence style for you and all of your unique preferences and needs.
Jay Fencing has over 30 years of experience and has completed over 100,000 projects!
They also know and understand fair pricing, and will only do the highest quality work. Avoid confusion and skip right to the beautifully installed fence of your dreams with Jay Fencing!
At Jay Fencing Ltd, you can feel confident that we will only recommend products or services that are best for you and your needs. This means you won’t be buying any unnecessary products or services that will increase the price.
Thinking about building your own deck, but aren’t sure where to start? There are many different deck design tools and software programs that actually help you create your design! These handy tools let you create and visualize decks and other landscaping projects right on your computer. In this article, we’ll check out 7 of these tools, how each one works, and where you can get it from. If you have any questions about decks or would like to skip right to the final project, contact the experts at Jay Fencing now!
Ready To Add A Beautiful Deck To Your Yard?
7 Of The Best Deck Design Tools
These 7 awesome tools will help you not only plan and design your deck, but also your entire landscaping project including gardens, trees, pathways, and more! Please keep in mind that these tools are not ranked or listed in any particular order. They each have their pros and cons and may be more or less suitable for you depending on your experience level, computer skill, and budget.
Cost: Free but must sign-up or login with social media
Plan-A-Garden by Better Homes & Gardens is a beautiful software that allows you to plan out your entire front or backyard. It offers a wide selection of trees and plants (over 150!) as well as tons of different structures like sheds, ponds, and yes, of course, even decks! The software is easy to use. You simply drag the items you want to place onto the page and drop them right where you want them to go! There are also many different ‘home scenarios’ you can choose from to help you pick a home and yard layout closest to your own.
The awesome Garden Visualiser by Marshalls allows you to upload a picture of your own property and begin working right on your own image. Or you can create 3D landscapes choosing from a variety of different materials and textures. This tool can be used to add in plants and foliage, but is ideal for those planning structures such as fences, decks, and other structures.
Cost: Free but you must set the location of your local Lowe’s to download
The Deck Designer tool by Lowe’s is specifically made for designing your future deck. It may not have the most attractive graphics, but it is highly functional if you’re looking to build your own deck from scratch. This design software helps homeowners create a deck within their budget, and includes a wide variety of materials to build from. You can finish off the project by printing it out and bringing it to your local Lowe’s to have them help you get the right materials for your custom-made design.
Architect 2018 by Idea Spectrum is a professional landscape software – and it is actually used by the landscaping pros! If you love landscaping projects and plan on using building software on a regular basis, it may be worth it to invest in this professional software. Of course, unlike the previous tools, this one is not free. However, you often get what you pay for, and this software provides the user with realistic graphics and high-tech options and capabilities. If you’re looking to design your deck on something that can do a lot more than the basics, Architect 2018 may be right for you.
The AZEK Deck Designer is actually an app you can download on your iPad or your computer to help you create beautiful decks in your own backyard or over whatever landscape you choose. There are over 140 product options to choose from, allowing you to create your perfect deck with ease. The tool allows 3D design, so you can view your deck from different angles and customize it in the easiest ways possible.
Cost: $95.00 per month – however, there is a free trial
VizTerra by Structure Studios is a professional hardscaping and landscaping design tool used by the professionals. You can download the free trial, but if you want to continue using the program, you will have to pay $95.00 per month (or you can pay a yearly fee instead.) This program is unique in that it allows you to design 2D blueprints and instantly transform them into 3D models! If you have a love for all things deck and outdoor design, you may want to consider using a professional program to create and customize your next backyard project.
The Home Depot / Big Hammer Do-It-Yourself designer allows you to build a variety of projects, including your own deck. Though this program is free, it is still pretty powerful and allows the average homeowner to create great designs. There is also an option specifically for the Home Depot Canada, which may be useful for Canadians who do not have access to some items or materials found on the US website.
Considering doing it yourself for your new deck? DIY projects are becoming more and more popular, especially among new homeowners to save money. However, it is a good idea to look at the pros and cons of DIY vs professional installation. With DIY, you have full control over your project – you can finish it as quickly as you like, or choose to take your time.
It will also cost you less up front. Some homeowners get great joy out of DIY projects. Many homeowners also enjoy using planning programs and software like the ones listed above; it can be a fun way to get the whole family involved in your landscaping project!
However, DIY deck installation can create a lot of problems. Post hole digging is not just for fences! Your deck needs posts too. One of the most difficult parts of both fence and deck installation is post hole digging. This is because it not only requires precision, but it also requires physical strength. Doing it yourself can be exhausting, and if done incorrectly or without taking breaks can lead to muscle pulls, strains, and even heat exhaustion. Many homeowners don’t know what the deck building process actually looks like. Watch the video below to learn more about DIY decking!
Most people choose to do a DIY installation because it costs less upfront. However, if you do end up making a mistake, fixing it can end up costing you more in the long-run. On top of that, if you don’t build with high-quality materials or materials that are ideal for your climate, you may end up with costly repairs sooner than later!
The average homeowner also does not have all of the tools and materials required to properly build a deck. Most homeowners do not have the know-how or experience and must rely on books or online guides and videos. Though guides can be helpful, they can only teach you so much. Without a professional, you may find yourself stuck without anyone to help you navigate unforeseen problems.
When you work with deck installers, you can have the peace of mind knowing the entire project, including the tiring post hole digging, will get done – even if you know virtually nothing about deck installation! It also ensures the job is done on time, and that all the proper, high-quality tools and materials will be used in your deck project. Professionals can also help you customize your deck so you get the most shade or shelter. Here are other some reasons why working with an installer is beneficial:
Helps You Choose The Right Deck – As mentioned above, there are so many options when trying to choose a deck! Fence installers will help you narrow down your choice, from style to materials, and provide you with deck information you may not otherwise have known.
Knows Weather/Soil Conditions – A professional installer knows when is the best time to dig your holes and begin the construction process. They will also know about any soil conditions or other potential problems that could pop up, such as uneven land.
Knows Local Bylaws – Yes, that’s right! Some municipalities have bylaws that govern deck building. For example, the town of Milton has a bylaw that requires a permit for decks over a certain size.
Saves You Time And Money – Installing a deck yourself can take a significant amount of time, especially if you are not an experienced handyman. Working with professional installers not only saves you time, but it can also save you money in the long-term! Though it will cost more upfront, when you work with professional installers, you won’t have to worry about costly repair fees or extra maintenance due to poor installation.
Expertly Install Your New Deck With Jay Fencing!
Call on Jay Fencing to install your new deck now! When you work with a professional installation company, they can help you decide on the right deck style for you and all of your unique preferences and needs.
Jay Fencing has over 30 years of experience and has completed over 100,000 projects!
They also know and understand fair pricing, and will only do the highest quality work. Avoid confusion and skip right to the beautifully installed fence of your dreams with Jay Fencing!
At Jay Fencing Ltd, you can feel confident that we will only recommend products or services that are best for you and your needs. This means you won’t be buying any unnecessary products or services that will increase the price.
“We can’t say enough about Jay Fencing. Everyone, and I mean everyone that we have been in touch with, has been absolutely wonderful. We are so excited to have our deck completed this fall and will look forward to next spring and summer to enjoy it!”
