Are you dreaming of a new deck, porch, or patio, but worried about cost? You’re not alone. At Archadeck of Akron, we work with homeowners every day who are want to balance budgets with big ideas—and the good news is, there are plenty of ways to make that happen.
As a trusted outdoor living contractor in Stow, OH, we’ve learned that a little planning goes a long way when it comes to getting the most from your investment. If you’re planning your big backyard project, here are five tips you can follow to keep costs down while still making an outdoor space where you’ll love to spend time.
1. Keep Size In Check
It sounds obvious, but it’s important to say: size plays a major role in budget. The larger the structure, the more materials, labor, and time involved in building it. But that doesn’t mean small has to be boring.
We help homeowners design efficient, intentional spaces—like a 12x16 deck with built-in benches instead of a sprawling footprint with loose furniture. Whether you’re working with a tight space or just trying to keep things lean, there are creative ways to keep overall build size manageable without sacrificing function.
2. Consider Your Site Conditions
Not all yards are created equal. A sloped lot, difficult equipment access, or a build that’s 10 feet off the ground will naturally cost more than a ground-level patio with open access.
That’s why we factor in site conditions early in the process. As local Stow, OH porch contractors, we walk each property, assess its grading, and provide layout suggestions based on your property. This usually gives us plenty of ideas on how you can take the pressure off your budget while still meeting the overall goals of the build.
Even small tweaks like shifting a staircase location can significantly reduce material volume and installation time.
3. Remember That Smart Placement Can Reduce Project Complexity
You might be surprised how much location affects pricing. For example, building directly off the back door is often simpler (and cheaper) than extending 15 feet out into the yard, where you may need more foundation work or longer utility runs.
Experienced contractors know how to evaluate positioning with both function and cost in mind. Factors include where the sun hits, where the furniture goes, and how traffic flows. Factoring all these elements goes a long way toward helping you choose a location that feels natural and fits the budget.
4. On Materials, Explore Where To Splurge And Where To Save
One of the biggest budget decisions comes down to choice of materials. Whether you’re choosing between wood and composite for a deck, or concrete vs. pavers for a patio, we’ll help you compare the pros, cons, and long-term costs of each.
To give you one example, pressure-treated wood has a lower up-front cost but may require more maintenance over time. Composite decking costs more initially but comes with less upkeep.
Or, if you need stone over wood, you should know that a concrete slab is simple and budget-friendly. But pavers offer a higher-end look and are easier to repair if needed.
Whatever your priorities may be—look, longevity, or overall cost—a contractor like us can help you decide what’s worth investing in and what isn’t.
5. Spread Payments Out With Financing
Sometimes the only thing standing between you and your ideal outdoor space is the ability to spread out payments. That’s why many deck contracting companies, ourselves included, offer financing options for qualified homeowners.
Whether you’re building with a strict budget or want to explore ways to expand your options, our team can help you understand how financing can ease the upfront costs and stay within your budget.
Let’s Build Something Beautiful, Together
At Archadeck of Akron, we don’t just design and build, we provide a sense of direction when you’re unsure of how to proceed. We help you figure out what really matters to you in your space, and how to make it happen in a way that works for your property, your goals, and your wallet.
Whether you’re seeking out a trustworthy Stow, OH deck contractor, considering adding a covered porch, or looking for Stow, OH patio companies, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
You can connect with Patrick Sluss and his team by calling (330) 537-6412, or by clicking this link right here.
