Why CDA Homeowners Should Plan Their Deck or Patio in Winter (Not Spring)

If you live in Coeur d’Alene or the surrounding North Idaho areas, you know how fast spring and summer go by. Once the snow melts, everyone decides it’s time to start their outdoor projects… all at once.

That’s exactly why winter is actually the best time to plan your deck, patio, or backyard remodel — even if you don’t plan to build until spring. Planning now means a smoother process and more time to enjoy your outdoor living space with the people you love.

If you’re researching deck builders in Coeur d’Alene, winter planning is the smartest way to secure your ideal design and spring start date.

Here’s why smart homeowners get a head start on planning:

1. The Spring Rush Is Real in Coeur d’Alene

Once March hits, all the contractors get slammed with calls, schedules fill up fast, and lead times get stretched from weeks to months.

Planning in winter means:

• You get on the schedule early

• You choose your ideal start date

• You aren’t competing with everyone else in CDA who waited until the sun came out

It’s the difference between having your deck ready for summer… or starting your build during summer.

2. Winter Planning Leads to Better Deck & Patio Design Decisions

Winter is the best time to compare layouts, materials, and custom composite deck options without the pressure of spring scheduling. It gives you time to actually think through your project instead of rushing into decisions just to “get on the list.”

You’ll be able to:

• Explore different layouts and materials

• Compare PVC vs. composite decking

• Think through lighting, railings, steps, and add-ons

• Make a plan that fits your yard AND your budget

A well-designed backyard always starts with space to think — and winter gives you exactly that.

3. Secure Your Spring Build Schedule Before It Fills Up

Because winter is the slow season, homeowners who plan ahead almost always get first pick of spring start dates.

This means:

• Your project begins earlier

• You get longer use of your outdoor space

• You avoid last-minute price increases or material shortages

  
  

A lot of North Idaho homeowners don’t realize just how quickly high-quality builders book out. If you want a composite deck or paver patio done before summer, winter planning is the safest way to guarantee it.

4. Snow Doesn’t Delay the Deck & Patio Planning Process

Yes, winter can slow down outdoor work. But it doesn’t slow down designing.

We can:

• Walk your property if accessible

• Gather photos, site plans, and measurements

• Start design concepts

• Build out a full plan and estimate

  
  

So when the ground thaws, we’re ready to start — instead of starting at phase one in April.

5. Early Planning Gives You Better Budget Control

When you plan early, you get time to:

• Review your estimate

• Decide what features you want now or later

• Break the project into stages if needed

• Save or finance intentionally

  
  

It gives you full control instead of scrambling to make quick decisions in the moment.

Bottom Line: Winter Planning = Summer Enjoying

If you wait until the weather turns nice, you’re already behind.

Planning in winter gives you:

✔ Best design

✔ Best timeline

✔ Best budget control

✔ Best chance of having your outdoor living space ready to enjoy with when you actually want to use it

At Wood Outdoor Living, our goal is to create functional, beautiful outdoor living spaces where you can get outdoors with the people you love. Thinking about a new deck, paver patio, or full backyard upgrade for 2026? Winter is the perfect time to start the conversation — no pressure, no rush, and no cost to explore ideas. You can also browse outdoor living projects we’ve completed in North Idaho to see what early planning can lead to by summer.