5 Things to Consider Before Building a Deck
- Purpose and Function. It is important to think about the purpose of your deck before planning to build one. ...
- Location. The location of a deck can be apparent in many cases. ...
- Material. Wood is the popular material used for making decks. ...
- Design. Once you've figured out the materials to use for decking, the next thing to consider is your deck's design.
- Budget. ...
- The Deck's Purpose and Function.
- The Deck's Location.
- The Budget for Building a Deck.
- Can You Build It Yourself?
- Know Deck Material Options.
- Consider the Deck's Style.
- Include Deck Lighting.
- Consider Built-Ins.
What to consider before building a deck?
What to consider before building a deck?
- Permit Now, No Headache Later. Study your local building codes and get a permit if needed.
- Location, Design and Materials.
- Create a Solid Base.
- A Level Ledger.
- Square the Support Frame.
- Board Selection and Placement.
- Fastener Choice.
- Board Spacing.
What tools do I need to build a deck?
- Framing hammer
- Plumb bob
- Cement hoe
- Trowel
- Torpedo level
- 4 ft level
- Socket wrench and socket set
- Adjustable crescent wrench
- Assorted screwdrivers
- Shovel
How to build a deck from start to finish?
Step-By-Step Instructions To Build a Deck in Your Garden
- Remove Existing Concrete. To begin, you’ll need to remove any existing patio concrete under the point of your deck. ...
- Concrete-Mounted Frame. If your deck neighbors part of your home’s foundation, you will save yourself a bit of work (and get an excellent, sturdy frame) by using ...
- Install Deck Footings. ...
- Build Deck Frame. ...
- Install Deck Joists. ...
How much wood do I need to build a deck?
You will need six 4-by-4 or 6-by-6 pieces of lumber for the posts and four 2-by-10 pieces of lumber that are at least 10 feet long. The latter will combine to make up the two large beams to support the deck. You will also need eight 2-by-6 beams for your joists, which have to be at least 8 feet long.
What should you not do when building a deck?
12 Deck Building Mistakes to AvoidBeing Inattentive to Local Deck Building Code.Building Inadequate Deck Post Footers.Attaching the Beam to the Sides of the Support Posts.Incorrectly Spacing the Joists.Installing the Wrong Deck Boards for Your Use.Attaching the Ledger Board Directly to the Siding.More items...•
Where do you start when building a deck?
Steps for Building a DeckStep 1: Attach the Ledger. ... Step 2: Protect the Ledger. ... Step 3: Set Footings and Piers. ... Step 4: Install Post Bases and Side Rim Joists. ... Step 5: Install Front Rim Joist, Beams, and Interior Joists. ... Step 6: Install Front Rim Joist, Beams, and Interior Joists (continued) ... Step 7: Attach Trim and Decking.
What is the best time of year to build a deck?
There's a common misconception that decks should only be built in the spring or summer, but autumn is actually an ideal time to begin building your deck. One of the primary concerns our customers express against fall construction is the effect the weather will have on a new deck and the materials used on the project.
Do you need a foundation for a deck?
Decks are supported by foundations, which transfer loads to the soil. The system comprises concrete footings, deck posts, anchors and post caps. Footings are concrete pads that typically rest at least 12 inches below the ground. In some areas, they extend deeper based on frost lines or when working on a steep grade.
Can a beginner build a deck?
Decks can be single-level or multi-level; they can be some of the simplest “first” projects for a beginner or elaborate examples of sophisticated craftsmanship. Decks are quite often the first project many beginning do-it-yourselfers tackle, but it's important to understand the basics of deck construction.
What is the cheapest way to build a deck?
Choose wood, but carefully: Untreated wood decks are generally the cheapest to install, but don't forget long-term costs. Wood decks require yearly maintenance and deteriorate quickly if they don't get it.
Is it cheaper to build a deck in the winter?
As a result, the cheapest time of year to build a deck is typically during the winter.
How long does it take to build a deck?
about one to three weeksSo how long does it take to build a deck? If you have a simple design and everything goes according to plan, you can get through the entire process in about one to three weeks. However, it often takes much longer than this. Waiting for the necessary permits and adding extra features to your deck can slow things down.
How long does salt treated wood last?
While pressure treated poles can stay up to 40 years without any signs of rot or decay, decks and flooring might only last around 10 years.
Can you build a deck directly on the ground?
Yes, you can build a deck directly on the ground, but with some conditions. A deck on the ground must be built with ground-contact wood, and the substructure needs to be adapted for minimal height. Even though technically a ground level deck is elevated up to 24”, here we will discuss decks built less than 8” high.
What do you put under decking?
A layer of crushed gravel, with or without plastic or weed barrier cloth, is the best choice for using under a deck. It sheds moisture instead of absorbing it, keeps the area under the deck drier, and won't decay.
Does a deck have to be cemented into the ground?
If you're in the market for a freestanding or floating deck, you're going to want to pay extra attention to this part. If it's 6 feet or less with a proper post to beam and joist bracing, then you can install a floating deck without the hassle of having to install concrete footings.
How do I start building a deck?
1:3616:37How To Build A Deck // DIY Home Improvement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCheck it again make sure I'm square. And then we can move on to laying out where the posts need toMoreCheck it again make sure I'm square. And then we can move on to laying out where the posts need to get drilled. And dig those out the plans will tell me the spacing of my posts.
How do you start a deck frame?
0:071:50How to Build a Deck Frame - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSituation cut a beam notch into the top of each post. And attach the bottom end to the post baseMoreSituation cut a beam notch into the top of each post. And attach the bottom end to the post base connectors in a flush beam situation cut the support posts flush with the bottom of the frame.
How many posts do I need for a 12x16 deck?
As a guide, if you choose to use 20-foot boards, you will need to purchase 22 of these boards. Similarly, 18-foot boards will require 24 boards, 16-foot boards will require 27 boards, 14-foot boards will require 31 boards, 12-foot boards will require 37 boards and 10-foot boards will require 44 boards.
How do I build a deck plan?
To plan for your deck project, start by thinking through these important factors.Step 1: Decide if You'll DIY or Work With a Contractor. ... Step 2: Consider Cost Factors. ... Step 3: Determine Deck Shape & Size. ... Step 4: Acquire Your Residential Building Permit. ... Step 5: Decide on Deck Material. ... Step 6: Collect the Tools You'll Need.More items...•
Do: Consider the Purpose & Function of the Deck
Decks are versatile, multipurpose spaces. One night you use it to entertain friends and the next to enjoy a quiet sunset alone. To get the most out of your new deck, aim for a design that reflects your interests and activities.
Do: Consider the Location, Size and Design of your Deck
Site conditions have a big influence on the deck’s design and placement. A sloping yard suggests either a raised deck with stairs or a multi-level deck. If the lot has mature trees, are they an obstacle to your plans or could they become central to your design?
Do: Choose a Trustworthy Contractor
Start by getting references from friends, family, and neighbors. Ask how their projects started, evolved, and finished. What would they do differently? Online reviews are less trustworthy, but they can offer insight into problems that commonly arise.
Do: Make the Space your Own with Deck Lighting, Furniture & Storage
Lighting makes your deck safer and more inviting. Low-voltage lighting is popular because it’s compact and easy to install, but there are many other options. For a clean, professional look, install the modular lighting offered by decking suppliers. It integrates seamlessly into posts, railings, deck boards, and stairs.
5 Things to Consider Before Building a Deck
Installing a deck can help you to maximize your outdoor space. The average cost of installing a deck is $16,766. Of that, you can expect to add $11,038 in resale value to your home (according to Million Acres). All told, you'll recoup 66% of that expense.
1. Purpose and Function
It is important to think about the purpose of your deck before planning to build one. Do you want it for outdoor dining, entertainment, or to surround your pool or spa? Different purposes require different amounts of space and accessories. It will be easier to design your deck once you decide its purpose.
2. Location
The location of a deck can be apparent in many cases. In some cases, however, there may be more than one suitable location. If that's the case, you'll have to consider different things.
3. Material
Wood is the popular material used for making decks. Cedar, mahogany, redwood, and cypress are the most commonly preferred woods by many homeowners because they are weather-resistant. Apart from wood, there are many other materials that you can use, including deck tiles and composite materials.
4. Design
Once you've figured out the materials to use for decking, the next thing to consider is your deck's design. Your design should match the exterior of your home. Your yard should be at least two times the size of your deck for optimal aesthetic proportions.
5. Budget
The last thing you want to consider before building a deck is your budget. Your budget will affect every decision from the material you use to the finishing of the deck. It can also determine whether you'll hire a contractor or DIY. It would help to define your budget as soon as you think of building a deck to ease the whole process.
Essential Questions to Ask Your Home Remodeling Contractor
If you are in need of home remodeling contractors, check out our post to see what questions you should be asking them. Contact us to get started with our services.
What to consider when building a deck?
Dreaming up a new addition to your home can be exciting, but there are quite a few important topics to consider when building a deck, ranging from artistic considerations to entirely practical concerns. Before building your deck, be sure you’ve gathered information to make fully informed decisions. Some design aspects are easy to overlook, so ...
Is a deck a social space?
The same can be true of seating. Decks are usually structured as a social space. That means you’ll need to put thought into how many people will use your deck at any given time, and where those people are going to be. You might also want to plan your seating and storage around other kinds of deck enhancements, such as:
Is composite decking the same as wood?
Many homeowners are surprised to find that there are more decking materials than just wood. For example, composite home decking is a material that imitates the look of wood without all the maintenance wood decking requires.
Can you build a deck on uneven ground?
It’s not enough to build a sturdy deck—the foundation needs to be sturdy too. If you build your deck on shifting or uneven ground, it won’t be structurally sound. You’ll need to make sure your footings are set in concrete below the frost line, which will vary depending on your location. Check to make sure you don’t need to drill through unexpected rock layers in order to get there.
