Deck Building Tips

A deck can be defined as a wooden platform attached to your home that is built above the ground surface with the help of support posts. You can access it from the house or with the help of exterior stairs. It has several advantages, the main one being able to hide the imperfections of the yard and modify its unusable surface into an usable one. The deck is an extended part of your home and can be used as a place for recreation where you can relax with your family and friends. The deck building tips that we have discussed in this article will help to make the structure solid and safe and add to its durability.

Planning a Deck

The first step of deck construction is to obtain a permit from the local authority. When your deck building project is at the planning stage, check out with the codes and regulations for deck building in your area. If a building permit is required, then apply for the same with a drawing of the proposed building structure or any other required documents. If the plan complies with local codes, you will get the permit. Make sure you stick to the permitted structure and do not bring about changes in the deck plans and designs, as the building inspector is likely to visit your construction site. If any discrepancy is found then they may cancel the entire project and you will end up suffering a loss of both money and time.

Building a Deck

Deck building is one such home improvement project that can be carried out even if you do not have excellent carpentry skills. Here are some easy to follow deck building tips:

Tip #1: Keep the design of the deck very simple when you are doing it on your own. A complicated design will make you frustrated and you may even feel like abandoning the project when it is halfway done.

Tip #2: Always buy pressure treated lumber for building decks even if they are more expensive. Non pressure treated wood is less expensive but usually does not last for more than 5 years. So in the long run you will find it is more durable, not to mention cheaper.

Tip #3: While buying the building materials for the deck, make them you buy some extra and keep it aside. If there are any defects or the size of a few of the pieces of lumber go wrong, then you can use those spare ones.

Tip #4: The slope of the foundation should be such that any water on the deck drains away from the house. When you set up the lumber, keep the curved rings of the lumber at the top. This will not allow water to stand on the deck and thus prevent rotting of the wood.

Tip #5: For framing the deck, make sure the boards used are in good condition and do not have defects like mildew infestation, splits at the ends, rot or insect holes.

Tip #6: Check out if there are any specific guidelines in the building codes on the kind of screws to be used. In that case, you may have to follow the rule and use special galvanized screws or stainless steel screws. In other cases, do not use uncoated screws that tend to corrode the wood and weaken the joints.

Tip #7: Do not try to experiment too much with deck stair designs. Keep it simple. Make the steps of the stairs wide. This will not only make the deck look attractive but can also be used for seating purposes.

Tip #8: Railings act as accessories for the deck and also helps to provide a distinctive look to the deck. However, railings are important from a safety point of view as well. If the deck level is high, make sure that you install taller rails on your deck.

Tip #9: After building the deck, you have to ensure that it is protected from the sun, wind and snow. Do not apply any color as it will peel off in no time. Rather, opt for water repellent preservatives available in the market. These will serve your purpose of deck protection.

Since building a deck involves lots of fastening and screwing of the deck boards, get help from your friends and family members for the job. Arrange for a number of drills to ensure every one has their own drill and you will find that the work will get over at a much faster pace.