How to Build a Wood Deck

A wood deck is an extension of a house, either for the backyard or the front yard. A deck can be an excellent place to relax, or even entertain friends. Building any part of your home brings a lot of satisfaction and joy, especially when it is well-used and praised. Try your hand at wood deck construction; it is easy and can be completed in a matter of few days.

Constructing a Wood Deck

Wood Deck Plans: The foremost thing to be done for building a deck, is to make a plan. The plan should include a couple of things like location, need, etc. Plan your location by deciding which side of your home you would want it to be built. Keep in mind the privacy factor, if that is what you are looking for. Understand the limitations of your property, and decide on the size of the deck. There are some legal requirements that need to be looked into, before starting the wood deck construction.

Wood Deck Design: Budget is another important consideration that helps one design the deck. The size, type of wood, construction tools and other changes that would be required, to build a wood deck, will be all determined by the budget. There are basically two major types of deck designs one could choose from; attached or unattached decks. An attached deck is like an extension of the house, that can be directly accessed from the interior of the house; whereas, an unattached deck can be built anywhere in the yard.

Tools and Materials: There are many types of treated wood such as cedar, rosewood, etc. available for construction of the deck. One can pick cut-to-size wood panels, or saw them out. Besides, the wood one would require the following things:

• 100 foot measuring tape
• Drawing paper and pencil
• Ruler
• Strings
• Hammer
• Nuts and bolts
• Concrete
• Shovel

Wood Deck Construction: Using a shovel, dig holes in the ground for the concrete piers. Keep measuring for height, as you don't want an uneven deck! Dig the holes straight, until you reach stable, undisturbed soil. Place your support ledgers (wood that will hold the deck) in these holes, and pour concrete. Let the concrete dry up completely. Install the beams by bolting or nailing them into place. Once the beams are in place, it is time to install the joists. Be careful, while determining the size of the joists, as undersized or over-spaced joists will bring the deck collapsing down. Once the outer structure of the deck is ready, nailing the deck panels is easy. Start placing them from the wall side, and continue towards the opposite side. Add deck railings last.

Wood Deck Coatings: Coatings are applied to protect the deck and preserve the wood. Most wood panels are made from pressure-treated wood. Wood deck coatings are water and rot repellent, and even come in a variety of colors. One can apply them using brushes, rollers, or sprays. While applying, one should not overdo it, as that would make the deck's surface sticky and waxy.

Once the deck is ready, add plants, rocking chairs, tables, or swings to add to its style quotient. Once you have understood how to build a wood deck, you will realize the construction is easy and can be a lot of fun, if you get family and friends to pitch in!