A deck not only adds to the aesthetics of your home but it also gives you a perfect spot for entertaining guests and relaxing in the outdoors.
If you have finally decided to build a deck, you don’t have to ask a professional to do this for you as with a few simple steps, you can have your deck ready for your next family get-together.
There are several instructional materials on how to build a deck that you can find online or you can also ask for just the basics on building a deck from a professional carpenter and then do it yourself.
But before you begin construction, there are several factors that you need to take into account first.
Planning a Deck
1. Check local regulations. Before building your deck, it is important that you get clearance from your local governing body about deck specifications and regulations to ensure that you will be constructing within the allowable perimeters.
Specifications may also include design and size of your deck so you have to check these as well.
2. Choose your design. Once you have your local permits to build your deck, and you know the right specifications as regulated by your local government; you can now choose the design that you want for your deck.
Decks are actually simple structures where you put together boards and posts but you can be elaborate with your design as well such as adding an awning for a bit of shade, installing a hot tub or any other additional fixtures you want to include in your deck design.
3. Choosing your materials. Now the last part in your deck planning is finding the right materials to build your deck with. First on the list is your lumber. What type of wood do you want to use?
Pre-treated wood is recommended since it can withstand weather changes. Cedar wood is also a good type of lumber ideally used for outdoor structures.
Materials that you will be needing include boards, cement, 4×4 posts, framing joists, brackets and paint and your finishing product. For your finishing, waterproof finishing products are recommended.
For your building tools, you will need a tape measure, ladder, saw, level and drill. For safety precautions, you should also wear gloves and protective glasses.
Nuts and bolts, nails, galvanized screws and post anchors are also needed for this project. Make sure that the dimensions of these materials will be able to endure the weight capacity of your deck.
The number of each material will depend on the size of your deck so also make sure that you get the exact dimensions of your deck to enable you to get the right number of materials particularly for your boards.
