If you’re interested in adding a custom deck to your home, you are probably hoping it will be a hangout and party spot for years to come. However, building a new deck might feel like a daunting task! Don’t worry—it doesn’t have to be as complicated as it may appear! There are a few important tips that can help you build the perfect deck.
Find Out About Local Requirements
Many people don’t think about this, but there are often building codes that you have to abide by when building a deck. You might be required to have handrails, for example, and your steps might have to be a certain width. These requirements vary based off of local building codes, so if you aren’t sure, you should contact your local building code office to ask them about any requirements that they might have for decks and porches. Make sure to keep these details on hand before purchasing any materials so that you can order the proper measurements and necessary items.
Choose a Great Design
You can choose a very simple deck, or you can choose a more complex design. You should determine how much space you have for your deck and what you want to do with it so you can determine how big you want it to be. You can sketch out your own design and have it looked over by a professional so they can create a blueprint. There are also plenty of books and websites that have deck plans that you can choose from, or you can ask a professional deck builder to show you some of the deck plans that they build. If you’re concerned a smaller deck might not suit your needs, you might be shocked at all you can do with the smaller space. Watch some videos or look online to see how people have customized their porches before assuming you need to buy a large deck.
Buy Good-Quality Decking Materials
Using proper wood decking supplies is critical if you want your deck to turn out well. Good-quality wood that has been properly treated to withstand the elements is essential. Making sure that your wood and supplies are properly sized for your project is important. You should also make sure that even simple things, like screws, are of the proper quality and are designed for exterior use. If you choose to invest in the right materials, it will save you upkeep and repair costs later.
Make Sure Your Site is Properly Prepared
Of course, you’ll need to be sure that the site where your deck is being built is properly prepared. Plants and grass may need to be removed, and dirt might need to be brought in and spread out to create a solid, sturdy, and level building site. Using a level might even be necessary to ensure you have as straight a building spot as possible. These small details should not be overlooked.
Make Sure the Right Professional Does the Building
You could be interested in building your deck yourself. And this is definitely possible with the right tools and skill sets. However, not only will you probably find that this is more work than you thought it would be, but you might struggle to build a sturdy, attractive, safe deck if you don’t have experience. Therefore, you might want to hire a professional deck builder.
As you can see, there are a few important tips you should follow when building a custom deck. If you follow these tips, you should be really happy with your results, and you might find that you will use your deck for entertaining, relaxing, and more all the time.
