DIY deck building tips
Whether you want to host a barbecue for your family friends or unwind in the outdoors, a great deck is a must-have for any home. But not every home has one, and paying someone to build a deck can be quite costly.
So why not build your own? It may seem impossible, but it’s totally doable—especially if you’re someone with an interest in DIY projects.
A lot of people enjoy DIY. It can save you a lot of money, because you are only paying for materials, not labor. There are various methods of tips for Building a Deck available on social media, which is a great way to get a lot of Twitter followers.
Here are 5 tips and tricks on deck building, so you can build a deck you love without breaking the bank.
What AWESOME DIY decor ideas can you find here?
Check Out Your Legal Requirements First
In most scenarios, you’ll need a building permit before you start building your deck. That’s because it needs to meet your local building codes and safety standards.
Your state may even require stamped approval from an engineer for your design to be approved.
Getting these things approved in advance can save you money (and stress) in the long run. It’ll also help you avoid fines. And more importantly, if you ever plan to sell your home, it’ll prove to buyers that your deck was soundly built.
Design for Your Lifestyle
Before you build your deck, consider your lifestyle needs, and plan accordingly. Think about what you’ll use the space for, and how it may fit into any other remodeling projects you’ve got going on.
Are you hoping to entertain big crowds, or do you need an outdoor space to store things like appliances? Do you want a reading nook or a deck that highlights your home’s view?
What about maintaining space in your yard for a gardening area? Obviously, the size of your deck should accommodate anything else you’ll do in your backyard.
Design with all of these things in mind because they’ll impact the overall design.
Educate Yourself on Deck Materials
When it comes to designing your deck, materials matter. The kind of material you use can greatly impact the style, price, and overall longevity of your deck.
Materials like redwood and cedar are great options for people who love traditional style. Other materials like composite decking and synthetic options are maintenance -free, and most likely won’t require refinishing.
Although they may need to be replaced sooner than other options. The type of stain you use to protect these surfaces will always play a big role. Check out Traditional Gardening to learn more about good stain products.
Before you start your deck project, think about what you want and set a budget for yourself. This will narrow down your material options and help you find the one that works best for you.
Want to check out some deck materials? Ipe Woods has a great selection of wood options for you to review.
Factor in Railings
Railings are often overlooked during the design process, but they’re an important part of deck building. Not only are they an essential aesthetic part of your deck, but they’re also required for safety reasons.
And they can greatly vary in price, so it’s important to assess options as you’re reviewing deck materials.
There are many railing options to choose from, including glass, metal, and even vinyl. If your deck is less than 24 inches, however, you may not need railings at all.
Budget Ahead of Time
Building your own deck can be cheaper than hiring a contractor if you know what you’re doing. If you don’t, you may end up spending far more than your budget permits.
So, before you start your project, calculate your budget, and plan for unintended costs that could arise.
Think about what you want, and what you can really do yourself. Create a budget based on that. And if you start wanting features outside of your skill-set, considering hiring a contractor.
Ready to Build a Deck?
Before you build a deck, you should know it’s not easy. It requires a lot of planning and thought. But by following the tips in this article, you can build an excellent, long-lasting deck at an affordable price.
Did you find the information in this article helpful? Check out our DIY blog for more expert tips and tricks!
