| o build a deck? Building a wood deck correctly can | | | | groups, you likely don't need a large deck. Too large |
| create the perfect transition between your home | | | | a deck can actually make the house appear smaller. |
| and your backyard. How to build a deck planning and | | | | Keep it simple, but add an angle or two to the deck |
| construction should result in a wonderful place to go | | | | design if you want. When building a wood deck, you |
| to relax and unwind after a hectic day. Whether you | | | | can divide the deck into two areas - one area for |
| are going to have your deck built by a professional or | | | | lounging and sunning and another section for cooking |
| do it yourself, building a deck correctly requires | | | | and dining. |
| proper planning and design. | | | | 4. What Deck Materials Will You Use - if you will be |
| Here are five basic considerations for building a | | | | building a wooden deck, there are several structural |
| wooden deck: | | | | parts. Your deck may need concrete footings that |
| 1. Choose Your Deck Type - there are several types | | | | extend below the frostline if you'll have freezing |
| of decks you can have for your home. An outdoor | | | | winters. If your deck will be on sandy soil, you may |
| patio deck can be attached to your home. A | | | | need to build larger footings that will support the |
| convenient location for your outdoor patio deck could | | | | deck posts or beams. |
| be attached to the family room or kitchen. | | | | The posts can be 4"x4" lumber which is generally |
| How to build a deck that is a destination deck? A | | | | strong enough to support the deck. If your deck is |
| destination deck would be typically be located in a | | | | above ground, you may be required to use 6"x6" |
| special place with a view and would not connected to | | | | structural posts. The deck beams will rest horizontally |
| your home. You might have a winding path that | | | | on the posts and will support the deck joists. Deck |
| would lead to the destination deck. How to build a | | | | joists will be spaced horizontally every 12", 16" or 24" |
| deck that is a connector deck? A connector deck is | | | | and will support the decking boards. The decking |
| several smaller decks of any shape or size connected | | | | boards are the floor of your deck that span from |
| to each other with pathways. | | | | joist to joist. |
| 2. Consider Your Deck Activities - when building a | | | | 5. Design and Build It Yourself or Hire a Professional - |
| wood deck, will your deck be a place to grill and | | | | unless you live in a very rural area, there will probably |
| barbecue? Are you going to have parties and | | | | be building code requirements, permits and inspections |
| entertain family and friends? Is your deck going to be | | | | needed when building a wooden deck project. |
| a quiet place for lounging reading or enjoying your | | | | Contact your local building official to see what is |
| favorite beverage? Will you have a luxurious hot tub | | | | required in your area. One major advantage to having |
| on your deck? To increase privacy, will you have | | | | qualified professionals help is that they understand |
| landscaping, plants or trees around your deck? Take | | | | the legal side of how to build a deck and can help |
| some time and think through how to build a deck | | | | ensure building code requirements are met. |
| that will perform the way you want. Go online and | | | | One of the best ways to understand how to build a |
| buy a good book on planning and building a wood | | | | deck is to view wood deck plans that have been |
| deck. | | | | built many times. Seeing attractive deck plans can |
| 3. Decide Your Deck Size - if your house and | | | | give you deck building ideas that will simplify your |
| backyard is smaller and you won't entertain large | | | | planning and design. |