Do you have a dream to build your own backyard deck but are not sure how to start? Building a new deck is a great way to increase the value of your home and add useful space at the same time. However, there are many pitfalls if you want to get it right. There are also many different ways that you can go about building a new deck, depending on your budget, materials available and personal preferences. Once you’ve decided which way is right for you, there are some key factors that will determine how easy (or difficult) it will be for you to build your own backyard deck. This article covers everything from planning and design through construction techniques and final touches so that when you read it again in the future you will have all the knowledge necessary to construct an excellent deck with confidence.
Decide on the purpose of your deck
The first step in the process of building a deck is deciding what its purpose will be. Decks can be built to suit almost any purpose, although some types of decks are better suited to certain uses than others. Decide on the purpose of your deck before you start planning and building your deck. This will help you decide on the materials you will need, the best way to build your deck and what features you will need to have built into your deck to make it as useful as possible. The main types of decks are as follows: – Residential decks – These are the most common type of deck and are built for general use, as well as being a great way to increase the value of your home. – Patio decks – These smaller decks are often built to accompany a garden or patio and are great for entertaining, or for just relaxing on a sunny day. – Access decks – Also known as patio lifts, these decks are mainly useful for people with mobility issues, but can also be used by anyone who wants easy access to their garden, especially in the winter. – Carport decks – If you have a garage or carport, a carport deck makes a great addition to your property. – Decks for other uses – There are also a few other types of decks that are used more in commercial areas, including: – Balcony decks – Balcony decks are another great example of a deck that is great for entertaining and relaxing. – Patio decks – Patio decks are smaller decks often built to accompany a garden or patio, and are great for entertaining, or for just relaxing on a sunny day.
Plan and design your deck
Once you’ve decided on the purpose of your deck, the next step is to plan and design your deck. A good designer will be able to help you plan your deck based on your requirements, as well as taking any local restrictions into account. By planning your deck and designing it first, you will also be able to see if there are any issues or problems with your design before you even break ground. You can also save yourself a lot of money by choosing the right materials and design from the start. For example, you may find that building your deck with a wooden decking instead of concrete, or with a combination of the two, will give you everything you need without costing you an arm and a leg. If you have a very specific design in mind, you may also be able to find a ready-made deck design that will fit your needs perfectly.
Choosing the right materials
The materials you use to build your deck are arguably the most important part of the construction process. It’s important to choose high-quality materials that will last and look good at the same time, as this will ensure you get the most out of your deck for years to come. Decks are built using a variety of materials, including wood, concrete, synthetic materials, as well as a combination of these. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the type of deck you want to build will likely determine which material(s) you choose. For example, if you want a deck that can be used as a space for entertaining or as a place to relax on hot summer days, a deck made purely of concrete may not be the best choice. Wooden decks are usually the most common type of deck, and they come in a wide range of styles and designs.
Build Your Platform and Footing
If you are building a deck on an existing deck, or if you are building a new deck on concrete, the first step will be to make sure that your deck has been properly built and is structurally sound. Once you have ensured that your platform is sound, you can begin to build the foundations for your new deck. Your first step will be to build a footing for your platform. A footing is the base for your deck and it will be responsible for supporting the weight of your deck and its materials once the deck has been built. For best results, your footing should be built with concrete and should be as wide as your deck will be long. Your footing should be about 2-3 times wider than your deck will be long. The footing should also extend below the frost line in your area, which will vary depending on the climate where you live. If the frost line is below ground level where you live, your footing will need to extend below the frost line.
Framing Your Deck
Once your platform and footing are complete, you can begin to frame your deck. When framing your deck, you will build a wooden frame that will support your decking. The size of your frame will depend on the size of your deck. For example, if you want a 6-foot-wide deck, you will need to frame the deck with 6-foot-long timbers. You will then nail your decking to the frame to hold it in place, and you can then fill in the spaces between the timbers with a material like gravel or sand to add stability to your deck. Another way to frame your deck is to use joist hangers. Joist hangers are metal brackets that you nail to the side of your deck timbers. You then screw your decking boards to the joist hangers to hold them in place. Using joist hangers is a good choice if you are building your deck from scratch. Using joist hangers can also be a good choice if you are building a deck on an existing deck.
Add rails and posts
Once your deck is finished, you can begin adding rails and posts. Rails are important, as they not only help to hold your decking in place, but they also add a decorative touch to your deck, as well as providing safety. Posts are important if you plan to add a roof to your deck, but they are also useful as a way to add support to your rails. There are many different types of rails and posts that you can use to add to your deck, including wooden rails and posts, metal rails and posts, and even bamboo rails and posts.
Add flooring and railings
Once you’ve added your rails and posts, you can add the finishing touches to your deck by adding flooring and railings. You can use a variety of materials to build your flooring, including timber decking, synthetic decking, concrete, or a combination of these. The flooring of your deck will add to its overall appearance and value, as well as helping to protect it against damage. Railings are another important feature that you will need to add to your deck. Railings are a safety feature that most people are required to have by law. There are a few different types of railings that you can choose from, including wooden railings, metal railings, or synthetic railings.
Wrapping up
A deck can be a great addition to any home, and it’s also a great way to increase the value of your property. A deck is a great place to relax, as well as being a handy extra bit of space that can be used for entertaining or even just as a place to store gardening and outdoor tools. If you are looking to build a new deck, or if you want to improve an existing deck, then this article has everything you need.