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DIY Deck Building

Are you hoping to add a deck to your property? Are you wondering whether to hire a professional or do it yourself? Well, if you have carpentry skills and an easy design, you can make it a DIY project. Here’s what you need to know about building your own deck.

Before Building The Deck

If you want a great outdoor space, you need to design an amazing deck. Yes, you might have an idea on how to build a simple deck. However, if you want the best one, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional deck builder. Of course, you need to know what you are getting into before you start the project. Here’s what you need to do before you start building your deck.

• Permits – In most cases, building a deck requires a permit. You need to have time and money to get the permit required. If you are hiring a professional, you can find out if they will follow up on the permits or you will be doing it yourself.

• Materials – You need to buy a few materials for the deck building process such as screws, concrete, lighting, stain, balusters, trim pieces and decking.

• Type Of Deck – If you have a budget, choose the type of deck that fits in your budget without any hassles. You can choose pressure-treated wood since it’s cheap and durable. Composite decks look amazing and require little to no maintenance. If you are living in a wet climate, you should choose tropical hardwoods such as redwood or cedar that might not be cheap but are durable and beautiful. Don’t forget about the lighting options especially if your deck has steps and is multi-level for proper illumination. Add the costs of sealing and staining the deck as well as finishing touches on base trim, post caps or decorative balusters.

Once you have an idea of everything you want for your deck. Here are the steps you should follow to build a magnificent deck.

1. Proper Understanding – First, if you want to build the deck yourself, you need to understand everything there is to know about deck building.

2. Amenities – You should leave enough space for a hot tub or grill and enough seating on your deck as well as any other amenities you want to add.

3. Budget – Next, you need to determine your budget for building the deck. Here, you need to consider the size, type of material and configuration. The cost should be higher if you want to build a complex deck.

4. Materials – Next, you need to choose the best materials for your deck depending on the climate and location. Don’t forget, the type of material will also chip into your budget.

5. Draw Up The Design – You need to have a diagram showing the amenities, lengths and any other additions on your deck. You can download plans online or hire a designer to draw one up for you. Keep the following in mind as you draw up the designs.

• The Material – It could be vinyl, wood or composite.

• Railings – Choose standard wood or contemporary material like glass, metal or cabling.

• Levels – Most decks have one level but if there is a height you can add more levels.

• Stairs – Choose a straightforward railing or add a spiral staircase in a small space or a ramp.

• Enclosures – Decks can be partially covered, uncovered or completely covered/enclosed or screened.

Common Deck Terms

A deck installation professional can make the process look easy. However, there are numerous structural components to consider. Here are the most important parts to remember.

• Joists – They make up the horizontal frame of a deck.

• Footing – They are underground elements that support the deck’s posts. It is usually made up of concrete.

• Piers – Similar to above-ground footing and usually made out of support posts and concrete.

• Ledger – It is the horizontal element that is attached to the side of the house and supports one side of the deck.

• Decking – Refers to the boards that make up the floor of the deck.

• Flashing – It’s a protective layer that prevents water from getting into the area where the deck connects to the outer wall of your home.

 

How Long Does It Take To Plan For A Deck Construction?

The best deck professionals can complete a standard deck with a staircase and railings within 1-3 weeks. However, decks with complex designs can take an extra week to complete. Advance work on the project such as foundation work or grading will add a few more days to the overall timeline. You need to plan for time and resources accordingly to make sure that your deck building project is successful.

Contact us today for a free estimate! We would be happy to assist you in the deck building project.

These are some of the areas that we service in Minnesota: Apple Valley, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Prior Lake, Minnesota and surrounding areas.

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