Building a deck can be Fun, plus ensure you a  future return on your investment, and a sense of accomplishment . Plus years of family enjoyment with friends and family.

Building an outdoor deck will enhance the look and value of your property.

Building an outdoor deck isn't that difficult when you compare it to other home building projects. No electrical wiring, no plumbing, just hammer and cutting.

Be sure to plan carefully your future deck.  What size will it be , what  shape and what decking materials should I use.  Please use our site to review the decking materials available and their pros and cons.

First you must determine what kind of decking you will want, composite, wood, plastic, vinyl or?    What will it be used for and who will be using it.  How big a deck?  Most decks average 300-400 square feet of decking space to accommodate an average size family and their friends when entertaining. You can make your deck look bigger than it is by employing  angles as the decking is cut.  If done properly, it can even give the appearance of more than one deck in your backyard. For more information on Deck Designs .

Other considerations that need preplanning:  Where will you place the grill, or hot tub, or picnic table, etc.  If a hot tub is on your list and the deck will be supporting it , make sure you allow for extra joists and  support for the weight of a hot tub filled with water.  Also, make sure your grill is close to the connecting kitchen in the house.

When planning your deck  and even the stairs, try to incorporate it into the style or flavor of your existing house.  Make it a pleasing transition into your house.

 Please take note of the following suggestions that will save you  grieve:

Tools on Hand:

One line of thought try to borrow as many tools as you can. Electrical saws, such as a chop saw and skill saw are musts.  A screw gun and hammer and hand tools are necessary too. As well as measuring tools.

Cost and Size:

Obviously, You will spend more money if the deck you plan is to be big.  So again planning is the key.  Plan on paper, and calculate how much board feet you will need and rails, and stairs, then start adding up the cost. Make sure your calculations are all correct, if not this could end up costing you more than you bargained for.

Nature Considerations Before Building the Deck:

Wind, rain and sun considerations are important when it comes to building or placing your deck on your property. Obviously the weather and elements can affect your time of enjoyment on your new deck.   If sun becomes a factor, do something that will provide some shad, such as an overhang of some sort or umbrellas, remember sun can really punish a deck.  If wind is a factor, you can use plants or lattice to block some of the wind.  If your deck is wood, maintain it , keep it rain and moisture proof by applying a stain or sealer yearly to it.  Plan how you will provide some shade for you and your guests.

Plan to employ good lighting, whether it will be of a romantic, low level lighting or  other types of light.  Be sure to always have a bright light that can be turned on when needed  especially around your steps and entrances to avoid unnecessary accidents.. Other forms of lighting include candles, torches, solar lights and more. See my articles on Deck Lighting- What's Available

Decks and patios come in a wide range of designs, shapes and sizes. And while the look of a deck may differ from one to another, the make-up of most decks remains the same.

Before you get started building your deck, you (and every do-it-yourselfer) should know the parts of a deck – what a deck is made of. Knowing this information will give you two advantages: firstly, you’ll know what to ask for when you consult with a professional or retailer; secondly, you’ll wow your friends with your vast knowledge of home hardware!

Decks are composed of a variety of parts. Structural parts of the deck hold and distribute the weight of the deck and therefore, should be made of durable, high quality materials. Posts, ledgers, beams, and joists should be made out of pressure-treated wood for longer life and maximum durability. This is often required by code. However, visible parts of a deck including the decking, railings, stairways, and facing can be made of cedar or redwood for a decorative touch.

The Structural Parts of a Deck

 

• Ledgers are used in order to secure a deck to a house. They support one end of all joists.

   

• The weight of the deck is supported by concrete footings. These footings are formed by pouring concrete into cylindrical molds and allowing it to dry. To determine the depth of footings, follow local building codes and climate patterns. Footings are secured with metal post anchors. These post anchors are susceptible to corrosion, so they should be made of galvanized steel.

   

• Posts are attached to the post anchors and help to shift the weight of the deck to the concrete footings. To avoid corrosion, they should be attached to the post anchors with galvanized nails.

   

• The deck's main support system is the beams. Beams are fastened to the deck posts and are made from either 2x8s or 2x10s.

   

• To support the decking, joists are used. Joists are attached at either end: one end is secured to the header joist and the other to the ledger. For a better appearance, outside joists can be covered with a decorative facing, such as cedar or redwood.

   

• The highlight of any deck is the decking itself. Decking boards should be attached with galvanized screws or nails to avoid rust stains. Decking boards are secured to the joists.

   

• Railing parts include balusters and posts, a horizontal rail, and a cap. Balusters and posts are attached to the header and outside joists of the deck. Deck railings are often required by building code, depending upon the height of the deck. Those decks 24" above ground may be required to have appropriate railings.

   

• A stairway consists of two stringers and a number of treads attached with metal cleats to the side of the deck.