Surveys indicate homeowners annually spend billions of dollars improving outdoor living areas and one of the most popular ways is to add a deck to a home.
However, homeowners who want to build a deck should know a few things before that process begins.
• Permits are necessary. Unless the deck is going to be especially small, you will likely need a permit to build it. Before buying any materials or consulting any contractors, make certain you know which permits you need and how to get them. If the proper permits are not secured before the project begins, you might have to tear down the whole project and start all over again.
• Decks don’t have to go on the back of the house. If the back of your house sits in the blazing sun all day, then it’s probably best to build the deck elsewhere.
• Decks don’t have to be made of wood, as they can be made out of a wide variety of materials, natural or synthetic. Pressure treated wood is perhaps the most popular material for decking because it’s not very expensive.
Manmade materials that are a mixture of recycled plastic and wood bits or sawdust are also popular because they require no maintenance. However, homeowners should know that manmade materials could get hot in the sun, which will require those enjoying the deck to wear shoes.
• If you’re going to build your own deck, expect to do some serious digging. Local building codes will dictate how deep you will need to dig for the pier footings, which support the deck’s weight.
• Although many people associate decks with one level, it’s possible to have a multi-level deck if you simply don’t have enough room to build a deck that will be big enough to meet all of your needs. A multi-level deck can break up those long flights of stairs while ensuring you will always have somewhere to go to escape the sun on a hot day.
• Decks are a costly investment, and you will want to protect that investment. If you’re building a wood deck, keep in mind the sun will beat down on the deck for most of the year.
You can protect the deck by painting it. Once you’ve finished painting, apply sealant, whether it’s oil- or water-based.
• Fasteners will hide the screws for aesthetic appeal. However, not all woods and fasteners are the right fit, as certain woods are only compatible with certain fasteners. Find out which fasteners make the right fit ahead of time. Because fasteners conceal the screws, they also make it possible to go barefoot on the deck.
