Deck Planning Tips

Here are ten great tips to help you with your deck planning:

• Make a detailed deck plan to serve as a guide to the entire project. Be thorough and cover all of the aspects involved.
• What is the purpose of your deck? Will it be used for entertaining guests on a regular basis? If so, how many guests do you want the deck to hold? More guests equal more weight. You might also need extra space for lawn furniture, grills, and people. If you want the deck to be a play area for your small children, that means a whole host of other issues throughout the planning process. Decide on your deck's intended purpose, and think of it all the way through the deck planning process.
• What about your deck's location? Will it affect landscaping? You may also need to consider tree removal, as well as entrances and exits to your home. Remember that you have to access your deck, and if you want it in a place where you do not have an exit, you may need to add one to get the deck in your desired location.
• How will your deck attach to your home? A deck can be freestanding, but that is not always practical or safe. If it is to attach to the house, you have to decide how you will cut away the siding at the joining point. You must also check on the framing of your home where you wish your deck to stand. Is it strong enough?
• How many deck supports do you need? Decide exactly how many footings and posts you will need, and where you intend to place them. The larger the deck, the more footings and posts you need.
• What decking material do you plan to use? Do you want a wood or composite materials? If wood, choose your variety. Redwood, cedar, and pressure treated pine are all popular because they resist rot and decay. If you choose another wood decking material, you will, on a constant basis, need to provide protectant and sealant material. Composite decking materials are a good choice because they have been chemically engineered to avoid all of the problems of traditional wood.
• What permits do you need to build your deck? Different areas have different zoning laws and requirements. Check with your city government to decide what action you need to take to file for a permit.
• What tools are required for the project? Do you have everything you need on hand? How much additional expense will tools add to the project?
• Will you need professional help with building a deck? A deck is a big project to undertake if you are a weekend handyman. Moreover, if you have little construction experience, decking is not a good learning project. Poorly built decks are very dangerous, and if you cannot handle the project, leave it to a professional.
• What extras might you want to build into your deck? You could add flower boxes on each corner. You might want a decorative hand rail. You might even want built-in seating for your guests. Use extras to personalize your deck.

More Deck Resources

Ideas For Deck Designs is your source for everything you need to build better backyards and decks.

Deck Designs - An outdoor deck is a great place to entertain guests for drinks, a meal, or an outdoor party. It also provides a peaceful environment to sit and relax or study, have a conversation, etc.

Got any favorite deck planning tips or advice we have not covered ?, if you have why don't you share with us by simply typing into the box below?.

Please Share Your Best Tips?

Do you have any great tips on this subject that you would share with us?, we would love to hear from you & share your advice with our future readers.

If you have a favorite photo or even video(must be uploaded to YouTube first), please include with your tips

Return from Deck Planning to DIY Home Tips - Homepage