1. Choose Your Deck Type
there are several types of decks
you can have for your home. An outdoor patio deck can be attached to your home.
A convenient location for your outdoor patio deck is off of a family room or kitchen.
Building a deck that is a Destination Deck?
A
destination deck, is another deck alternative. A destination deck is typically
located in a special place with a view and is not connected to your home. You might have a winding path,
for example, that would
lead to the destination deck.
Building deck that is a Connector Deck?
A connector deck is several smaller decks of any shape
or size connected to each other with pathways.
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2. Consider Your Deck Activities
when building a deck
from wood, you need to consider items such as: will your deck be
a place to grill and barbecue? Are you going to have parties and entertain
family and friends? Or on the other hand, is your deck going to be a quiet place
for lounging reading or enjoying your favorite beverage? Will you have a
luxurious hot tub on your deck?
To increase privacy, will you have landscaping, plants or trees
around your deck? Take some time and think through how to build a deck
that will perform the way you want. Go online and buy a good book on
planning and building a wood deck. |
3. Decide Your Deck Size
if your house and backyard is smaller and you won't
entertain large groups, you likely don't need to build a large deck. Too large
of a deck can
actually make the house appear smaller. Keep it simple, but add an angle or two
to the deck design if you want. When building a deck from wood, you can divide the
deck into two areas - one area for lounging and sunning and another section for
cooking and dining.
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4. What Deck Materials Will You Use?
If you will be building a deck,
there are several structural parts. Your deck may need concrete footings that
extend below the frostline if you'll have freezing winters. If your deck will be
on sandy soil, you may need to build larger footings that will support the deck
posts or beams.
The posts can be 4"x4" lumber which is generally strong enough to support the
deck. If your deck is above ground, you may be required to use 6"x6" structural
posts. The deck beams will rest horizontally on the posts and will support the
deck joists. Deck joists will be spaced horizontally every 12", 16" or 24" and
will support the decking boards. The decking boards are the floor of your deck
that span from joist to joist. 5. Design and Build It Yourself or Hire a Professional
Unless you live in a
very rural area, there will probably be building code requirements, permits and
inspections needed when building a deck. Contact your local
building official to see what is required in your area. One major advantage to
having qualified professionals help is that they understand the legal side of
how to build a deck and can help ensure building code requirements are met.
One of the best ways to understand how to build a deck is
to view wood deck plans that have been built many times. Seeing attractive deck
plans can give you deck building ideas that will simplify your planning and
design.Copyright 2006 InfoSearch Publishing
About the Author: Learn more about how to build a deck, locate
good deck books, see wooden decks plans at
http://www.yourdreamloghome.com and search for
deck professionals in your area. David Buster is VP of InfoSearch Publishing and
webmaster of
http://www.yourdreamloghome.com - a popular website for homeowners.
For more help on Building a Deck, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Deck Installation Bid Sheet.
The
Deck Installation Bid Sheet
will teach your how to hire the right deck contractor, and help to ensure that your
deck project is completed on time and budget.
How to Finance your Deck Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Deck Installation Tools from Amazon.com
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