A deck is one of the best ways to make the most of your backyard, but it’s also a great way to reclaim wasted space for other uses: dining, entertaining and gardening. Building a deck requires some advanced skills, depending on the design you choose, but there are many ways to build that help you save time and money over hiring a contractor.
Building an outdoor deck is a great way to increase your property’s value. But if you’re not into traditional wood construction projects, it can be tough to find the perfect plan that fits your style and budget. Luckily, we’ve got just the thing – this do-it-yourself guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of how to build an easy deck.
A deck is a great addition to any home. It’s not only an attractive feature on your property, but it’s also a convenient place to relax and hang out with friends and family during the warmer months. But unless you have experience in construction or carpentry, you may be wondering where to start. The good news is that building an outdoor deck isn’t as complicated as it may seem. In fact, with the right tools, supplies, and instructions, almost anyone can build a deck of their own and you don’t need to be Bob Vila! Here’s what you need to know before getting started:
Planning & Preparation
Before you begin to build your deck, it’s important to plan and prepare. You’ll need to decide what size and shape will be right for your yard, and check the zoning laws in your area. Once that’s out of the way, tools and materials are all that stand between you and a great new space.
There are many different kinds of decks out there—from simple wooden platforms to elaborate multi-level constructions with raised beds (and everything in between). But each one starts with a good set of plans. If these aren’t already provided by an architect or builder, use our guide below on how to draw them yourself:
- Get paper and pencils ready
- Start by drawing out all four corners of where your deck will sit on top of any existing structures (i.e., patio) – make sure they’re square! Then measure each corner out at 4 ft plus 1 inch longer than whatever length/width measurement was given earlier on this page.
The Foundation
The foundation is the most important part of your deck, so it’s vital that you build one that will last. Here are some tips:
- Level and square: Your deck should be level and square at all times. If it’s not, it could cause problems with your house or other structures in the future.
- Strong and stable: The best foundations are built on solid ground—not soft soil or sandy beach sand! There should be no chance that the foundation could shift or move out of place once built.
- Built to last: Your deck may only last for a few years if made of wood, but having a durable foundation will make sure that your structure lasts for decades to come.
The Framing
You can frame your deck with 2x4s, 2x6s and even 2x8s. But if you want a bigger and sturdier deck, consider framing it with 2x10s or even 2x12s. If you’re building a small deck, you’ll probably be fine using the smaller lumber sizes. However, if you’re building larger decks (more than 10 feet), then it’s recommended that you use the larger lumber sizes because they’ll give your deck more support.
If possible, make sure all of your lumber is cut to size before starting any framing work on the ground—it will save time when lifting into place later on.
The Decking
The decking is the floor of the deck and it’s usually made from wood, composite materials or plastic.
When installing your decking, you have to make sure that you use treated lumber for all framing components. This will ensure that it lasts for many years and does not rot out in a matter of months. Since this can be expensive, some people take short cuts by using untreated lumber, but this will result in a shorter lifespan for your deck and may require more frequent repairs later on down the line.
You also need to consider what kind of finish you want on your outdoor living space before installing any new decks or patios because this will help protect them from harmful elements such as UV radiation exposure over time which can cause damage if left untreated with proper protective finishes like paint or stain liquids (preferably something like teak oil).
Finishing Up
Once the deck is complete, it’s time to finish up. The finishing touches are often simple, but can make a big difference if you haven’t done much carpentry or home improvement projects before.
The first step is to apply a sealant to protect the wood from moisture damage and weathering. This will keep your deck looking good year-round and prevent splinters in bare feet! We recommend a water-based sealant that’s safe for children and pets. It will dry clear so that even if you miss any spots with the brush or roller, it won’t be obvious when dry (a thick coat of varnish on top of old paint can create an uneven appearance).
A deck can be a great place to escape from the noise and stress of everyday life.
A deck can be a great place to escape from the noise and stress of everyday life. Whether you want to relax with a good book, get some exercise on your new stationary bike, or just spend time with friends and family, a deck is an excellent way to create space for yourself in your home. If you’re looking for ways to make your home more enjoyable and comfortable, building yourself a new deck may be exactly what the doctor ordered.
Building Your Own Deck
Building your own deck will not only allow you to save money on labor costs but it will also give you the opportunity to customize it however you like. You can build furniture or other decor items into the design of your deck so that they blend seamlessly into its appearance as well as add extra storage space underneath where they won’t take up valuable floor space on top.
Final words
We hope this article has given you some ideas for building easy decks. Now go out there and get decking.
