Tips For Building Your First Deck
Decks are one of the single biggest improvements you can add to the outside of your home that will increase the value of your home. Yet, they are one of the easiest structures to build if one takes their time and has some basic carpentry skills. Often times new deck owners can not believe the enjoyment and satisfaction they get when they first sit down on their new decks. It's just something about lounging back on a deck that relaxes us all. Add a few close friends, and the enjoyment is multiplied and you're wishing you'd built a deck a lot sooner!
Before begining to build your deck, you'll want to take the time to measure how large you want your deck to be. There are several things to keep in mind when you're measuring the area you want your deck. Watch for potential hazards like a low overhead power lines, an underground water line or property lines. More than once a deck has been built on the side of a home and ended up being partially on the neighbors side of the yard!
Once you have the measurement you want your deck, you're going to need a good building plan. There are several sources on the Internet where you can type in the size of deck you're wanting and the program will print out a layout plan for your deck. In many instances, these programs will also give you a materials lists of supplies you'll need. You can then take this materials lists to your local lumber yard or box store and get the supplies priced.
Laying out the foundation of the deck is the most time consuming. Don't get in a hurry here! Double and triple check the measurements against those on the plans. Being just a little off on the foundation can multiply problems down the road when you get near completion. It's vitally important you make sure your deck is square and level. Speaking of being level, I prefer my decks to have a slight slope away from the home. When I say slight, I mean the bubble of your level just barely touching the line away from your home. That's all you need for it to drain properly.
Another important step often overlooked by both DIY'ers and Professional builders is the sealing of the cut ends of the lumber. Assuming you use pressure treated lumber, whenever you cut a board, the inner section of the board is not treated. Pressure treatment only goes so deep into the surface of your lumber. By cutting the board, you're exposing untreated wood. You'll need to use a good sealer to protect this wood. It only takes a few seconds but can literally add years of life to the lumber that has been cut.
Finally, pay particular attention to how deep your drive your deck screws. I never use nails on surface boards. they tend to back out over time and create problems. I only use nails in hangers. A deck screw should be flush, or no more than 1/16ths under the surface of the lumber. Over driving screws into the lumber exposes the untreated inner sections of the lumber to the elements the same as cutting them does. Be careful and set your screwdriver to only sink the screws flush with the surface.
These tips will have any beginner building a deck like a pro! Take your time, get a good plan and ask a few friends for help and make a weekend out of it!
Before begining to build your deck, you'll want to take the time to measure how large you want your deck to be. There are several things to keep in mind when you're measuring the area you want your deck. Watch for potential hazards like a low overhead power lines, an underground water line or property lines. More than once a deck has been built on the side of a home and ended up being partially on the neighbors side of the yard!
Once you have the measurement you want your deck, you're going to need a good building plan. There are several sources on the Internet where you can type in the size of deck you're wanting and the program will print out a layout plan for your deck. In many instances, these programs will also give you a materials lists of supplies you'll need. You can then take this materials lists to your local lumber yard or box store and get the supplies priced.
Laying out the foundation of the deck is the most time consuming. Don't get in a hurry here! Double and triple check the measurements against those on the plans. Being just a little off on the foundation can multiply problems down the road when you get near completion. It's vitally important you make sure your deck is square and level. Speaking of being level, I prefer my decks to have a slight slope away from the home. When I say slight, I mean the bubble of your level just barely touching the line away from your home. That's all you need for it to drain properly.
Another important step often overlooked by both DIY'ers and Professional builders is the sealing of the cut ends of the lumber. Assuming you use pressure treated lumber, whenever you cut a board, the inner section of the board is not treated. Pressure treatment only goes so deep into the surface of your lumber. By cutting the board, you're exposing untreated wood. You'll need to use a good sealer to protect this wood. It only takes a few seconds but can literally add years of life to the lumber that has been cut.
Finally, pay particular attention to how deep your drive your deck screws. I never use nails on surface boards. they tend to back out over time and create problems. I only use nails in hangers. A deck screw should be flush, or no more than 1/16ths under the surface of the lumber. Over driving screws into the lumber exposes the untreated inner sections of the lumber to the elements the same as cutting them does. Be careful and set your screwdriver to only sink the screws flush with the surface.
These tips will have any beginner building a deck like a pro! Take your time, get a good plan and ask a few friends for help and make a weekend out of it!
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