A deck is an excellent addition to your home. It is the perfect place for entertainment, gives your home a unique look, and allows you to enjoy the outdoors more. If you are considering selling your home, building a deck can help improve your property’s value and get a significant return on investment.
However, building a deck can be challenging and time-consuming. You must make informed decisions and consider key factors when designing a new deck to give your family the best outdoor entertainment space. Read on for seven key factors to consider when building a deck to avoid making mistakes.
Contents
1. Purpose and functionality
The first thing you need to do when building a deck is to decide the purpose of the new structure. Do you want a private space or a community meeting area? Do you intend to entertain guests? Will you cook in the outdoor living space? Do you need space for gardening? Before you start building, it is best to evaluate how you can integrate the new deck into your lifestyle. This allows you to create a structure that reflects your family’s interests and hobbies.
2. Materials
The right materials are the secret to a good-looking deck. Deck materials also impact cost, durability, longevity, and maintenance requirements. When shopping for decking materials, do not opt for the cheapest ones or purchase a material simply because it looks nice. Instead, look for high-quality materials that will last long and that do not require extensive maintenance.
Some excellent deck material options include pressure-treated wood, natural wood, aluminum, plastic, and composite materials, to mention a few. Visit The Deck Store to purchase quality materials that help you build a deck that transforms your property’s exterior into a comfortable, beautiful living space.
3. Your Budget
The budget is perhaps the most significant consideration when building a deck, as it impacts most of the decisions you make during the deck-building project. This includes the kind of materials to use, the design, and the size. Your budget also dictates whether to hire a professional or build the deck yourself. For these reasons, create a reasonable budget as early as possible.
When creating the deck construction budget, factor in materials, labor, and permits. You should also consider the intricate details you wish to add to your deck. These include deck lighting, railings, flowerboxes, and built-in seating, to mention a few.
4. Location
Location is a vital factor to consider when building a deck. If there is no single, apparent spot where the deck should be made, assess your property’s size to choose an ideal location. Other factors to consider when choosing the perfect deck location include privacy, accessibility from the interior of your house, and outstanding views. You should also consider the weather when choosing a spot for your deck. Consider the amount of snowfall or rain your region expects, wind currents, and sun exposure.
5. Building codes and Permit requirements
The last thing you want, once you start building your deck, is to have to bring it down, experience delays, or pay hefty fines because you have violated your local building codes. For this reason, research the regulations and legal procedures you must adhere to when building a deck. The state might need to approve your design before construction. If you do not want to deal with authorities, consider hiring a professional. Professional deck builders are familiar with your local building codes and permit requirements, so that they will handle the logistics on your behalf.
6. Contractor VS. DIY
The cost of building a deck from the ground up can be relatively high, so you may opt for DIY to reduce expenses. However, ensure you are especially handy if you choose to DIY to avoid delaying the project. Building the deck yourself if you do not have the required skills will not only result in frustrations. You could also make mistakes that render the deck unsafe.
Partner with a professional deck-building company if you are not an experienced DIYer. A licensed deck builder can guarantee quality. They can also help you negotiate better prices for deck materials, enabling you to keep costs at a minimum. Read reviews or ask friends and family for referrals and recommendations to hire an experienced, trustworthy deck builder.
7. Deck Lighting
Lighting does not only add ambiance to your deck. It also makes the deck safer and more inviting. Be sure to decide beforehand the type of lighting you want to incorporate into your deck to include it in your building plan. The following are deck lighting fixtures and locations you could consider:
- Overhead lights
- Recessed step lights
- Post-mounted lights
- Path lights
- Landscape spotlights
Endnote
A deck can help improve your home’s curb appeal. Consider purpose and functionality, budget, material, lighting, location, and permit requirements when building a deck to create a safe and functional space.
