It’s no secret that the home improvement industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy. After all, people love projects like renovating their homes.
Have you been looking for a way to add beauty to your house why also increasing its resale value? If so, you’ve definitely come to the right place for help.
Keep reading to get the inside scoop on building a deck you’ll enjoy for years to come.
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1. The Right Design for Your House
You obviously want an awesome deck for your house, but not every design will work with every style of home.
The key is to choose a design and layout that enhances the look of your house without overwhelming.
Select a design that will provide the needs of your family, give you plenty of space for outdoor activities yet is proportionate to the dimensions of the house.
This article is another great resource to use when renovating your home.
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2. Get a Building Permit
It’s important to remember that you might need a building permit in order to add a deck to your home. Every area is different, with different building codes. Much of the criteria for restrictions will revolve around the size of the structure.
There could also be other considerations, including your HOA policies and the historical value of the host or neighborhood.
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3. Choosing Your Materials
There are a number of great options for building materials. These include natural or synthetic, and then a variety of subcategories such as the species of wood or the type of synthetic material you prefer.
Your choice of materials should largely be based on budget and aesthetics. After all, the materials you’re able to buy will be limited to the amount of money you have to spend. And yet you should also take durability into consideration.
For example, a high-quality composite material might cost more upfront, but will last far longer and require less upkeep.
A deck made of natural wood will certainly look amazing, but will require annual maintenance and will ultimately not last as long as a deck made from a synthetic alternative.
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4. Creating a Strong Base
It’s also crucial to remember that your deck will only be as strong as the base you create. Thus the footings need to be as solid as possible. Again, verify your local building codes before you start digging.
Your footings need to be the proper depth and set in concrete to ensure maximum strength and longevity.
Depending on your location, digging the footings for your base can be challenging. This is especially true if the soil in your area is extremely rocky. So budget enough time and resources to dig through the rock to the proper depth.
some deck material stuff to consider
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5. Make Sure It’s Level
Many people make the mistake of not getting their deck level. This is actually a very basic aspect of any construction project and is one of the most important for producing a quality end result.
During the construction process, always check that the structure is level at every step along the way. This is especially important in the earliest stages because the problem will keep getting worse.
If you notice that the structure is out of plumb, take the time to assess where things went wrong. Then remedy the problem now so that it won’t lead to a disaster down the line.
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6. Keep It Square
Keeping your deck structure square is another crucial aspect of the building process. Once your ledger is set and level, you need to attach the floor joists. During this step, make sure the joists are square and are properly set. This requires accurate measurements with the right tools for the job and using fasteners designed to hold your joists securely in place.
Some of the tools you’ll need include a carpenters square and a chalk line. These will help ensure that the joists are properly positioned to support the rest of the structure as you continue to build on top of them.
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7. Space Your Boards
Now it’s time to choose the boards for the surface of the deck. They need to be straight so that they’ll line up properly once put in place.
Keep in mind that wood decking lumber is typically full of imperfections, thus you need to choose the best quality boards, paying attention to avoid curved or cupped boards that won’t seat properly.
Make sure to space them evenly across the width of your deck so that the finished product will be aesthetically pleasing. Use a spacer so that every board is spaced exactly 1/8 inch.
some deck decorating ideas to consider
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8. Building Your Stairs
Next comes the stairs. This is typically the trickiest part of the process. If you don’t have experience building stairs, it might be wise to get some help or find a template online. This is another area where you need to make sure everything is level and square.
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9. Choosing the Right Finish
Once construction of the deck is complete, you’ll need to apply a protective finish to protect the wood. Stains and sealers are available in a wide variety of opacity and color options. The key is to pick the color that will best match the aesthetic of the exterior of your house.
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10. Caring For Your Deck
Keep in mind that your deck will need to be cleaned regularly. You should also reapply a finish at least once a year. This will help preserve the wood and keep it looking great for as long as you own your home.
other valuable tips:
A Complete Guide to How to Build a Deck
Home improvement is a fun and exciting way to beautify your home. Fortunately, this guide to how to build a deck will help you create a great location for enjoying family and friends this summer.
Keep scrolling to discover more useful renovation tips and advice.
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Image credit: how to build a deck by twenty20.com
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PHOTO COLLECTION: some other great yard n’ garden ideas to consider
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