Building a deck can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to enhance your home’s outdoor living space. While it requires time, planning, and dedication, even beginners can create a durable and attractive deck with the right information. This guide will cover essential steps, tips, and methods to help you build your DIY deck successfully.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Building your deck is a rewarding project that requires careful planning, from choosing the right materials and securing necessary permits to ensuring proper foundations and drainage. Key tips include:
- Using concrete posts or screw piles for stability.
- Allowing gaps between deck boards for drainage.
- Covering joists to prevent water damage.
Opt for durable materials like cedar or composite decking, and stain the deck in mild weather to protect it from the elements. Proper drainage, secure connections, and regular maintenance will ensure your DIY deck lasts years.
Process To Build Your DIY Deck
1. Planning Your Deck
Clear planning is essential before starting your deck construction to avoid mistakes leading to delays or higher costs.
Set Your Deck Size And Location
- Yard Size: Ensure the deck fits within your yard’s space. A large deck is great for hosting, but it requires more maintenance. Consider a smaller, more manageable design if you only sometimes entertain.
- Slope: If your yard has a slope, building a deck will require additional expertise for levelling or installing posts.
- Trees and Obstacles: Consider trees or other obstacles. Building around trees can create natural seating areas but will take more time and effort.
- Future Expansion: Plan for future deck expansion to avoid costly rebuilds.
Permits And Regulations
- Obtain Permits: Check local, state, or council regulations before starting construction. Some areas may require permits, while others impose setback rules from property lines.
- Get Approval: Submit plans to the council or town hall and ensure compliance to avoid issues.
2. Foundations And Deck Support
A strong foundation is essential for your deck’s durability. The foundation you choose depends on the soil type and climate.
Concrete Posts Vs. Floating Deck Blocks
- Concrete Posts: In colder climates, digging foundations at least 4-5 feet deep helps prevent frost heave, which can cause decks to shift. Concrete posts, supported by galvanised metal post brackets, offer long-lasting stability.
- Floating Deck Blocks: These are easier and quicker to install but more prone to movement as they rest directly on the ground. It’s a good choice for areas with stable ground.
Screw Pile Foundations
For areas with rocky soil, screw pile foundations can be driven deep into the ground. However, they must be positioned accurately, as adjustments after installation can be difficult.
3. Choosing Decking Materials
The type of decking material you choose will impact your deck’s appearance and longevity.
Pressure-Treated Wood
While safer than before, pressure-treated wood still requires regular maintenance to ensure durability. Wood sourced from Australia or Canada is generally a better longevity option than imported materials.
Cedar
Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and is a popular choice for decking. It is more affordable than some exotic hardwoods, and when stained properly, it can last a long time.
Composite Decking
Composite decking, a blend of recycled plastic and wood, requires less maintenance. It’s also more moisture-resistant and is often used in regions with wet climates. Though pricier than cedar, composite boards can outlast wood in harsh conditions.
4. Building The Deck Frame
A well-built deck frame is essential for both safety and longevity.
Cover Your Joists
- Use a drip edge or elastomeric membrane over the joists to prevent water from accumulating and causing wood rot.
- Ensure that water can flow freely off the deck by installing appropriate drainage.
Spacing Between Deck Boards
- Gaps: Maintain adequate gaps between the decking boards for proper water drainage. Too narrow and dirt can clog the gaps, holding water; too wide and debris can fall through.
- Screws: When securing boards, avoid sinking screws too deeply to prevent water from pooling around them. Keep the screws flush with the surface.
Double Joists At Joints
Water tends to pool around joints between boards. Installing double joists at these points can help prevent water absorption and prolong the lifespan of your deck.
5. Advanced Tips For Deck Construction
These tips will help you build a higher-quality, longer-lasting deck.
Under-Mounted Fasteners
Using under-mounted fasteners keeps the surface of the deck free from screw holes, reducing the chance of water seeping in. This method may require more time but produces a cleaner and more durable finish.
Plan For Expansion And Future Use
When designing your deck, consider its future use. Plan if you want to add more features, such as a BBQ area or extended seating. Adding to a well-planned deck is easier than modifying a poorly designed one later.
Diamond Lath For Pest Control
To prevent animals from nesting under your deck, secure a diamond lath around the perimeter of the joists. Burying the lath will put off digging animals, protecting your deck’s integrity.
6. Finishing And Staining Your Deck
Choose The Right Season For Staining
Staining your deck helps protect the wood from moisture and sun damage. The best time to stain is during mild weather in autumn or spring. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying time and temperature conditions for the stain.
Grain Direction
When installing boards, aim to place the wood’s grain in a convex direction. This allows water to drain more effectively and prevents pooling on the wood’s surface.
7. Deck Surfaces And Drainage
The surface of your deck will determine its durability and functionality.
Non-Slip Profiles
Consider decking boards with non-slip profiles for areas exposed to water, such as near pools or shaded regions. Composite materials often feature these designs, providing extra safety.
Deck Slope
Your deck should have a slight slope—around 2%—away from your home. This ensures water runs off properly and doesn’t pool near your house, reducing the risk of water damage to your home’s foundation.
8. Drainage Solutions Under The Deck
Proper drainage beneath the deck prevents wood from rotting and minimises frost heave in colder climates.
Gravel And Foam Insulation
Placing rigid foam insulation or gravel beneath the deck will help prevent frost heave. Gravel allows water to drain more effectively, reducing moisture-related problems.
9. Deck-To-Wall Connections
Improperly attached decks can cause long-term structural issues with your home.
Metal Drip Caps
Using metal drip caps ensures water does not seep between the deck and your home. Place these below the house’s weather barrier, directing water away from the deck’s rim joist.
Self-Sealing Membrane
Where the deck connects to your home, a self-sealing elastomeric membrane can help keep moisture out and prevent carpenter ants or other pests from causing damage.
10. Final Touches For Long-Lasting Decks
Regular Maintenance
Power washing your deck every few years will keep it looking fresh and prevent the build-up of stains and mildew. Reapply stain or sealer as necessary to maintain the wood’s protective layer.
Prevent Wood Rot
Monitor areas where water is likely to pool, especially around joints and the ends of boards. Addressing these early on can prevent more significant issues down the road.
Conclusion
Building your deck is a labour-intensive process but ultimately rewarding. By following the proper steps, including setting a solid foundation, choosing durable materials, and applying expert tips, you can ensure that your DIY deck will last for many years. Whether hosting a BBQ or enjoying a peaceful moment outside, a well-built deck is an excellent addition to any home.
FAQs About Building Decks
Can I Build A Deck Myself?
Building your deck is a great way to transform an outdoor area into a space perfect for entertaining. Believe it or not, it is not as hard as it seems—you can do it yourself. All you need is a timber supply, some materials, and the right tools for the job.
What Do You Put Under Decking?
A layer of crushed gravel, with or without plastic or weed barrier cloth, is the best choice for use under a deck. It sheds moisture instead of absorbing it, keeps the area under the deck drier, and won’t decay.
How Far Apart Should Deck Joists Be?
Most decks use 16″ on centre spacing for joists. Most decking is not strong enough to support wider spans than 16″. Some builders reduce joist spacing to 12″ on the centre to strengthen the deck frame or to increase the maximum allowable joist spans.
Do You Need Drainage Under Decking?
A deck allows you to relax and entertain outside, but water can pool underneath without proper drainage. This can create a breeding ground for mosquitoes, mould, and bacteria. If water is under your deck after the rain, choose a drainage system that works for you.
Does Decking Need Foundations?
As a general rule of thumb, the higher a deck stands off the ground, the deeper the foundations must be. All decking materials should ideally be pressure-treated to avoid rot. But at the very least, ensure that the posts that will hold up your deck are treated.
