Building a deck is a fantastic way to add value and outdoor living space to your Australian home. Whether you tackle the project yourself or hire a contractor, careful planning and execution are essential for a successful outcome.
Below are some important do’s and don’ts that will help ensure your deck is durable, functional, and built to last.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Building a successful deck requires careful planning, clear communication, and attention to detail. Ensure all permits are obtained, educate clients on material options (like timber, composite, or plastic), and avoid underestimating materials.
Use high-quality wood and fasteners, plan stair placement thoughtfully, and follow local building codes. Add features like built-in benches or ramps for accessibility, and never compromise on structural support or safety.
Proper material choice and spacing will ensure durability. Depending on their structural condition, repair or replace decks. A well-executed deck adds value and enhances outdoor living spaces.
Do’s And Don’ts For A Successful Deck Build
1. Do Communicate Clearly With Your Client
Clear communication with the client is vital when building a deck. Spend time understanding their needs, lifestyle, and design preferences.
Misunderstandings can lead to costly delays, especially if changes need to be made midway through construction. Clear up any uncertainties about timelines, costs, and materials before starting. It’s easier to prevent issues than to fix them later.
2. Do Your Homework Before Starting
Before breaking ground, ensure you have all the necessary permits and approvals. Submitting applications early can save time and prevent frustrating delays. Unpermitted work could result in fines or forced removal of the deck. Check local building regulations, as rules may vary by region.
3. Educate Your Client About Materials
Different decking materials offer different benefits, so explaining these options to your client is important. Popular choices include timber, cedar, pressure-treated pine, and newer composite materials.
Each has its price range, lifespan, and maintenance requirements. Ensure the customer understands how each material will perform in various weather conditions, particularly in the Australian climate, where UV exposure can be intense.
4. Don’t Underestimate Materials
One of the most common mistakes builders make is underestimating the materials required for the job. Running out of materials can bring your project to a halt. Use a building calculator to help determine the right quantity of timber, fasteners, and other materials you need.
5. Do Consider the Weather When Digging Footers
If you’re building in a region where the temperature fluctuates greatly, dig your deck footers below the frost line to prevent shifting when the ground freezes. This precaution ensures the deck remains stable and secure throughout the year.
6. Don’t Use Inferior Wood
Warped or damaged boards may be cheaper, but they can compromise the integrity of your deck. Always check your materials for signs of mildew, warping, or excessive insect damage before starting construction. Faulty boards can crack or decay quickly, leading to costly repairs.
7. Don’t Skimp On Fasteners
Choosing the right fasteners is essential for the longevity of your deck. Using substandard or incompatible fasteners can lead to premature wear and damage. Always use high-quality galvanised or stainless steel fasteners, which are resistant to corrosion and suitable for Australia’s coastal conditions.
8. Do Plan The Stairs Carefully
Stair placement is an essential part of deck design. Thoughtfully positioned stairs can improve access and integrate the deck with the surrounding landscape. For larger decks, consider adding multiple sets of stairs for ease of use.
9. Don’t Ignore Building Codes For Railings
If you’re constructing a second-story or multi-level deck, follow local building codes regarding railings. These codes are in place to ensure safety, particularly on higher decks. The height of the deck will determine the type of railing needed.
10. Do Encourage Deck Enhancements
Recommend additional features like built-in benches, accent lighting, and planters to your clients. While these features can increase the initial cost, they significantly enhance the deck’s appeal and functionality.
Clients are often more satisfied with the finished product and more likely to recommend your services.
11. Choose The Right Decking Material
Selecting the right decking material is key to creating a deck that meets your needs and lasts for years. Here are some of the common options:
- Pressure-treated timber is affordable and widely available but requires regular maintenance, like staining and sealing.
- Natural woods: Cedar and redwood are popular because they naturally resist insects and rot but need regular upkeep.
- Composite decking: Made from wood fibres and plastic, this material requires less maintenance and offers long-term durability.
- Plastic decking: While resistant to decay and insects, it may offer a different aesthetic appeal than natural wood.
12. Don’t Forget Permits And Inspections
Building a deck without the necessary permits can result in hefty fines and legal complications. Always check with local authorities to determine what permits are required. Regular inspections may also be needed to ensure the deck meets building codes.
13. Do Include Materials For Stairs And Handrails
When calculating your material needs, consider the importance of stairs and handrails. These elements require specific materials like stair treads, risers, and metal brackets. Ensure these parts and the main decking materials are sourced to avoid delays.
14. Don’t Forget Accessibility
If your client has family members or guests with mobility issues, consider incorporating features like ramps or wider stairs. This will make the deck more inclusive and increase its usability and value.
15. Don’t Cut Corners On Structural Support
Using the right-sized bolts or not spacing them properly can severely compromise the structural integrity of your deck. Deck bolts should be galvanised or stainless steel to withstand outdoor conditions. Skimping on these important elements can lead to serious safety issues.
16. Don’t Forget To Space Deck Boards Properly
As the wood expands and contracts with changing temperatures and humidity, adequate space between each board is essential. Use spacers to maintain consistent gaps—typically about 3.2 mm—to allow for natural expansion and prevent warping.
Choosing The Right Decking Material
Choosing the right material for your deck is as important as its design. Below is an overview of popular decking materials:
- Pressure-treated timber: A cost-effective choice, but requires frequent maintenance.
- Natural woods: Durable and attractive but more expensive and labour-intensive to maintain.
- Composite: A lower-maintenance option, though more costly upfront.
- Plastic: While highly resistant to decay, it can lack the warmth of natural timber.
- Aluminium is the most durable and low-maintenance option and the most expensive.
Should You Repair Or Replace Your Deck?
Sometimes, whether you should repair or replace your deck must be clarified. If the structural frame is still sound, replacing damaged planks and handrails might be enough. However, replacing the entire structure may be more cost-effective if you notice significant rot or corrosion in the frame.
Conclusion
A well-built deck can enhance the value and enjoyment of your home. Careful planning, communication, and using quality materials will ensure that your deck stands the test of time. By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll be able to avoid common pitfalls and create a space that meets your client’s needs while adhering to Australian building standards.
FAQs About Building Decks
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.
Can I Build A Deck Directly On The Ground?
You can build a deck directly on the ground but with some conditions. A deck on the ground must be built with ground-contact wood, and the substructure needs to be adapted for minimal height. Even though technically a ground-level deck is elevated up to 24″, here we will discuss decks built less than 8″ high.
Do Decks Need Footings?
Large decks attached to the house should always have footings because they spread the heavy load of the deck from the surface of a support post over a large surface of the soil so the ground can adequately support it.
How Far Apart Do Deck Posts Need To Be?
Starting with your perimeter, mark the location of each deck post to locate the fitting position. In general, posts should be spaced no more than 8 feet apart. Some builders position them every 4 feet for a completely rigid frame. The size of your joist material determines the maximum distance between footings.
Should I Use 4×4 Or 6×6 Deck Posts?
According to the IRC, deck posts must be at least 4×4, but many jurisdictions require a 6×6 post as a standard. Many deck builders choose the 6×6 to avoid code violations even if the 4×4 is acceptable.
