Building a deck can be one of the best investments for your home. It offers an extended outdoor living space for relaxing, entertaining, and boosting property value.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of constructing a deck, from planning to execution. While this guide doesn’t cover ground or covered decks like front porches or patios, it will provide valuable insights into building a deck that meets Australian building standards.
Let’s get straight to the point.
A deck is a valuable home improvement that can expand your outdoor living space and boost property value. This guide covers everything from planning and selecting materials to constructing a solid foundation and frame.
Start by checking with your local council to determine if a permit is required. Choose durable materials like pressure-treated timber, composite, or hardwood for long-lasting results.
Ensure proper ventilation to prevent moisture damage, especially for ground-level decks. Lay the beams, joists, and decking boards precisely, and add stairs if necessary.
Finishing touches like railings, lighting, and wood sealing will enhance the deck’s personality and appearance. With proper planning and attention to detail, your deck will provide years of outdoor enjoyment.
Why Build A Deck?
A well-constructed deck made from natural wood can transform your outdoor space, creating a warm and inviting area for family gatherings, barbecues, or simply enjoying the outdoors. It’s an affordable way to add value to your home and has a potential return on investment.
Building a simple deck yourself can be costly and inexpensive. With basic tools, some materials, and some planning, you can create a deck that enhances your backyard and boosts your home.
Do You Need A Permit?
Before you start building, it’s essential to check with your local council or structural engineer to determine if you need a building permit. Many councils require permits for deck construction, depending on the deck’s size, height, and location. Visiting in person rather than calling is best, as face-to-face interactions can provide more clarity.
Some municipalities offer helpful resources, such as pre-approved deck plans and advice on meeting local building codes. Even if a permit isn’t optional, reviewing local regulations to ensure your deck complies with safety and aesthetic standards is an idea.
Planning Your Deck
1. Site Selection And Layout
- Begin by evaluating your outdoor space and visualising how you want to use the deck. Is it primarily for entertaining, relaxing, or watching over children and pets? The deck should consider privacy, sunlight, and views.
- Choose a spot that complements your landscape and allows easy home access. Consider the drainage system underneath the deck without attaching it to the house. Proper drainage and ventilation will help extend the deck’s lifespan.
2. Making A Plan
- Once you’ve selected a location, create a detailed plan. Sketch the layout, including dimensions, and consider the materials you’ll use. If needed, professional contractors or home improvement services can help with design.
- Mark the boundaries of your deck with stakes and string. This will help you visualise the space and ensure everything is square. Adjust the string until the diagonal measurements are equal, ensuring the deck is properly aligned.
Choosing Materials
The materials you choose for your deck will impact its appearance, durability, and maintenance needs. Consider the following options:
1. Pressure-Treated Timber
- If your deck frame will be within 6 inches of the ground, use pressure-treated timber rated for ground contact. This type of wood is treated with preservatives to resist rot, decay, and insect damage, making it ideal for ground-level decks.
2. Composite Materials
- Composite decking is an alternative to natural wood, offering the appearance of timber with less maintenance. While more expensive upfront, composites resist rot and warping and require minimal upkeep.
3. Hardwoods
- Hardwoods like Ipe (pronounced “ee-pay”) are an excellent choice for a premium deck that will last decades. Ipe is a dense, fire-resistant wood that can withstand the elements for years with minimal maintenance. Although it’s expensive, it offers unmatched durability and visual appeal.
Building The Foundation
1. Excavation And Footings
- After marking the layout, use a sod cutter to remove grass if required by local regulations. This will provide a clean, level surface for your foundation.
- Mark the positions for your footings with spray paint, ensuring they meet local building codes for depth and spacing. In most cases, footings should be dug to a depth that extends below the frost line to prevent shifting during temperature changes.
2. Concrete And Posts
- Pour concrete into the footing holes using cardboard tubes to form a smooth, level base. Insert anchor bolts into the wet concrete to secure the deck posts later. Once the concrete is dry, attach post brackets and remove the moulds.
- Set the posts in place, ensuring they are level and properly aligned. This solid foundation will provide the necessary stability for your deck.
Building The Deck Frame
1. Laying The Beams
- Once your posts are in place, lay the deck beams across the top of the posts. These beams will support the joists, which form the deck work. Ensure the beams are level and secure them in place using temporary braces if needed.
- Spread gravel around the base of the posts to improve drainage and prevent water from pooling around the foundation.
2. Attaching Joists
- With the beams in place, attach the joists at regular intervals. The spacing of the joists will depend on the type of decking material you choose, as different materials require different levels of support. For example, hardwood decking may need closer joist spacing than composite materials.
- Use metal brackets to secure the joists to the beams, ensuring the entire structure is stable and level.
Ventilation And Ground-Level Decks
Proper ventilation is essential for preventing moisture buildup beneath a ground-level deck. The timber can become damp without adequate airflow, leading to mould, rot, and decay. If your deck is less than 12 inches off the ground, open the perimeter to allow air to circulate.
Installing The Decking
1. Laying The Deck Boards
- Start by laying the first deck board flush against the house, ensuring it is straight and properly aligned. Continue laying the boards perpendicular to the joists, leaving the recommended gap between each board for ventilation.
- Fasten the boards securely using screws or hidden fasteners, following the manufacturer’s guidelines for spacing and installation.
2. Trimming The Edges
- Once all the boards are installed, use a circular saw to trim the edges for a clean, finished look. Be sure to collect and dispose of any excess material.
Adding Stairs Or Steps
If your deck is raised above ground level, you must add stairs. You can build stairs using stringers (diagonal supports) attached to the deck frame or installing additional footings. Whichever method you choose, ensure the stairs meet local building codes for safety and stability.
Final Touches And Finishing
After the deck is fully constructed, you can add finishing touches like railings, lighting, and furniture. Sand any rough edges, and apply a weatherproof sealant or stain to protect the wood from the elements.
Conclusion
Building a deck can be rewarding, enhancing your outdoor space and increasing your home’s home’s. Whether you’re an experienced DIY enthusiast or a beginner, following these steps will help you create a functional and beautiful deck.
Remember to check with local authorities for permits and building codes, choose the right materials for your climate, and plan carefully to ensure a successful project. With the right preparation and attention to detail, your new deck will provide years of enjoyment.
FAQs About Building A Deck
Can You Build A Deck Without Foundation?
Instead of using footings, adding a gravel level will provide the drainage you are looking for. You can then add a wood frame that anchors in concrete blocks that sit in the gravel, creating your new deck.
Where Do You Start When Building A Deck?
Start by laying out the joist spacing on opposing rim joists. Pull your tape measure across the rim joist and mark the joist location, which will be every 12, 16 or 24 inches, per your drawings. If your deck comprises two beams, pull your measurements along the beams and mark the beams.
Can I Build A Deck Directly On The Ground?
Yes, you can build a deck directly on the ground. There are many reasons to want a very low deck, including the fact that it may not require stairs or guardrails at certain heights.
