A deck can be a fantastic addition to any home, offering extra space and increasing your property’s value. Whether your home is on a steep slope or level ground, a deck can transform your outdoor area.
However, building a deck requires thorough planning and consideration of various factors. Below are the key aspects to consider before starting your deck construction project.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Building a deck can enhance your home’s value and outdoor living space. Key considerations include:
- Defining its purpose.
- Choosing the right location.
- Setting a budget.
- Deciding whether to DIY or hire a professional.
Deck material options range from wood to low-maintenance composites and aluminium. Ensure the deck style complements your home, and consider privacy, lighting, and built-in features. Ensure you follow local building codes and secure permits.
A well-constructed deck offers benefits like increased property value, added functionality, and low maintenance at a relatively affordable cost.
Things To Consider Before Building A Deck
1. The Purpose And Function Of Your Deck
Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to define the purpose of your deck. Will it be used for entertaining guests, as a peaceful retreat, or as an outdoor dining area? Understanding the deck’s function will help you shape its design, size, and placement.
For example, if you love hosting barbeques, you may need a larger space with built-in seating and lighting. Defining your deck’s purpose early ensures a smoother design process.
2. Choosing The Right Location
The location of your deck can significantly affect its usability and comfort. Consider factors such as sun exposure, wind patterns, and the view from the deck. The location is obvious in some cases, but others might have multiple options.
If your deck faces the afternoon sun, you may want to consider shade options like pergolas or trees. Also, consider how the deck connects to your home and other outdoor features like gardens or pools.
3. Setting A Realistic Budget
Your budget will heavily influence your deck’s size, materials, and overall design. Consider additional costs such as building permits, labour (if you’re hiring professionals), and extra features like built-in seating or outdoor lighting. It’s important to allocate a budget for the deck construction and ongoing maintenance, especially if you’re using materials that require regular upkeep.
DIY Or Hire A Professional?
Building a deck can be a rewarding DIY project, but it’s not for everyone. Constructing a simple platform deck can save you money if you have carpentry skills and time. However, more complex designs or elevated decks require professional help to ensure they are built safely and up to code. Carefully evaluate your skills, tools, and time commitment before going DIY.
Selecting The Right Materials
There are several options for decking materials, each with pros and cons. Traditional wood, such as pine or cedar, offers a classic look but requires regular maintenance. Composite materials made from recycled wood fibres and plastic are more expensive but offer lower maintenance.
Aluminium and plastic decking are also available for durable, slip-resistant options, though these can be pricier and may not suit every aesthetic. The choice of material will affect not only the look but also the longevity and maintenance needs of your deck.
Common Decking Materials:
- Pressure-treated wood: Affordable but needs sealing and staining.
- Composite: Low-maintenance but more expensive upfront.
- Plastic or PVC: Weather-resistant but can get hot under the sun.
- Aluminium: Durable and slip-resistant, ideal for wet climates but costly.
Guide In Designing And Building Your Perfect Deck
1. Matching The Deck’s Style With Your Home
Your deck should complement the style of your home, not compete with it. A well-designed deck can blend seamlessly with your house’s architecture, adding to its aesthetic value.
For example, a modern home may look best with a sleek, minimalist deck, while a traditional home might suit a deck with more detailed railings and natural wood finishes. Consider your home’s lines, colours, and proportions when designing your deck.
2. Deck Lighting Options
Lighting is essential for both safety and ambience. Whether you choose wired or solar lighting can significantly affect your deck’s use. Pathway lights, recessed stair lights, and overhead fixtures are all popular options.
Lighting adds a sense of security and lets you enjoy your deck after the sun goes down. Solar lights are a budget-friendly option that requires minimal installation and zero running costs.
3. Built-In Features And Customisation
Incorporating built-in features such as seating, planter boxes, and storage can add functionality and visual interest to your deck. These features can be customised to fit your needs and make your deck a more enjoyable space to spend time in. While these additions may increase the cost, they often enhance the deck’s usability and aesthetic appeal, making the investment worthwhile.
4. Privacy Considerations
Depending on the layout of your property, consider privacy options for your deck. If your deck overlooks a neighbour’s yard or is easily visible from the street, adding privacy screens, trellises, or strategically placed plants can help create a more secluded environment.
Living screens of plants or shrubs are popular and aesthetically pleasing. Alternatively, built-in wooden or lattice screens can provide the necessary privacy.
5. Building Codes And Permits
Before beginning construction, check your local building codes and permit requirements. Building a deck without the necessary permits can result in fines and complications if you ever plan to sell your home.
These regulations vary from location to location, so consult your local council or a professional builder to ensure you comply with all legal requirements. Hiring a professional deck builder can streamline this process, as they are typically familiar with local building codes and can handle your permits.
Benefits Of Building A Deck
Now that we’ve covered the planning phase let’s look at the benefits of building a deck for your home. A well-constructed deck can significantly improve your lifestyle and home value.
1. Increases Property Value
Building a deck is one of the more affordable ways to increase your home’s value. A properly built deck can make your home more appealing to buyers and offer a good return on investment, especially in areas where outdoor living is highly valued.
2. Enhances Outdoor Living Space
A deck provides additional living space, making your backyard more usable and enjoyable. It’s the perfect area for hosting gatherings, relaxing in the sun, or dining outdoors. Features like shade structures, built-in seating, and outdoor kitchens can further enhance this space.
3. Low Maintenance
Compared to other home renovations, decks are relatively low maintenance. With the right materials and finishes, your deck can last many years with minimal upkeep. For example, composite decking only requires occasional cleaning, while wood decks may need sealing every few years.
4. Affordable Home Improvement
Decks offer an affordable way to expand your living space compared to larger renovations like room extensions. They typically present a more budget-friendly alternative to adding an indoor room, regardless of size or materials.
5. Improves Yard Aesthetics
A well-designed deck can improve the visual appeal of your yard. It can create a focal point in your outdoor space, helping to define areas for gardening, seating, or outdoor activities. A beautiful deck can transform a plain yard into a stylish outdoor retreat.
6. Adds Functionality
Decks offer a practical solution for unlevel or sloped yards, providing a flat surface for activities. You can use the extra space for entertaining, storage, or even an outdoor workspace. With the right features, a deck can serve multiple purposes.
Conclusion
Building a deck is a worthwhile investment to improve your home’s value and outdoor living experience. However, careful planning is required, from choosing materials and determining the location to ensuring privacy and meeting building codes.
Whether you decide to DIY or hire a professional, a well-constructed deck can provide a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Considering the points above, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a deck that suits your needs and budget.
FAQs About Building Decks
Should I Put A Vapour Barrier Under My Deck?
In a crawlspace under a house, the air moisture can easily be dominated by the soil moisture, which is one reason a vapour barrier is used. Tar paper over the joists and under the decking is a very good idea, and it is one of the best things that can be done to prevent the joists from decaying.
How High Off The Ground Should Decking Be?
Ensure you build your deck high enough for ventilation so the ground can dry out. That way, your deck will last longer. Generally, if a deck is less than 12 inches above the ground, the perimeter of the deck must be open for free air to flow beneath the deck.
Can You Build A Deck Without Digging Holes?
Yes. It’s possible to build a deck without digging holes. This type of deck is called a floating deck, and it sits right on top of the ground without any posts or support areas that you’d dig down into the ground [to secure].
Can You Lay Decking Straight On Soil?
Here are two options for laying your decking: You can either build it directly on the ground or square the site and build it on top of risers as a floating deck. If you lay it directly on the ground, it may be more susceptible to absorbing moisture and need additional maintenance.
What Is A Floating Deck?
A floating deck is not attached to a building and “floats” above the ground. Generally, floating decks are low to the ground and don’t require handrails or staircases. They are sometimes called “grade-level” or “freestanding” decks because they’re built just above the ground level or grade.
