Tips for Building a Deck

Building a deck can be one of the best home improvement diy projects you can undertake.

Your family will get years of enjoyment from being outdoors in great weather.

A deck or patio is also the perfect place for summer entertaining.

Adding a fire pit or chimenea, if your local bylaws permit their use, extends the use of this outdoor space into cooler weather as well.

So what is the difference between a deck and a patio? Quite simply, where they sit.

A deck is raised off the ground. It can be raised by several inches or several feet, but it is always higher than ground level. A patio, on the other hand, is on ground level.

Decks are usually built of some kind of wood or newer composite material, while patios, because they sit directly on the moist ground, are built of stone or pavers.

Your deck design may or may not include a railing. A railing is a safety feature if the deck is more than just a few inches off the ground. Most deck designs include a railing around at least part of the circumference.

One choice you will need to make in designing your deck or patio is whether or not to add a partial or full roof. A roof subtracts some sunlight but adds shade during hot summer weather and shelter during rain, so you may get more use from a covered deck.

You may even decide to turn your deck into a spa retreat. A hot tub tucked away into a corner can add relaxing luxury to your outdoor space.

The first step in building a deck is deciding where it will be and how big you want it. The size will obviously be partially decided by the amount of space you have available, but another huge consideration is how you will use it. Many people don't put enough thought into this step and end up with a deck that is too small for the uses they want.

For example, if you do want a hot tub on the deck, you need to create a space for it that is a bit removed from your cooking and eating areas. Do you plan on entertaining on your deck? If you do, it may mean a larger table and more chairs. If you want to lounge on the deck, remember that lounge chairs take up more room than regular chairs and you will need to plan the space accordingly. Plan a space for your barbecue that allows the cook a bit of room to move and isn't so close to your seating area that bumping into the grill becomes a hazard.

There are a few very good deck design software packages available that make the design process easy and accurate. Two of our favorites are:

Make sure to check with your local building department to determine exactly what permits you need and what their specifications are for building a deck. Foundations must be of a specified depth and strength, as well as joists and bearers.

Building regulations will vary from area to area. For example, in some areas there are no regulations regarding railings while in others railings are necessary for safety if the height above ground exceeds 24 inches.

If you are considering glass panels, they must be safety glass that will shatter into non-shard pieces like a car windscreen.

Deciding on materials is next. Redwood, which is both durable and beautiful, is a perennial favorite choice. Cedar is another, although it needs to be sealed to create greater durability. There is a variety of newer building materials available now as well, from vinyl decking to wood composite materials.

You can use pre-formed concrete footings or pour them on-site using cardboard tubing (Sonotube) with an anchor set into the top.

Check with your local building supply store to see which options will work best in your climate and which are easiest, if you are a less experienced DIYer.

It may sound like a lot of work, but doing a bit of planning and research before you put that first footing in the ground can ensure that building a deck can add much enjoyment and value to your back yard.