Decks are beneficial to homeowners in many ways.
But those who want to build a deck should know a few things before that process begins.
. Permits are necessary. Unless the deck is going to be especially small, you will likely need a permit to build it.
Before buying any materials or consulting any contractors, make certain you know which permits you need and how to get them. If the proper permits are not secured before the project begins, you might have to tear down the whole project and start all over again.
. Decks don't have to go on the back of the house. If the back of your house sits in the blazing sun all day, then it's probably best to build the deck elsewhere, and that's perfectly OK. So long as the property and permits allow, decks can be built on the side of a home as well, and putting a deck on the side might be more comfortable.
. Decks don't have to be made of wood. It's easy to assume all decks are made of plain wood. However, decks can be made out of a wide variety of materials, natural or synthetic. Pressure treated wood is perhaps the most popular material for decking because it's not very expensive.
But man-made materials that are a mixture of recycled plastic and wood bits or sawdust are also popular because they require no maintenance. But homeowners should know that man-made materials can get hot in the sun, which will require those enjoying the deck to wear shoes.
. Expect to do some digging. If you're going to build your own deck, expect to do some serious digging. Local building codes will dictate how deep you will need to dig for the pier footings, which support the deck's weight.
Just how deep you'll dig depends on your climate's specific frost line, but it's safe to assume you'll get a workout in when digging.
. You will want to protect the deck. Decks are a costly investment, and you will want to protect that investment. If you're building a wood deck, keep in mind the sun will beat down on the deck for most of the year. You can protect the deck by painting it. Paint provides sunscreen for the deck, stopping the sun from breaking down the material. Once you've finished painting, apply sealant, whether it's oil-or water-based.
A deck makes a great addition to many homes, but homeowners should learn as much as possible about decks and what goes into building them before making any decking decisions.
