decks001

5 things to know before you build a deck

A deck can be a wonderful addition to your home. Not only will it increase the resale value of your home, but it will make a great place for family and friends to spend afternoons and evening or have a cook out. Think about the following things before you start building one or hire professionals to do it.

  1. Find out about all the choices you have in wood. While you may want to go for plain wood or synthetic materials, you can also use mahogany and redwood.
  2. Get all your permits in order and check with the local government to make sure that your planned deck is up to code. If you neglect to do this, you may face a fine or even have to take the deck down. An inspector can be called in to make sure the site and the plans are suitable. They can also be a valuable source of information and advice on building the deck.
  3. Be smart about choosing a location for the deck. If you want to sit on it while your children are playing or swimming, make sure you have a clear line of sight to the area they will be in. If you plan to host lunches or dinners, you may want to make sure that there is easy access from the kitchen.
  4. Make a solid foundation for the deck. It will be supporting the weight of the deck, your friends and family, patio furniture as well as things like grills so make sure you dig deep and build solid pier footings to keep the deck up. You may need to go below the frost line in your area to have a solid foundation.
  5. Make sure the deck will last a long time by protecting it from the elements. This will mean that you should choose paints that will protect it from the sun and rain. Apply a clear coat of oil or water based sealant on top of the paint to give it more protection from the elements.

These tips should help you get started in building a solid and durable decks where you and your friends and family can enjoy the summer months. Do not compromise on quality and you will find that the deck will keep giving joy for a long time. If you are not confident about the process, get advice and help from friends or hire a professional.