Building a deck can be a fun and exciting project that provides you with a comfortable outdoor space to enjoy with your whole family. But if you’ve never built a deck before, you may be unsure of where to begin.
If you’re ready to plan and tackle a deck build, we’ve got the tips to help set you on the path to success. And remember we’re here to answer your questions at every step along the way. We will provide a free estimate of the materials you’ll need too.
DO YOUR PAPERWORK
Before you begin building your new deck you’ll want to make sure that you’re actually able to build a new deck!
Reach out to your homeowners association (if you have one) to find out if there are any building restrictions or special permits you need to build a deck in your neighborhood. Also make sure to check with your local building department to find out what building permits you’re required to have.
Make sure to also call 811 before you start digging into the ground. You’ll be routed to a call center for your local area who will help you contact local utility operators who will come out and identify any buried utility lines on your property.
DESIGN YOUR DECK
Begin by taking measurements of the area where you’d like to build your new deck. Make a rough sketch so you have a visual with your measurements (you’ll probably reference this document a lot in the future!).
When designing your deck, think about how you’ll be using it in the future, and what type of furniture and functionality you’d like to have. Think about your lifestyle and what your dream deck setup would be!
If you’re including railings, balusters and posts, bear in mind that these will need to be built to avoid overlapping windows and out of the way of doors that will swing open onto your deck.
LAY OUT YOUR DECK
Before you start building your deck, it’s a good idea to roughly lay out your build in your yard. Use some furring strips to stake out the area in your yard where your deck will be built. This will give you a better idea of the overall dimensions of your deck and let you know if you’ll be butting up closer to things like landscaping than you originally thought.Taking it a step further, use string tied to the stakes to get an even better idea of what the deck will look like, and stage your patio furniture within this area – especially if you want to use a table and chairs. You’ll be surprised how much room you’ll actually need!
PLAN YOUR MATERIALS
You’ll want to figure out what materials you want to build your deck from once you have a design in mind. Your decking materials will have a huge impact on the care, maintenance, and longevity of your deck — it’s likely going to be the biggest decision you make when it comes to your deck.
Choose any additional elements, like railing and balusters, which you might want to incorporate into your build. The variety and design of these items can be equally as varied as the type of decking material you choose. We have a variety of materials from treated to composite.
VISIT BIG C LUMBER
Once you have a general idea of how you want your deck to look, stop by your local Big C Lumber. We’ll walk through your design with you and make sure you get all of the materials you need to build your deck, including all necessary fasteners!
Contact your local Big C Lumber today to find out how we can help you get started planning your new deck build.