Waking up early in the warm summer morning and starting your day by sipping coffee on your newly constructed deck may be a great experience. Building a deck is a wonderful idea whether you want to host loved ones or just want to spend quiet time outside.
It is one of the most common home improvement projects.
Here are step-by-step guides for creating a deck for entertaining and relaxing.
Before You Start
Autumn is perfect for building a deck. But the weather in autumn is cool and dry in most areas. Another option for this construction is late spring; this alleviates the pressure of completing the project before winter arrives.
Place the deck so that it is easily accessible from the home. The site must be level and free from significant ground obstructions, such as tree roots.
Clear the area to the planned deck size plus six to eight feet for buffer space.
Make sure your local underground utility locating agency (811) does a site check of the decided place before you drill any holes.
Consider Cost to Build a Deck
The construction cost depends on the size of the deck. If you are constructing a small attached deck with pressure-treated wood floors, the cost will be $2,000 and $5,000.
An average 300-square-foot professionally constructed deck with two benches, steps, and a railing will save you more than $14,000.
Safety Considerations
Safety should always be the top priority when undertaking any project. Follow all safety instructions that come with the power tools. To safely transport heavy building materials like four-by-fours, it is necessary to have an assistant help.
If you choose composite or synthetic PVC deck boards, be aware that these materials have shorter joist spans than the pressure-treated two-by-sixes.
The joist spans can be as little as 16 inches.
In addition, you may use Ground Protection Mats in this project. They create a stable work surface while unloading these materials. They also reduce the risk of slips, falls, or landscaping damage.
Choose Deck & Mark Deck Site
Stake out the deck’s location using stakes and twine. Choose a 20-square-foot undisturbed soil area.
Then, three 12-foot lines, staked low and parallel to each other, are laid out to represent the location of a deck beam.
Dig Holes
Dig holes for the deck, adjust depth based on local regulations, and add 3 inches for drainage rock. Concrete piers can be raised to 2 1/2 inches.
Lay the Deck Frame
You can do this step on top of your concrete blocks, on the driveway, or on a level section of your grass. Using your circular saw, start by cutting each of your seven 2×6 boards to a length of 93 inches. These are going to be your go-to joists.
Attach Standard Joists
Insert the end joist through the standard joist and fix it with three 1/2-inch screws on either end to secure it.
Place the Deck Frame
Position the deck frame onto concrete blocks and check corners for 90-degree angles.
Install Deck Boards
Place a 10-foot deck board flush with the end joist. Then drill holes for alignment, and secure with two ½-inch deck screws.
Install the next board, spacing them ¼-inch apart, and repeat for the remaining deck boards for water drainage.
Stain and Protect Deck Boards
Pressure-treated boards can weather naturally, but purchasing appearance-grade boards prevents pockmarks. Staining and protecting deck boards helps them last longer.
For long-lasting Beauty, use a Water Softener Salt delivery service to make cleaning easier and extend their lifespan.