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Americans are building decks on their homes in rapidly increasing numbers each year. If you’re one of the million home-owners looking to add a new deck, it’s vital to build it correctly the first time.
Before you get started, review these 5 essential deck building tips so you can avoid costly and time-consuming repairs in the future.
A deck is a beautiful, and valuable addition to your home–don’t mess it up!
In This Post:
1. “Buy Nice or Buy Twice”
When it comes to screws, you do not want to opt for the cheapest kind. Scrimping on these important fasteners could leave you with faulty construction and a rickety deck.
More often than not, this isn’t caused by the wood you’ve used–it’s thanks to cheap fasteners.
Look for screws that will not corrode. Typically these are stainless-steel or coated screws. Often you can find them made specifically for pressure-treated wood.
Run-of-the-mill, (cheap) screws are susceptible to corrosion. This leaves you with ugly stains on your deck and again, a shakey, unstable surface.
2. Research Your Material Options
One of the many nice things about building a deck these days is that your options for materials are wider than you may know. This is why doing your research before choosing a material is helpful.
When deciding on a material, consider your budget, tastes, and home’s geography. Here are just a few of your potential options:
- Redwood
- Pressure-treated cedar
- Vinyl
- Composite decking
- Jarrah
- Ipe wood, and more.
3. Be Picky With Color
If you’re unfamiliar with your options, you may assume that every deck built comes in one color: brown.
But this isn’t the case. In fact, you can get different woods in various stains and dyes so that you can better match the exterior of your home.
You don’t necessarily need to have one long, brown, deck that doesn’t look like a natural extension of your living space. Find a color that suits your tastes and home’s outdoor paint.
When it comes to deck options, the sky’s the limit.
4. Think Big Picture
When you’re planning your deck design, don’t forget to think about shade. What good is a beautiful deck if it’s always too sunny to go sit on it comfortably?
Pergolas are great additions to include in your deck budget if you want a beautiful and comfortable space. They provide shade and allow you to do other fun things on your deck such as hanging lights, growing flowers, and more.
5. Talk With the Manufacturer
One of the most frustrating and disappointing things many deck owners do is to care for their deck improperly.
Using the right cleaning methods and agents can make or break the life of your deck. The approved methods will vary depending on the materials used and the build of your deck.
Your best bet is to have your material manufacturer educate you first. Ask them how best to clean and care for your deck. Doing this will keep your deck looking it’s best for years to come.
More Deck Building Tips
One of the best ways to start your deck project off right is to talk with an expert. Ask your questions and learn about all your available options.
Follow these deck building tips and you’ll be well on your way to building the outdoor space of your dreams. Happy constructing!
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