Planning a Deck Build
Posted 8/8/2022 by The ProWood Team
When you’re ready to install that backyard deck you’ve been wanting, you may be thinking to yourself, “Where do I even begin?” That’s a good question to ask, and most homeowners have asked themselves that same question. From the planning stages to design all the way to installation, ProWood® can help you determine where to begin. After all, we do know a thing or two about decks.
PLANNING A DECK BUILD
Plan
A standard deck size is either going to be 10’ x 10’ or 12’ x 12’. This is a fairly simple choice, but you may be looking for something larger or a deck with added elements such as multilevel split sections. Every deck design starts with an idea. Figure out what deck style you’re looking for, cruise the Internet and check out photo galleries. They can help inspire an idea. After you have a design in mind, take a look at your outdoor space and ask yourself the following questions:
- Does the deck fit in my backyard?
- Do I want to go larger or should I scale back?
- How often will this space be used?
Installation
The next major decision in the deck building process is deciding who will build this new outdoor extension of your home. Are you a DIY-er who can take this project on? Do you have all the necessary tools to complete the space? Do you know where to buy deck material? Or will you hire a contractor to do the build?
- If you hire a contractor, they can help you throughout the whole deck-building process, and there are many perks to hiring an expert if you’ve never built a deck before. They will ask you questions like:
- What purpose will the deck serve? (Grilling, entertainment, a space to relax, etc.) This ensures the deck is set up for optimal use.
- How many people will typically use this space? This will ensure that the flow of traffic on the deck is fluid and you’re not running into each other.
- Is privacy important?
Have you done research on deck material? If so, what do you prefer? Pressure-treated deck boards not only look great, but they stand up to the toughest conditions. Going with a contractor can provide many benefits and, in most cases, it’s the easiest option when you include all the elements of building a deck, from digging the footers to making sure everything is up to code. Finding a reputable builder is easy nowadays. Check the Internet for a list of local builders, find customer testimonials, visit their websites and check social media platforms.
Whether you choose to build the deck yourself or hire a builder, the end goal is the same. Your new deck will be a new space you can enjoy. Once the initial build is done, add personalization elements to make your new deck space unique to your style. Add deck furniture and outdoor accessories like post caps and step lights.
