What are you waiting for? Your backyard is a blank canvas just waiting to be transformed with a custom deck! Whether you want to enjoy the view from your new space or have somewhere to host guests year-round, adding a custom deck will make your home more functional and aesthetically pleasing.In this blog post, we’re going to cover all the steps involved in building a custom deck. We’ll go over what materials you need, how much it costs, and when it’s best to start the project so that everything goes smoothly. Let’s get started!
Part One: Materials and Cost
The most important thing you need inorder to build a deck, is the overall design! Once you’ve decided on an idea, it’s time to start gathering materials and making plans.
First, you’ll need to decide whether or not your deck needs a foundation and if so, what type.
The three main options for foundations are:
- Concrete footings (slab),
- Wood beams/posts on the ground,
- Prefabricated metal supports that sit over crawl spaces or joists in the basement.
Not sure if your deck needs a foundation?
An easy way to figure that out is by adding up the total weight of everyone who will be using it and measuring that against how much each type of foundation can hold. If you’re not sure, we recommend going with wood posts on the ground or metal supports – these are great for most applications.
If you’re using wood posts, you’ll need to dig three holes anywhere from 12 to 24 inches deep and place the wooden beams inside. Then stack concrete blocks around each post until they are stable enough for people to stand on securely.
If your deck is large or has a railing/overhang, make sure that there’s at least one post in each corner. If you want to add more stability, consider adding another post in the middle of your deck as well.
Once you’ve decided on a foundation, it’s time to pick out materials!
The most common type is pressure-treated lumber because it has anti-rot and insect resistant properties that make it last for years under normal weather conditions.
A word of caution: pressure-treated lumber is extremely dangerous for children and pets so it’s best to store this material in a locked shed or tool shed where kids can’t get to them.
If you’re looking for something safer, we recommend cedar decking boards because they are naturally resistant to rot and insect damage!
The cost of materials depends on the size and type of your deck. Here’s a breakdown:
Pressure-treated wood will cost about $45-$70 per 100 square feet; cedar is less expensive at around $25-$35 per 100 square feet; composite/plastic boards will be somewhere in the middle, between $50 and $80 per 100 square feet.
The next step is to figure out the total cost of your project, which will include planning and design fees as well as supplies. If you’re working with a contractor they’ll typically charge an hourly rate for up to $100 per hour or set price if it’s under $1000 so make sure to ask about that beforehand.
Part Two: How to Build a Deck
Now that you know what kind of foundation you need, let’s talk about how exactly to build a deck!
The first step is to lay out the design. Start by measuring your backyard and adding up all the dimensions of each part (length x width). Then sketch everything on paper so there are no surprises before starting construction. Once it’s built, there’s no going back!
After you’ve finalized the design and measurements, it’s time to start building.
First, lay down two rows of pressure-treated lumber across the ground where your deck will go; make sure that they are parallel with each other so that when you’re done, your posts line up evenly.
Then, use a plumb bob (a weight on the end of a string) to check that your posts are perfectly straight and vertical before you begin digging. If they aren’t, adjust them one at a time until everything is aligned correctly.
Once all of your lumber and foundation materials have been measured out and cut to size, you’re ready to start laying them out.
Use a chalk line and stakes or garden spray paint so that you don’t have to keep measuring and re-measuring each part as you go along. Place your first beam/post with the flat side down so it’s level, then use another piece of wood with the same measurement as all of your beams to check that the height is even.
Attaching each beam together with galvanized screws isn’t necessary but it will help hold everything in place if someone accidentally leans on one of them, so make sure you have plenty on hand before starting this step!
Once they’re all attached securely by screwing through the side or end, fill each hole with concrete and let it dry.
Once all of your foundation beams are in place, you’re ready to start working on the deck!
Start by laying down two lines of cedar boards along either side so that they meet at a 90 degree angle; this will help keep everything even as you work around them without any gaps or mistakes.
Then lay down one cedar board in the center of each side, making sure that it is completely level with the others and attach them together using galvanized screws before filling all of the holes with concrete to add more stability.
The last step is adding a final layer on top; this can be pressure-treated wood or cedar, depending on your preference.
Once you’re finished building the deck, it’s time to add some finishing touches!
The first thing that people usually want is an outdoor grill or barbeque area where they can sit and relax with family and friends while enjoying a nice summer meal; we recommend placing it somewhere along one of the sides and engaging a professional if you need help installing it.
Final Notes:
We hope that today’s blog post served as an informative guide for anyone who is looking to build their own deck! When it comes to building one for yourself, it’s important to take your time and make sure that you’re using the right materials so that everything comes out just as planned.