If you are planning on expanding your home by building a deck, it must be difficult to contain your excitement.
That’s understandable, since you are about to make your home more spacious and greener in one of the most fun and creative ways possible.
But first, don’t forget the importance of careful planning and preparation.
To build a great deck, let these tips guide you.
Decide on the location
Choose a strategic location for the deck.
Do you want it to be added as another story, as a separate structure, or attached to your home’s back door?
Once you have a decision, it will be easier to develop a feasible design.
For that, you can use a design software or collaborate with an architect.
Choose high quality materials
Needless to say, you will need lots of wood.
To make sure that the deck will have good sturdiness and longevity, choose wood that’s insect- and weather-resistant.
Whether it is treated with chemicals or natural, it will have a higher cost, but you will save money and time since they require less maintenance.
Pressure treated redwood and cedar are great options if you are interested in a traditional look, but jarraj, ipe and other hardwoods are more ideal if you are looking to create a luxurious ambiance.
Synthetic materials are also all the rage now.
Vinyl, for instance, is preferred by homeowners despite its cost because it is practically maintenance-free.
Take care of the paperwork early
Research the local building codes and obtain the necessary permits before the start of the project.
This way, you can be sure that your deck’s aesthetics and boundaries are in accordance with regulations and that its construction will comply with safety regulations.
Say no to low quality fasteners
Whether the decking is pressure-treated or not, its durability will suffer if you use cheap fasteners.
So never buy low quality screws.
Choose fasteners that are coated or made of stainless steel. They can resist corrosion and improve your deck’s longevity.
How much space do you need?
If you want to create more room, consider constructing more levels, instead of just expanding the platform.
This is the best way to maximize the available space, and it will make the area feel cozy and more conducive to relaxation.
Add railings
You can choose from wood, metal, vinyl and many other materials.
Surrounding the deck with railings is a sure-fire way to add visual interest and make the area safer, especially if it is built high above the ground.
In fact, railings are required if your deck is above a certain height, according to building codes.
Create shade
Adding shade such as a pitched roofpergola can turn your deck into an outdoor room where you can relax even when the weather is too harsh.
You can also put more appliances and furniture in the deck once shade has been added.
Feel free to experiment with colors
If you are particular with the color scheme of your home’s exterior and would like the entire space to have a cohesive ambiance, don’t hesitate to play with color.
You have plenty of color options other than brown.
With the plethora of wood stain colors you can choose from, it is not difficult to find one that complements the existing plants and decorations of your home’s exterior.
To create a practical and beautiful deck, let these clever ideas guide you. And while you are in the process of expanding your home and welcoming the great outdoors, feel free to try these eco-friendlyproducts for a greener home.
