
Building yourself a deck is a rewarding way to spend your time. So, check out these four tips to make the most out of your decking projects and ensure that you build a top-notch structure that you can enjoy for years to come.
Select Quality Materials
Before starting your deck project, the first thing you should consider is the materials you’ll be using to get the job done. Most decks, especially those erected by the hands of DIYers, are wood—and for good reason. After all, wood is generally sturdy, beautiful, and cost-effective.
However, certain types of wood are of better quality than others, so you must do a little research on the materials that will help you build a top-tier deck with a long, healthy lifespan. Additionally, you’ll also want to consider any other types of materials you plan to incorporate into your design, such as roofing, slate, or shingles.
Use the Proper Tools
Next on the list of the four tips to make the most out of your decking project is ensuring that you’re using the proper tools. There’s a lot that goes into building your deck, so when you go to examine your toolbox, you’ll want to make sure you have the following things.
- Circular saw (for cutting wood)
- Chalk line (to make precise cuts)
- Tape measure (for exact measurements)
- Nail gun or power drill (to secure the structure)
These tools will all assist you in the efficient and precise assembly of your deck. And if you’re looking to integrate something like a roof on your structure, it’s also wise to have a tool like a hammer tacker stapler for the quick application of roofing.
Account for Airflow Underneath
Once you figure out your materials and tools, you’ll want to take a moment to consider some of the less obvious aspects of your design. Namely, it’s wise to build a structure that has excellent airflow underneath. Not only will this guarantee that there’s always fresh air blowing through your deck area, but it will also ensure your deck’s longevity and durability. Solid airflow underneath your deck means that there’s no chance of stagnant air or moisture festering and causing wood rot, mold, or structural compromises that would negatively impact the strength and functionality of your deck.
Design With Your Lifestyle in Mind
Of course, a big part of crafting an excellent deck is designing your structure with your current lifestyle in mind. To illustrate, if you have an enormous backyard complete with a pool and an extensive garden, building a sizeable cabana-style deck with space for an outdoor kitchen might be the best choice for you. However, if you happen to be working with minimal space, you might want to go for something a little more modest.
Perhaps you need something that’s just the right size to house your patio furniture and a few of your favorite potted plants. Either way, you’ll want your decking project to fit nicely into your current living situation. Doing this will ensure that you can enjoy the structure as a positive addition to your home, rather than something difficult to manage.
Decks are a fantastic investment. So, when it comes time to start building yours, we hope you refer to some of the points in this guide to help you move through the process correctly.