Building a deck is not a laughing matter for us. We take this job very seriously for we know every house needs a good and strong deck. As a construction company, we do a lot of sawing and hammering to meet customer satisfaction.
However, we intend to do good planning and preparation for any home renovation. Local contractors like us follow a step-by-step procedure to assure fast, easy, and efficient results. Quality construction requires a lot of time that is why we truly take time to talk to our customers to meet their expectations.
Planning
New home construction requires a plan that includes a material list. From here, we can identify the calculations and cost of building a deck. We also set straight our deadlines to our customers. We also talk about the cost of your chosen deck building plans that fit your budget. The most important details are knowing your deck’s size, material, and cost, then laying out the deck in your yard.
Setting a Budget
There are a lot of free deck plans on the internet that you can see. A Do-It-Yourself deck project can cost $50 to $55 per square foot, but it still depends on how fancy the materials you choose. You can get an idea about the cost here, or we can help you with whatever questions you have. You can also add built-in benches and planters that can cost $35 to $65 per linear foot.
Knowing the Codes
You need to keep your deck safe. To do that, you can check the local building codes. Most indicate that a deck with a walking surface that has 30 inches or more grade needs railing of at least 36 inches high, with a maximum of 4 inches balusters spaced apart. You also need to know the depth of your beams and floor joists. Again, span tables like these can be found in the code book, but if you need help, give us a call!
Know the Decking Materials and Deck Construction
You need to decide if you are doing a wood deck or a composite deck. Most decks are built with pressure-treated wood, and the decking is typically composite, cedar or fir. It ensures that the deck will withstand elements. If you want a low-maintenance outdoor space, then composite decking will be best for you. It often has a variety of wood looks that will surely compliment your home. You may also consider building a basic deck, low to the ground as it doesn’t require railings, stairs, or posts.
Gather your Tools
You need to have a framing hammer, circular saw, tool belt, framing square. Cordless drill, string lines, chalk lines, saw horses, extension cords, safety tools like gloves, dust masks, etc. You need to make sure you have all the things you need before proceeding with the procedures.
For DIY Deck
If you are a homeowner planning to build your deck, you need few steps to ensure that what you are building is safe and sturdy. We are one of the top construction companies that have been doing home renovations from building decks, stairs, and balconies on a variety of homes. To offer some help, here are the steps you can do:
1. Assure deck safety. Fixing up an old deck is less expensive but if you stop rotted deck footings or any structural damage, then we suggest you compromise with a new deck. You can start by designing a new deck that prioritizes safety.
2. Plan your deck layout. Budget is always a concern so if you have a tight budget, you may just settle for a smaller deck. You also need to identify the size of your deck to make up your yard or home. If you have a sloped yard, you may need grading or installment of posts; this is time-consuming. For the raised deck, you need proper structural support and railings beneath, which can double the price of the deck.
3. Building the deck. On-grade decks are the easiest to do. If you are a beginner, you may consider this as it doesn’t require railings, stairs, or posts. It only focuses on the ledger, piers, beams, and joists. You will also need to buy all the tools and materials you need to build your deck. We suggest that you buy more in lumbers and screws. You also need to make sure that your materials are well functioning, this includes a circular saw, jigsaw, nail gun, router, miter saw, tape measure, drill, impact driver, speed square, framing square, and sander, as longs as the hand tools like hammer, shovel, and pray bar.
4. Install ledger board. It is important to install the ledger board as it attaches the deck to your home. It is the most important connection for a deck. You need to install flashing to prevent water damage. You should use an impact wrench to drive half-inch lag screws through the ledge into the rim joist.
5. Start digging footings, installing piers or posts. To do this, you may use a mason’s strings to see the footings along with the decks outside the corners. You need to follow the layout plan you have. Just remember to have eight-foot spaced intervals along the front rim joist. You need to dig a footing hole below the frost line to hold the footing hole.
6. Install your rim joist, interior joists, and beams. Once you are done with the footing hardware setup, you may begin to frame the deck by attaching the rim joints, beams, and interior joists. You need to follow your building codes for proper spacing between the joists. You would need a bracket, ties, and hanging nails for joists to attach the wood pieces.
7. Install decking. When installing, this depends on the type of deck material you choose. Marine sealant and deck screws are needed to install the deck. If you have composite materials, you need to check with the deck manufacturer for the best-installing practice. Once the deck floor has been installed, you may attach the railing and stairs.
8. Maintain your deck. Natural wood decks will need more regular maintenance. You may consider decks constructed of plastic or composite materials. The wood decks need to be scrubbed and sanded, even stained and pained regularly. For plastic decks, you need to wash them and repair them when there is warping or twisting in boards.
u have all the things you need before proceeding with the procedures.