| Decks are one of the most beautiful additions to any | | | | your deck to stand. Is it strong enough? |
| home. They add beauty, value, and a serene home | | | | The fifth thing you must consider are the deck |
| getaway that is unbeatable. Imagine yourself | | | | supports as a whole. You need to decide exactly |
| sunbathing on your deck with the rays of summer | | | | how many footings and posts you will need, and |
| sunshine dancing on your lawn chair. Imagine having a | | | | where you intend to place them. If you plan a very |
| get together with friends, the barbecue grill smoking | | | | large deck, you should plan for a large number of |
| away spreading its luscious smells to all of your | | | | footings and posts. With a smaller deck, you might |
| guests and admiring neighbors. Imagine an evening of | | | | not need quite as many. |
| star gazing with your kids on the solid surface of | | | | An additional thing to note is the decking material you |
| your deck. Before you imagine too much, though, | | | | plan to use. Do you want a wood deck or one made |
| think about the disastrous consequences of a poorly | | | | of composite materials? If wood, you should choose |
| built outdoor structure. The media is full of stories | | | | your variety. Redwood, cedar, and pressure treated |
| about decks crashing in on homeowners leaving | | | | pine are all popular because they resist rot and decay. |
| permanent disability in its wake. If you are ready to | | | | If you choose another wood decking material, you |
| build the right outside deck for your structure, there | | | | will, on a constant basis, need to provide protectant |
| are ten things you should consider first. | | | | and sealant material. Composite decking materials are |
| The first thing to think about is the purpose of your | | | | a good choice because they have been chemically |
| deck. Will it be used for entertaining guests on a | | | | engineered to avoid all of the problems of traditional |
| regular basis? If so, have you considered how many | | | | wood. |
| guests you want the deck to hold? That should be | | | | The seventh thing to think about is the permits that |
| one of your primary considerations. More guests will | | | | will be required to build your deck in your area. |
| equal more weight. It will also mean you might need | | | | Different areas have different zoning laws and |
| extra space for lawn furniture, grills, and people. You | | | | requirements. Where some areas will require a building |
| also might want the deck to be a play area for you | | | | permit, others will require only a periodic site |
| small children. If so, that means a whole host of | | | | inspection. Some require both. It is best to check |
| other issues throughout the planning process. | | | | with your city government to decide what action |
| Whatever your deck's intended purpose, it is best to | | | | you need to take to file for a permit. |
| think it all the way through before starting on the | | | | The eighth thing to consider is the tools required for |
| process. | | | | the project. Do you have everything you need on |
| The next thing you should consider is your deck's | | | | hand? How much additional expense will this add to |
| location. If you have landscaping issues where you | | | | the project? At the very least, you will need three |
| think you will be placing your deck, which is one more | | | | different saws. If you do not have this kind of |
| thing you are going to have to deal with in the | | | | experience, you should consider the next point very |
| building process. You may also need to consider tree | | | | carefully. |
| removal, as well as entrances and exits to your | | | | The ninth thing to think about is whether or not you |
| home. Remember, you have to have a way to | | | | will need professional help with this project. Decking is |
| actually access your deck, and if you want it in a | | | | a big project to undertake if you are a weekend |
| place where you do not have an exit, you may need | | | | handyman. Moreover, if you have very little |
| to add one to get the deck in your desired location. | | | | construction experience, decking is not a good first |
| The third thing you need to consider is your deck | | | | learning project. Poorly built decks are very |
| plan. This will serve as a guide to the entire project. | | | | dangerous, and if you cannot handle the project, |
| It does not require a professional hand; it just | | | | leave it to a professional. |
| requires someone who can be thorough enough to | | | | The final thing to consider is the extras you might |
| cover all of the aspects involved. | | | | want to build into your deck. You could add flower |
| Another thing you must consider is how your deck | | | | boxes on each corner. You might want a decorative |
| will attach to your home. There are many different | | | | hand rail. You might even want built in seating for |
| ways this can be done. It can be freestanding, but | | | | your guests. Whatever extras you add, they will |
| that is not always practical or safe. If it is to attach | | | | personalize your deck. |
| to the house, you have to decide how you will cut | | | | A deck can be a great place for a number of |
| away the siding at the joining point. You must also | | | | activities, but it is a huge undertaking. |
| check on the framing of your home where you wish | | | | |