This entry was posted on 8/24/2007 12:32 PM and is filed under decks, Flooring.
Decks are an awesome addition to your home. You can use them for all sorts of purposes.
Decks are great as areas of rest and relaxation with deck chairs and table – even a nice bar area for small fridge, snacks and beverages. They are also great for barbequing, for friends to gather, for hosting hot tubs, and as railed areas for keeping children together for play time and more.
In order to plan and build your own deck, here are some points to consider:
1) Focus on what you plan to do with your deck. For example, if it will hold many items like heavy storage (lawn equipment in a shed on one corner) and barbeque equipment plus handle lots of guests for entertaining multiple events throughout the years, then you need a deck that can handle more weight than an average one for a single person or small family. So plan well in advance to avoid problems later on.
2) Think location, location, location. As your home ages, so will your trees. You won’t want roots interfering with your deck. Plus think about the sun bearing down on your guests outside on your new deck versus the possibility of shade. Plus if you plan on adding onto your home with another room or extra garage space, you need to take those plans into consideration with your new deck.
3) Draw up or purchase an actual blueprint for your deck. You need to have plans to follow. You need to determine if there are enough deck supports, and deciding about the types of posts and footings you’d like and how many you’ll need and where. The larger the deck, the more you’ll need.
4) Now how about your deck, your house and how you plan to fit the two together. Will it be safe if it’s just freestanding? Or will you plan to cut into your siding and join the two together? Check in advance and get professional help, if necessary. You need to make sure your house is sturdy enough to hold up a deck on that side or back.
These are only some of the basic issues to focus on when planning and building decks. Make time to research your project plans to choose the right flooring and other needed materials. And get advice and help as needed. You may need a permit to add on to your home, too, so check that out in advance.
