There are few things as enjoyable as spending a warm summer day relaxing on your deck. If you’re like most homeowners, you may have thought about building decks or having someone add a deck to your home but weren’t sure where to start.
It’s important to plan each step of the process so that the finished product is what you envisioned. However, no matter how much you plan and read about building a deck, starting this project on your own will quickly turn into a stressful and time-consuming ambition.
Should you build your own deck? In this blog post, we’ll talk about what it takes to build a deck from start to finish. You’ll decide for yourself if you have the skill to do it, and if you don’t, we’ll provide precious insights on choosing the perfect contractor to take care of it for you.
Keep reading and discover what you can tackle on your deck project, and what to leave to the experts!
Decks Are A Major Investment
Decks are a great way to improve your quality of life by providing a space to relax and enjoy the outdoors. They add value to your home if you ever decide to sell, so it’s important to hire professionals who will work with you to maximize that value.
So, considering the stakes are so high financially speaking, should you build your own deck? Hiring a contractor ensures that your deck will be structurally sound and created exactly as you imagined. It also brings the added benefit of assisting consumers by making sure legal regulations are followed regarding building codes and permits.
Building A Deck Is Complex And Involves Many Different Trades
- An excavator or bobcat for excavation and hauling away of excess dirt
- A steel framer with knowledge of load bearing capabilities as decks can be very heavy
- A carpenter who knows how to build the frame and create structure for stairs, railings and other additions
- An electrician for lighting and electrical needs or gas line hook up if you want a fireplace or grill
There Are Many Aspects To Consider When Building A Deck
- The size of your deck
- What type of deck you want (wood, composite, vinyl)
- The materials you will need
- How you will use your deck (for relaxing, dining, entertaining)
- Any special features you want (stairs, railings, a pergola)
- What type of soil you have and how you will prepare it for the foundation
- Whether you will need a permit and what regulations must be followed
Size
When planning your deck, it’s important to think about the size. Decks come in all shapes and sizes and you want to make sure you have enough space to enjoy it. You don’t want to end up with a deck that’s too small or too big.
Too small and you won’t be able to do anything but sit on it. Too big and you’ll find yourself spending more time maintaining it than enjoying it.
When deciding on the size, also think about what you will use the deck for. If you plan to use it for dining or entertaining, you’ll need more space than if you just want to relax on it.
Materials
The most popular type of material for a deck is wood. Wood decks come in a variety of colors and finishes, so you can find the perfect one to match your home. They also last for many years with proper care.
If you’re looking for something that doesn’t require as much maintenance, composite decks are a good option. Composite decks are made from a mix of wood and plastic and come in a variety of colors and finishes. They don’t require painting or staining like wood decks do, but they can scratch and fade over time.
Vinyl decks are another option and are made from PVC plastic. They are immune to rot, insects, and weathering, so they require very little maintenance. However, they can be slippery when wet and have a tendency to fade over time.
Design
A contractor will be able to help you design the perfect deck for your needs. They have the experience and knowledge to know what type of deck will work best for your home and how to make the most use of the space.
They can also recommend materials and features that will add functionality and beauty to your deck.
Working with a contractor ensures that your deck will be not only beautiful but also functional and safe. They will help you make the most of your space and choose the right materials for your needs.
Having a professional design and building your deck is the best way to ensure that you’ll love it for years to come.
Decks Need To Be Safe
A contractor has the knowledge to make a deck safe and secure.
They know the load-bearing capacities of different materials and how to create a frame that will be able to support the weight of people and furniture. They also know how to install railings and other features that will keep people safe while they’re on the deck.
Working with a contractor ensures that your deck will be beautiful and safe and functional.
A DIY deck project can result in the structure swinging, uneven stairs, an unstable frame, or it might simply lack the professional touch.
DIY Decks Often Look Poorly Made
They can also recommend materials and features that will add functionality and beauty to your deck.
Here at DeckBros, we provide valuable insights on how to maintain a deck to last for years to come. You’ll learn what finish will work best with your deck material, what is the best sealer on the market for your particular situation, and what paint will match the overall decor.
A Poorly Constructed Deck Will Devalue Your Property
A poorly-constructed deck can devalue your property in a number of ways.
It can make the property less attractive to potential buyers. It can also lead to safety concerns and expensive repairs. And, if the deck is not properly constructed, it may not be up to code and could lead to legal problems for the homeowner.
Working with a professional contractor is the best way to ensure that your deck is beautiful and safe and functional.
Decks Should Be Built With Quality Materials
The best way to ensure that you’ll love your new deck for years to come is to choose quality materials and work with a contractor who specializes in decks.
In remodeling related sites or in a professional deck builder magazine, you’ll discover that having a steel moment frame installed by a specialized company will make your deck secure and resistant.
Steel frames will appear in any hurricane resilient building guide, and it’s part of the best practices if you live in an area where bad weather made a name for itself.
Working with a professional ensures that your deck will be made with top-notch materials and equipment, and you’ll benefit from their advice every step of the way.
You'll Need Heavy Materials And Tools
Working with heavy materials and tools can be dangerous if you are not experienced.
If you are not familiar with how to use these tools correctly, you could easily injure yourself or someone else. Even with adequate safety precautions and the appropriate safety gear, you might end up damaging the structure, ruining materials, or even hurting yourself.
If you are not comfortable using these tools, it is best to leave the job to a professional builder.
It's A Time-Consuming Project
Your time is important. You don’t want to spend it working on a project that maybe will not turn out as good as you wanted to.
That’s why it’s important to work with a contractor who has the experience and knowledge to design and build your deck to match your lifestyle.
A specialized contractor will get the job done quicker and more efficiently.
What About The Costs Of Building A DIY Deck
You might be tempted to sign up for this endeavor because doing a DIY project is most of the time cheaper than hiring a professional. However, your time is infinitely more valuable than the investment. You need to check the real costs of building a deck the DIY route versus having a contractor do it for you. You’ll be surprised to see this is an investment worth your time and money.
The DIY way involves stressing over materials, hardware, and permits. You’ll need to know what are the new code requirements for decks and how to build your deck to avoid any fines.
It involves working on your deck extra hours to ensure you’re on track with your project. But more importantly, you’re taking a risk doing it because you don’t know how the end product will look.
At DeckBros, we have the expertise and experience to create the perfect outdoor space for you and your loved ones. A safe and secure piece of heaven where you relax and leave all your worries behind.
Conclusion
Although a deck project may seem like a daunting task, it can be a fun and rewarding experience if you have the right tools and knowledge. Should you build your own deck? If you have serious carpentry experience, it can be a fulfilling endeavor. However, if you lack this expertise, hiring a contractor is definitely a better call.
Specialized contractors have access to better equipment and can guide you through the process. The right preparation and execution will ensure your finished product is one that you can enjoy for years to come.
If you are looking for some help in getting your deck project off the ground, get a professional deck builder to assist you in your adventure. Get in touch with us and let experts build you a deck nothing short of impressive!
