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Decking DIY: The Best Guide To Planning The Perfect Deck

A decking DIY project is a challenging task to undertake, but possible if you have some building experience and tools. If you’re looking for a DIY deck building, this is your perfect guide.

We’ll walk you through all the basics of planning your decking project in this post. We’ll cover everything from the structure of your deck to the pattern of your boards so that you can be sure your finished product looks great.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced carpenter, there’s something here for everyone.

Let’s dive in!

Two white rocking chairs on a deck with white railings

Decking DIY Expectations

When planning your deck, it is essential to consider the following:

Purpose of deck

What will you use your deck for? If you plan on using it for dining or sunbathing, make sure to choose a spot that gets plenty of sunlight. If you plan on using it as a deck for your home, make sure it is attached to the house.

Size

Your deck’s size depends on your deck’s purpose and how much space you have available. Be sure to leave enough room around the deck for people to walk comfortably.

Structure

Decks can be built on flat or sloped ground. If you’re planning to build your deck on a slope, you need a frame to level the deck, so keep that in mind.

Materials

There are many types of decking materials available, including wood, composite, and plastic. Be sure to choose a weather-resistant material that won’t rot or decay over time.

Design

The design of your deck is up to you. You can choose a simple design with straight boards or get creative with curves and patterns.
A decking DIY project with composite material

Considerations Before Your Decking DIY Project

When planning your deck, there are a few things you need to take into account. The first is the location of your deck:

  • Your deck should be laid on flat, level ground.
  • If your deck is raised more than a few inches off the ground, you'll need permits and extra work on framing.
The second thing to consider is the deck’s structure. There are three main ways to build a deck:
  • On posts and beams.
  • On a deck frame.
  • On joists.
The third thing to consider is the design of your deck. You’ll need to decide on the shape of your deck, as well as the pattern of your boards. The most common patterns are:
  • Decking laid in a herringbone pattern.
  • Decking laid in a chevron pattern.
  • Decking laid in a straight line.

Once you’ve decided on all these things, it’s time to get started on your project! In the next section, we’ll walk you through the basics of deck construction.

Materials for building your deck

There are a few materials you’ll need for building your deck:
  • Decking boards
  • Decking screws
  • Decking nails
  • Decking clips
  • Saw
  • Hammer
  • Drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Tape measure
  • Spirit level

Types Of Decks

The first thing you need to do is decide on the type of decking you want to use. The most common types of decking are:
  • Wooden decking
  • Composite decking
  • Plastic decking
Once you’ve decided on the type of decking, you need to choose the color and finish. The most common colors are:
  • Light wood decking
  • Dark wood decking
  • Composite decking in a range of colors
Complex decking near lake and house

Planning Your Decking DIY Design

When planning your deck design, the first thing you need to decide is the shape of your deck. The most common shapes are:
  • A square deck
  • A rectangular deck
  • An L-shaped deck
  • A U-shaped deck

The final thing to decide is the size of your deck. Decks come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s no one perfect size. However, it’s essential to make sure that your deck is big enough to accommodate all the activities you want to do on it.

Once you’ve decided on all these things, it’s time to get started on your project! In the next section, we’ll walk you through the basics of deck construction.

Laying Decking Boards

Now that you’ve planned your deck, it’s time to start laying the boards. The first thing you need to do is pick up your decking kit and check that you have everything you need. Then, follow these steps:

  • Using a spirit level, make sure that the ground is flat and level where your deck will be laid.
  • Cut your decking boards to length using a saw.
  • Using decking screws, attach the decking boards to the joists or deck frame, making sure that they are spaced evenly.
  • Once all the decking boards are attached, sand them down until they are smooth and level.

The final step is to seal your deck with a good quality decking sealant. A sealer protects your deck from the weather and keeps it looking great for years to come.

Now that you know how to lay decking boards, why not give it a try? We guarantee you’ll be surprised at just how easy it is!

We’ll walk you through some tips and tricks for decking DIY in the next section.

A decking DIY project with wood boards and composite

Tips And Tricks For A Decking DIY

  • If you're new to carpentry, it's a good idea to start with a simple deck at ground level.
  • Always use a spirit level when leveling the ground and attaching the decking board.
  • Make sure that all your decking screws are evenly spaced for a neater finish.
  • Decking boards should be sanded down until they are smooth and level.
  • Decking should be sealed with a good quality decking sealant for protection from the weather.

Deck Maintenance

Once your deck is complete, it’s important to keep it in good condition by performing regular maintenance. This includes:
  • Cleaning the deck with a decking cleaner.
  • Sealing the deck with a decking sealant.
  • Checking for damage and repairing as necessary.

Cost Estimate Of A Decking Project

The decking cost varies depending on the type of decking material you choose, the size of your deck, and the level of labor required. However, in general, a deck project costs between $10 and $25 per square foot.

Our prices at DeckBros range from a basic 12×12 deck at $12.5k to a high-end deck equipped with everything you can imagine at $41k.

The Benefits Of Having A Deck

A deck can be a great addition to your home, providing a space for relaxing, dining, and enjoying the outdoors. A deck can also be a great place for kids and pets to play, making your backyard more fun and functional.

When planning your deck, it’s important to consider both its aesthetic and functional purposes.

There are many benefits to having a deck. Some of these benefits include:

  • Increased living space.
  • A place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
  • A place to entertain guests.
  • A place to sunbathe.
  • A place to store outdoor furniture.
  • A place to store a grill.
A round table with four chairs on a deck

What To Consider For Your Decking DIY Project?

Besides a lot of YouTube videos and Google searches to make sure you’re doing the right thing, consider several other downsides.

First, it can be challenging to get a neater finish if you don’t have carpeting experience.

Second, decking boards can be tricky to work with, and if they’re not installed correctly. Warping and sagging over time is a clear sign that the installation was done poorly.

Finally, decking requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. This includes cleaning, sealing, and checking for damage.

Why Hire A Professional?

If you’re not confident in your carpentry skills, or if your deck is particularly large or complex, it’s a good idea to hire a contractor to help with the build. A contractor helps with everything from planning the deck to building it, ensuring that the job is done quickly and efficiently.

He knows all the building codes, how to place deck boards to last, and make sure each deck step is durable. You can rest assured that your rim joist will not degrade, and your deck will have a solid foundation.

Everything from post holes to railings, all the tools, they have it. Be sure to check the pre-approved plans for decking in Omaha to get an easy and fast process.

The cost of hiring a contractor depends on the size, complexity, and labor required. Generally, expect to pay between $25 and $50 per square foot for professional deck installation.

Conclusion

Sure, a decking DIY project could be fun and exciting, but not always.

Your outdoor space needs to be structurally sound and safe for you and your loved ones. If you have the experience, tools, and knowledge to build your own deck, we’re here to help you with advice.

On the other hand, if you think DIY is more than you can handle, you can always contact your local experts at DeckBros. You’ll get a dedicated team that’s 100% invested in your project. Besides, you can get valuable insights about your decking project and receive an outdoor space tailored to your interests.

Get in touch with us if you want a professional install for your deck!

Two chairs on a deck with a patch of grass and a privacy fence