The Things To Know Before Designing and Building A Deck

Building a deck is no easy task, but if done right, it can greatly impact your home’s resale value in a positive way. With that in mind, you should give due attention to the design process to ensure the best deck possible for your home.

In this post, the home remodelers of Home Wizards discuss the things you should know before designing a deck and having it built for your home.

Materials

There are many materials you can use to build your deck with. However, that might make it difficult for you to choose which material you want to go with. Manufactured boards are often recommended if you want easy maintenance. However, if you want aesthetic appeal, then wood is the best option to go with. 

Pressure-treated wood is easy to work with and can take stains and waterproofing but may corrode the unprotected metal fasteners and connectors and requires frequent cleaning, resealing, and restaining. Composite materials, on the other hand, can last long if properly cared for. They also don’t splinter, crack, or rot. There are many more decking materials available on the market so make sure to research your options carefully to help you choose the proper one.

What Will You Do With The Deck

The size, shape, and features of your deck should depend on what you intend to do with it. If you plan to turn it into a party area, make sure to leave room for a prep station, a dining area, a serving area, and a grill. Choose handrails with wide, flat caps as well so guests can rest their drinks. On the other hand, if you plan to use it as a relaxation zone, you can keep it small and simple for you to place your lounge chairs and low tables in.

Care and Maintenance

If you want your deck to last for as long as possible, brush up on the appropriate steps to maintain and care for it. How often you’ll have to reseal or restain your deck depends on the material and finish you went with, so make sure to choose the right one if you want an easy time. In terms of cleaning, on the other hand, you’ll have to scrub it at least once a year with a power washer on  a low-pressure setting, a brush, and the appropriate cleaner. You should also sweep leaves and debris away to prevent any other issues.

Design

Depending on how your outdoor space looks, the design of your deck may be altered as well. For instance, if your yard has trees, you can actually work around this so long as the tree is healthy. Leave at least 3 inches around the trunk to accommodate growth and make sure that the base of the tree can get water and air. If you live in a dense neighborhood, on the other hand, you can have a vertical privacy screen installed to create a barrier between your deck and the house next door.

Make your search for reliable deck builders easier by turning to Home Wizards. Give us a call at (770) 999-0010 or fill out our contact form to request a consultation.