What to Know Before Designing and Building a Deck

Building a deck is no easy task. Not only is it a significant investment, but, if done right, it can greatly impact your home’s resale value. With that in mind, you should think through your design process as carefully as possible. That way, you can build the best deck for your home.

In this post, deck builders from 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.  This can make it difficult for you to choose which material is best for your home. You can go with manufactured boards if you want easy maintenance. However, if your goal is to improve your outdoor space’s appeal, then choose wood.

Pressure-treated wood is affordable and easy to work with, but it requires frequent cleaning, resealing and restaining. Another option is composite materials, although more expensive than wood, lasts a long time if well-maintained, and won’t splinter, crack or rot. There are more decking materials available on the market so carefully research your options to help you choose the right one.

What Will You Do With The Deck

The size, shape and features of your deck should depend on how you intend to use it. If you plan to turn it into an entertaining 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 where guests can rest their drinks. On the other hand, if you plan to use it as a relaxation zone, you can have your deck builders keep it small and simple for you to place your lounge chairs and low tables.

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 low maintenance.

In terms of cleaning, you’ll have to clean it at least once a year with a power washer on a low-pressure setting. Frequently, sweep away leaves and debris as well to prevent any other issues.

Design

You can alter the design of your deck depending on how your outdoor space looks. For instance, if your yard has trees, you can work around this as 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 deck builders easier by turning to Home Wizards. We are the area’s leading deck company for providing a custom design look for your home. Give us a call at (770) 999-0010 or fill out our contact form to request a consultation.