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Home > How To Library > Deck, Porch & Patio > Deck > Planning & Building an Outdoor Deck
Planning & Building an Outdoor Deck
Before building a new deck, consider is size, placement, and how it will affect your house—and your neighbors—before you begin.
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The addition of decorative items, like the pergolas seen here, can turn an otherwise ordinary deck into an architectural element. |
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Building a wood outdoor deck is one of the all-time favorite home do-it-yourself projects, and for good reason. Decks are relatively uncomplicated structures. You don't have to install electrical wiring, lighting or plumbing. There are no windows or doors to hang, and there's no finish work to speak of—no painting, no fixtures and no moldings.
That's not to say decks can't be complex structures, or that they don't require careful planning. Just as with any other construction project, what you end up with is a direct result of what you put into it even before you cut a board or drive the first nail.
Size Considerations
There is one basic rule when it comes to decks: the bigger it is, the more it will cost. That's okay if you get what you pay for. But poor planning, or lack of it, can quickly escalate costs.
To keep the bottom line from blowing your budget, it pays to do the math and sweat the details. Try to plan your deck dimensions so you use standard board lengths, which will help to reduce your number of cutoffs and waste. For example, don't build a 10-ft. 6-in. wide deck when 10-ft. will do: otherwise you'll throw away 1.5-ft. of every 12-ft. board you buy.
Also, hardware such as framing anchors, hanger straps and lag bolts add expense, so use only what you need. An inexpensive 2x4 ledger board can often save the cost of dozens of $2 metal hangers.
Planning and Placement
Planning doesn't only mean calculating costs. Where and how you site a wooden deck often determines how much enjoyment you get out of it.
You may initially think the best place for your deck is right outside the kitchen or dining room, but if it's in perpetual shade, you probably won't spend much time there on cool days. On the other hand, a full-sun spot can be just as uncomfortable in hot weather.
The best decks are sited where they take advantage of all outdoor conditions, instead of succumbing to them. Choose a location that gets sun and shade at different times during the day. This will allow you spend time outdoors in the conditions you prefer.
Decks that wrap around a house corner usually provide similar options with cool air movement even in hot weather as well as a sheltering wall no matter which way the wind blows.
Marrying House and Deck
Adding a deck immediately alters any home's exterior design. The most successful plans take this into consideration and strive to complement a home's style, size, exterior materials and even era of construction.
Outdoor decks are relatively modern architectural embellishments, but they don't have to look modern. If you live in a grand old Victorian, a deck rail with turned balusters and ornamented columns will fit right in with the home's period style. Similarly, if your home has a painted exterior, consider finishing your new deck with a bleaching stain to make it blend in rather than stand out.
Be a Good Neighbor
You may like your new deck, but if your outdoor parties are disturbing the peace, the deck could be viewed as a neighborhood liability.
Give some thought to privacy when you design your deck, especially if it incorporates a swimming pool or spa tub. A fence, a privacy hedge or overshadowing trees may enhance both your and your neighbors' views, and provide cooling shade or a welcome wind-screen in the bargain.
Existing Landscape Considerations
Don't rule out building a deck where you want it because a tree, rock, slope or any other obstacle stands in the way. Decks are often most attractive when they make use of difficult terrain features.
A multi-level deck can easily "step" its way up or down even the steepest hillside. Creative framing allows you to build into or around large rocks that would otherwise be impossible to move. Trees are easily incorporated into a framing plan, even in the middle of a deck—just be sure the tree is healthy, has sufficient growing room within the deck opening and your plan includes a railing or built-in bench seating around the opening to prevent accidents.
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Text by beconstructive.com
© 2001 Be Constructive
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