If you’re dreaming of having your very own custom deck built in your backyard, here are a few tips to help make the process smoother.

Choose the Right Contractor

Choosing a professional that meets both your quality standards and budget demands is critical to making your dream custom deck come true.

Get the Right Materials

Whether your dream deck is designed for grilling and relaxing with friends or is a small retreat to soak up the sun, you’ll need the right materials to build it. You’ll also want to think about what other features you’d like to include.

Adding planter boxes, benches, timber frame structures and other custom deck designs can help to define your space. Lighting, a fire pit or patio heater and carefully chosen accessories can take your custom deck design to the next level.

The most important step when it comes to your deck’s construction is getting the foundation right. You’ll want to choose a system that is durable and will last for years to come. Screw piles are an excellent choice. They are a safe, environmentally friendly, long-lasting and cost-effective option. In addition, they are also an ideal solution for retaining water and preventing erosion.

Once you’ve got the best possible foundation, the next step is selecting the right deck material. The type of material you choose will have a big impact on how your deck looks, feels and performs. For example, natural woods such as cedar are attractive and can be stained to match your home’s decor. Cedar is also a durable and weather resistant material that can withstand the elements. However, it does require annual cleaning and staining to maintain its beautiful appearance.

For those who prefer low maintenance options, composite and PVC materials are a great choice. These deck boards are mold and mildew resistant, do not splinter and can withstand the harsh conditions found in many parts of the country. They are also easy to clean, which makes them a great choice for people who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Once you’ve decided on the materials, you’ll need to find a contractor to construct your custom deck. This process can be time-consuming, so it’s best to start looking for licensed contractors several months ahead of your desired completion date. Choosing the right contractor will help ensure your new deck is built correctly and to your specifications. By taking the time to ask for recommendations, evaluating past work and comparing quotes, you can ensure your dream deck becomes a reality.

Plan Ahead

When you are planning to build your dream deck, a lot of consideration goes into the design and materials that will be used. If you have a professional contractor come out and do the construction, you can rest assured that your new custom deck will be built with quality components and will meet all local building codes. It also saves you the trouble of dealing with all the heavy lifting and makes sure that everything is done correctly.

However, if you are planning to do the work yourself, it is important to plan ahead to make sure that your project can be completed on time. Many homeowners are surprised at how much time is involved in a deck project, especially if it’s a DIY job and you don’t have the help of a pro crew. This includes getting all the proper permits, clearing out the site where the deck will be constructed and even allowing for a bit of weather delay.

You will also want to take some time to think about what you want to use your deck for. If you are planning on eating summer meals outdoors, then a deck table and chairs will be essential to your space. If you enjoy relaxing and sunbathing, then lounge chairs will be a must have. Once you know what type of furniture you want on your deck, you will need to ensure that it is large enough to accommodate it.

Another thing to consider is how long you expect your deck to last before it will need to be restored or replaced. With proper maintenance and good care, a deck can last for up to 15 years before it needs to be re-decked.

If you are going to be doing the work yourself, a great way to plan ahead is by using an online tool that can show you how much your deck will cost and compare pricing on different materials. This will give you a clear idea of how much your project will be and help to keep you within your budget.

Prep the Site

Once you have the design and materials set, the next step in making your dream deck is getting the construction site ready. This means laying out stakes to establish the shape and size of your new deck, digging holes for the footings and placing them at exactly the right locations (with gravel to minimize sliding). This will help ensure that when building begins everything runs as smoothly as possible and you spend more time enjoying your custom outdoor living space than worrying about unforeseen issues.

Another part of the prep process is researching your local regulations and zoning requirements so that you can submit your plans to get approved before building begins. This will save you a lot of headache down the road and ensure that your deck is built properly and within compliance with all local codes.

When preparing for your build, you should also think about what features you want to include on your custom deck. Maybe you’ve always wanted an outdoor kitchen, for example, or maybe you want to add a fire feature to stave off the chill of autumn and early winter.

As you start looking for a professional to help you build your custom deck, it’s important that you take the time to research and find the right contractor. This should include evaluating their work history and asking them questions about their experience and qualifications. It should also include ensuring that they have the right insurance coverage in place. This will protect you in case something goes wrong during the build process and will help to guarantee that your custom deck is built according to high standards. This will allow you to enjoy your new deck for years to come.

Get Started

Building your dream deck is an exciting prospect, but it can also be intimidating. That’s why it’s important to break the process down into smaller steps and make sure you have all of the necessary tools before beginning work. It will help you stay focused and motivated, and ensure that your project is completed properly and to your satisfaction.

Once you’ve determined how much space you want to dedicate to your custom deck, it’s time to start planning your layout. How you will use your deck should be a major factor in the design. For example, if you enjoy entertaining, prioritize dining spaces and seating areas. If you want your deck to be a place for relaxing, consider including a fire pit or water feature.

You should also consider how you plan to get around your deck. For example, do you want to build stairs down to your yard or pool? If so, you’ll need to plan for those stairs and the materials that will go into them. Once you have a general idea of the size and layout, you can begin sourcing materials and getting quotes.

When estimating the cost of your deck, be sure to take into account any special requirements or unforeseen complications that might arise during the construction process. For instance, if you need to run electrical wires to the area where your deck will be built, it’s a good idea to have that done ahead of time so that you can avoid any expensive surprises down the road.

Before beginning to build your deck, it’s a good idea to lay out stakes to establish the shape and size of your future outdoor space. This will help you avoid any costly mistakes later on, and make the construction process much smoother and quicker.

Lastly, it’s always a good idea to contact your local hardware store and ask for help. They can provide you with the tools and materials you need to build your deck, as well as give you tips on how to install them properly. Additionally, they can usually point you in the direction of licensed contractors who will be able to help you build your dream deck.