5 Key Considerations When Building A Deck

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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If you walk outside your backdoor and head towards your entertaining outdoor area, you'll be delighted with what you see. There's no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than by building a deck. The structure offers you rest, enjoyment, a distinctive focal point, and long-term value. It's a highly personal task to create a deck.

When creating an outdoor deck, a lot of planning and decision-making goes into designing and constructing it. To begin with, you'll need to decide what kind of deck you want, set a budget, and choose the type of material you'd like to use. To help you avoid making errors, consider these key considerations before planning, constructing, and building a deck.

Consider The Deck’s Function 

Every decision you make when designing a deck has long-term implications. It would help if you begin by figuring out what your deck is supposed to accomplish. A deck may be the solution to adding pleasure to your outdoor lifestyle if you live in an area that's warm several months out of the year. 

Determine how you would want to use the deck. Do you wish to accept visitors? Prepare a family meal outside? Get some gardening in your space?  Is it a private space, or does it function as a communal gathering place?  When you have a clear goal in mind, you'll be able to develop an appropriate design.

If you want to custom-design your deck, you may contact a reliable Soco deck repair company, if you live within the area, to discuss how you want to extend your living space to a high-quality deck. 

Choose The Right Type Of Deck 

Deciding on the best decking type for your design is crucial. Knowing about decking materials is vital for making a well-informed choice. Here are the types of deck you can choose from:

Redwood And Cedar 

Easy to work with, insect-resistant, and robust enough to prevent warping, checking, and splitting are all characteristics of redwood, another top deck wood. Also, cedar is a long-lasting wood that resists dampness, decay, and insect infestation. Therefore, premium timbers, like red cedar and redwood, endure about 20 years. 

Pressure-Treated Wood 

It’ll start to rot in almost all places where the wood will be exposed to moisture or the outside environment. In the building of decks, pergolas, and sheds, pressure-treated wood is often used. Pressure-treated wood has been chemically treated to improve rot resistance and resist insect damage. It’s paintable and stainable in an infinite number of colors. This type of material has a lifespan of 15-20 years.

Ipe Hardwood 

Ipe (pronounced ee-pay) is a tropical hardwood that's known around the globe for its excellent features and qualities. Ipe is one of the world's toughest timbers, which contributes to its extraordinary durability and endurance. Ipe is 100 percent natural. It's excellent for repurposing, biodegradable, and produces no harmful byproducts.

Composite  

Composite decking is created from recycled plastic and wood powder that's formed into long, thick boards. Because there are no wood binders, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking, often known as synthetic decking, is completely composed of plastic. Typically, composite boards are heavier and costlier than many kinds of wood. Because composites are less rigid than wood, they're influenced by temperature. It's essential to use the fasteners supplied when installing composite wood so that the material won’t be disturbed.

Choose Your Deck Design And Size

Creating a deck entails a plethora of linked factors. Choosing the size and form of a deck, for example, requires finding a balance between budget and location. Even with an unlimited budget, your yard should be at least double the size of your deck to ensure optimum aesthetic proportions.

Consider Deck Maintenance 

To some degree, all decking materials need maintenance. Check in with your deck consultant to learn about the kind of maintenance your deck requires. Each time wood decking experiences excessive wear and tear, or becomes exposed to the weather, it has to be sealed. You may want to choose composite if you want something low-maintenance. You may simply wash down composite decking just once or twice a year.

Comply With The Deck Building Codes 

Regulations, such as building regulations, vary throughout the country. However, permission from your local government is required in almost all instances. Learning a bit about required permits and other legal procedures is essential if you want to build a deck. Time and money are saved by researching acquiring deck supplies.

Conclusion 

Whether you're building a deck to provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, to host dinner parties, or to get a little of both, building a deck is an enjoyable endeavor. To combine aesthetic and functional elements, keep in mind these four key considerations while planning a deck. It's also essential to use the highest quality materials on your deck to stand up in all kinds of weather, as well as to keep your family members safe at all times.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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