Thinking of updating your existing deck or building a new one? Whether your deck design is basic or elaborate, every deck has a few important considerations to keep in mind before you build. Here’s a helpful checklist to make sure you’ve got all your “decks in a row” before you get started.
Get input from others
Talk to the people in your household as well as friends and neighbors with decks. What material did they use? What was their soil like when digging? Discuss your design and usage ideas to get inspiration and advice before you make any major design decisions.
*Pro-Tip: Consider how you plan to use your deck. Consider whether or not to build in seating or storage, whether your railing will need to contain small children or pets, or whether or not your deck will need to bear a heavy load like a spa or large group gatherings.
Compile some photos
Look to the internet or friends for pictures of your ideal deck. The J&W Lumber social media pages are a great resource for inspiration. These photos will help your contractor understand what you have in mind and can assist the team at the lumber yard in helping you to assemble the right materials.
* Pro-Tip: Enter terms into your search engine that will generate ideas. Try: “beautiful deck design,” “modern decking,” or “creative deck ideas.”
Consult your local building code
Make sure your new deck design will meet current local and state code requirements. If you hire a licensed contractor, they should make sure everything is up to code. If you’re doing it yourself, you’ll need to review code requirements before finalizing your design.
*Pro-Tip: Deck code requirements may not apply to low platform decks that are less than 30 inches from the ground, but it’s always smart to confirm.
Review HOA requirements
If you live in a community with an HOA, check your community’s architectural guidelines to see if your association has any restrictions on design or materials. Obtain approval from your HOA board before beginning any construction.
*Pro-Tip: Discuss your design ideas with your HOA manager before submitting your application to make sure your design does not conflict with your HOA’s architectural guidelines. Having the discussion before your submission will save time and money.
Consider how much maintenance you want to perform
All wood decks will require some level of maintenance; however, your choice of lumber will determine the type and frequency of upkeep. If you don’t want to be responsible for lots of upkeep over time, composite decking boards look like wood but require very little maintenance.
*Pro-Tip: Composites have come down in cost in recent years, so using composites is not as expensive as you might think, so get quotes for multiple types of material. Update your list regularly as pricing can change.
Measure your space
Walk the perimeter of your deck’s existing or new footprint with a measuring tape. The surface area of your deck will dictate the amount of materials (and therefore cost) of your deck.
*Pro-Tip: Lay string or a garden hose out on the ground and place your outdoor furniture into the space to visualize the layout and size of your future deck entertainment space.
Decide on access points
Determine the points of entry for your deck. Will there be a staircase – or multiple staircases – up from the yard? Will there be a step or two down to the deck from your home’s door? The number and type of access points will affect the cost and build timeline.
*Pro-Tip: If you’re building the deck yourself, a good rule of thumb for stairs is to remember: 7-11. Approximately 7” rise and 11” run for each step makes for a comfortable stepping distance.
Get your hands on some wood
Visit your local J&W Lumber yard to touch and feel materials. The specialists at the lumber yard can discuss the pros and cons of each material, based on your needs and budget.
*Pro-Tip: At J&W Lumber, we will never pressure you. Don’t feel compelled to make a decision on the spot. Ask for a small sample to take home and discuss with the rest of your household.
Select your materials
When it comes to deck materials, you’ll need to consider not just the decking boards you walk on, but structural materials, posts, and railings, too. Commonly-used decking woods like cedar and redwood feature their own unique looks and advantages, as do composite materials.
*Pro-Tip: Many composites come with a transferable warranty, which might make composites the right choice for you if you plan on selling your home in the near future. Check the warranty’s fine print to see if it can be transferred.
Decide between doing it yourself or hiring a contractor
If you have construction experience or feel very comfortable using power tools and have plenty of time on your hands, DIY-ing your deck might be the right solution. However, if your space or deck design is challenging, then working with a licensed contractor is the way to go.
*Pro-tip: If you decide to go the DIY route, keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for the entire project scope, including things like demolition of your existing structure and organizing junk removal for scrap materials. Reach out to some of J&W Lumber’s preferred contractors and see if they can do portions of the job to help offset the cost.
Establish your budget
The size and design of your deck, your choice of materials, and whether or not you hire a contractor, will all determine your project’s final budget. Your contractor or the team at the lumber yard can help you develop your budget.<
*Pro-tip: Creating a budget range – instead of a locked-in number – will help you feel more comfortable if a few minor extra expenses arise during construction.
Set a timeline
Determine when you want your deck to be fully functional, then back out your timeline from there. The complexity of your design and whether or not you do it on your own or hire a contractor with a full crew will help you establish a realistic schedule.
*Pro-tip: Licensed contractors are often booked out months in advance. If you’re planning to hire a contractor, don’t want until the last minute to get the ball rolling.
Keep a running list of questions
You’ll likely have lots of questions during every phase of your deck building process.
Write down your questions and keep this list handy as you buy materials or consult with your contractor. Continue to update your list with new questions as your project progresses.
*Pro-tip: The team at J&W Lumber are available by phone to discuss all aspects of your new deck. Feel free to give us a call.
Building a new deck is an exciting upgrade for your outdoor space. This checklist will help you keep track of all the important aspects of your build before you spend a cent. Use it as your guide when getting your new deck project off the ground.
We’re here when you’re ready to get going on your new deck. Call us today for helpful advice and tips from our lumber specialists.
I didn’t even think about making sure your new deck design is up to current local and state codes. I thought that if it was my property then I could do what I want. I’ll find a contractor that can check all of that for me so I don’t stress about it.
Thats a great idea Chris!! Its always good to consult with a professional and cover your bases.
Wow, I never considered how much work it’s needed to build a deck for your house. A neighbor wants to get a deck for his home, and he has been talking about doing it himself. But he’s a busy man, and I don’t think he’ll be able to take care of the details that building a deck has. So, I will recommend that he hires a professional to do it. You did a great job explaining the process that a deck involves.
My dad is planning to improve his home’s value, which is why he’s looking for a contractor that may place a deck in his property. I agree with you that he must make sure that his deck’s design meets the current local and state code requirements. Thank you for also sharing here that the wood decks will require more maintenance. Well, speaking of which, maybe my dad would also consider placing solar post caps in it since this will make its ambiance more inviting.