An outdoor deck can greatly expand the usefulness of your yard.  BBQs, outdoor parties, and family lounging are all easier when you have a place to be.

What do I need to know first?

You might start by learning approximate price ranges for projects of differing size and complexity that you might consider doing. Some surveys find that many homeowners gut feel for the cost of a deck are about one third of actual costs!

Two things contribute to this discrepancy:

• Lumber Yard “Photo” Pricing. Most lumber yards and box stores advertise decking by picturing something like a 14′ x 20′ or larger deck with many custom features while superimposing a price like $429. In smaller print is “8 x 10.” For the price they are usually supplying less than the lumber necessary for an adequately designed support structure,  combined with top deck boards. No railing, seats, steps, planters or  trim are included, though the picture suggests otherwise. Of course labor is not included. The unfortunate result can be that a price gets put into a consumer’s head that may be 10% of the cost of the installed deck they actually want.
• Deck building skills. Many people, it seems, assumes that they could actually build their own deck, just like a pro. By inference the work involved is assumed to be of low value. Some homeowners do a phenomenal job, while others are blissfully unaware that they have created an aesthetic and structural tragedy.

After having a reasonable idea of costs how should I begin?

• Deck Size. Determine a size that considers both your space needs and integration with the overall size of your yard. Do you need room for a BBQ? A table and chairs set? What about separate lounging furniture? Size will be balanced with cost but you don’t want to build a deck too small for your intended use.
• Deck Yard Fit. Consider the terrain of your yard. If very sloped, you may need to think of your yard in sections pertaining to different levels. Try to get your deck down into your yard as much as possible. Those who build a deck at house floor level, that also is considerably above most of their yard, will rarely use their yard. Sometimes a number of steps down to a small mid-level deck and then more steps to a yard level deck mitigates the problem.
• Deck Railings. Note that decks 18″ or higher may require a railing and some are uncomfortable with a 12″ to 18″ deck without a step. National code requires that no larger than a 4″ ball can pass through any part of the railing structure.
• Deck Design Elements. Think through options of multiple deck levels, stairs, rails, benchs–anything that might enhance your outdoor experience.

What deck materials should I use?

• Key Deck Cost Factors. The two factors affecting deck costs are the amount of features or complexity in the deck and your material choices. With a deck of any complexity, hiring a recommended professional local deck builder can save you money.
• Deck Strength. Joist and structural  materials are usually determined by meeting or preferably exceeding your local code. A carpenter who doesn’t know how to find a span chart for joist sizing isn’t a carpenter. If the deck is high and/or there is any chance of excessive weight on it you should exceed code by a good margin. Conversely, a small deck very close to the ground can be built sparingly with a view toward replacing it when needed.
• Deck Surface Materials. Natural woods, such as cedar or redwood are less expensive than composites. Though much beloved in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, they often now look unclean, less “together”, and are not the best choice for many homes. Though many love the warmth of real wood they don’t seem to remember it having so many knots, splits and wane! Composites look much cleaner and should stay looking sharp for a long time. A few companies have had some problems, so research is advised. Materials with a higher percentage of plastic shrink and swell with temperature changes, affecting installation methods.  Recently a friend was considering the $50 price tag (plus tax) for a 16′ 2 x 6 composite board and decided instead to put his joists closer together and use a 1 x 4 cedar that was half the price on a square foot basis. This choice involves a future in staining and sealing upkeep!
• Deck Railings. Traditional railing involves 2 x 2 “balusters” attached to  2 x 4 rails attached to 4 x 4 posts. Some create a more contemporary look by combining purchased painted steel railings with 4 x 4 posts. If you have a priceless view you may consider systems using clear glass panels. An inexpensive and rustically charming look is a series of horizontal 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 rails. If the deck is high consider that this may look like a ladder to a child.

A good deck should be well designed to meet the functional needs of the users, be aesthetically pleasing, and be soundly built to last a very long time.   Decks are expensive and rightly so–there is a lot that goes into one of value.  Finding a local recommended carpenter who specializes in decks is a great way to get a quality deck which will give you many years of outdoor living enjoyment.

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