Build A Deck All On Your Own
A wooden deck can add value to your home and visual appeal to your backyard. But hiring contractors to build this deck can cost you thousands of dollars. If you want to save this money, though, you can do it by building your own backyard deck.
Even those homeowners who don't consider themselves particularly handy can put together a simple deck. Building your own backyard deck isn't overly complicated if you follow certain rules.
First, make sure the design for your deck is simple enough for your skill level. More complicated decks, ones that feature multiple levels and more than one set of stairs, should probably be left to the more skilled carpenters. Homeowners with more modest building skills should stick with a flatter, simpler deck design.
The next step is to find the right lumber. For building a backyard deck, you should choose pressure-treated lumber. It costs more, but pressure-treated lumber holds up to the elements. It also resists rot.
Remember, too, that you may not have to do anything with the grass that's going to be under your deck. You may be able to save your back some serious stress by not digging it up. If the deck is going to cover the grass, it doesn't matter if it dies from lack of sunlight, does it?
Before you begin building, check with your local municipality. You probably will need a permit to build and install a new backyard deck. You don't want to get halfway through your project only to receive a visit from your local building inspector.
Once you have your materials, you can begin building your deck. Make sure you enlist some help from family members and friends. You may also want to pick up deck-building tips or plans from your area hardware superstore.
Once you've finished your deck, make sure to treat it with water repellent preservative. This will protect it from the elements.
Also, do not paint your deck. Painted decks don't take long to begin cracking and chipping. This will ruin the visual appeal that a deck is supposed to add to a backyard.
Finally, don't forget to give yourself enough time to properly build your deck. Especially if you've never built a backyard deck before, the process will take time. Building a deck doesn't have to be easy, but it's rarely quick.
By following these steps, you can build an outdoor deck to serve as your home base for family barbecues and relaxing nights in your backyard. And you can look back with pride on the fact that you did it all without sending a fortune to hire a contractor.
Even those homeowners who don't consider themselves particularly handy can put together a simple deck. Building your own backyard deck isn't overly complicated if you follow certain rules.
First, make sure the design for your deck is simple enough for your skill level. More complicated decks, ones that feature multiple levels and more than one set of stairs, should probably be left to the more skilled carpenters. Homeowners with more modest building skills should stick with a flatter, simpler deck design.
The next step is to find the right lumber. For building a backyard deck, you should choose pressure-treated lumber. It costs more, but pressure-treated lumber holds up to the elements. It also resists rot.
Remember, too, that you may not have to do anything with the grass that's going to be under your deck. You may be able to save your back some serious stress by not digging it up. If the deck is going to cover the grass, it doesn't matter if it dies from lack of sunlight, does it?
Before you begin building, check with your local municipality. You probably will need a permit to build and install a new backyard deck. You don't want to get halfway through your project only to receive a visit from your local building inspector.
Once you have your materials, you can begin building your deck. Make sure you enlist some help from family members and friends. You may also want to pick up deck-building tips or plans from your area hardware superstore.
Once you've finished your deck, make sure to treat it with water repellent preservative. This will protect it from the elements.
Also, do not paint your deck. Painted decks don't take long to begin cracking and chipping. This will ruin the visual appeal that a deck is supposed to add to a backyard.
Finally, don't forget to give yourself enough time to properly build your deck. Especially if you've never built a backyard deck before, the process will take time. Building a deck doesn't have to be easy, but it's rarely quick.
By following these steps, you can build an outdoor deck to serve as your home base for family barbecues and relaxing nights in your backyard. And you can look back with pride on the fact that you did it all without sending a fortune to hire a contractor.
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