How to Build Wooden Decks | Tips and Materials

If you're considering adding a deck onto your house, you're not only adding nice lace to enjoy the outdoors, but you're also adding to the value of your home. People build decks for different reasons. Perhaps you'd like to make an extra walking space and resting area around the home, or maybe you've got a plan to include a hot tub outside, to relax in a steamy bath. Maybe you've even got a killer view out back that you'd like to take advantage of. Well, it's time then to get past dreaming and get going. 

Also, never forget about furniture for your new deck.  While aluminum chaise lounges, plastic furniture and stone picnic tables may sound nice, more wooden decks will always look best with matching wooden deck furniture.

Before you Build

Whether you build your new deck yourself, or hire a pro, keep in mind that different areas have their own building and zoning laws. All additions to homes must be cleared through a zoning board first and foremost. So, before you request one, get together all of the equipment you'll need, or at least a pretty good list.The materials will need to be non-toxic.

If you think it's silly to go ahead and build, then ask later, think again. A building code inspector can make you rebuild an entire structure. Just think of all the time and money that could be lost. Also, people die each year while enjoying a party and crowding out on the deck for a good view. In the years between 2000 and 2006, 30 deaths caused by deck collapses were reported. It's estimated too that in the event of a deck collapse, more than 75 percent of people are either killed or injured. It's an avoidable tragedy.

You'll also want to have a sketch along with the dimensions hashed out. If you're like most people, you'll probably need some help drawing a diagram, so enlist a general contractor or builder to draw up the plans. Once you have that, a building inspector will need to review the diagram to make sure it passes code and will be a safe structure.

You can find may pre-made plans for decks in home improvement books or online, as with sites like www.deckplans.com. Be sure to run the plans by the zoning board first, and take in these tips so you can enjoy your deck for a long time to come.

Wooden Deck Materials

Start with a budget in mind, thinking about the cost materials per square foot. A typical deck will cost about $15 to $30 per square foot for the wood, then add $2 to $5 for the planks and $4 to $6 for the posts and joists. Most people will want to use pressure-treated wood to build their wooden decks. In fact, about 80 percent of all decks are made of treated Southern yellow pine. If you want to go the less-expensive route, get pressure-treated wood and keep in mind that this keeps rot, fungus and termites at bay.

If you can afford more expensive woods like cedar and redwood, go for it. These woods are naturally insect repellent and they last for about 20 years. The downside is that too much exposure to moisture will cause the wood to break down. Another option is a plastic/wood composite. These are typically guaranteed for about 20 years, and they resist rot and pests. The downside is that the appearance is not always natural and colors may fade. Also, while the material is made of recycle material, it's not biodegradable. Any shavings that fall while the deck is being built, will need to be contained in a drop cloth.

For the connectors, stick with stainless-steel metals. Some building codes may require a aluminum or galvanized metal, so be sure to check first. The main reasons for these types of metals is obvious; you don't want metal corroding from exposure to the elements and weakening the structure.

Safety Precautions

Deck railings are imperative, and decks need to be built to a certain height. If you're building the deck yourself, be sure to wear a face mask when handling the wood. Chemicals that are used to treat lumber in order to preserve it can be hazardous. Southern yellow pine, for instance is treated with CCA, or chromated copper arsenate. Sometimes wood needs to be cleaned before using and sealed, so check with the salesperson before you purchase your wood.