6 Easy Steps To Building Your Own Backyard Deck
So, you've dreamed of this day, and you're going to finally do it - build your family a deck! Before you jump in and head off to the DIY center, here are some things to consider in how to build a deck: How To Build A Deck, Step 1: DIY Or Pro? First of all: are you up to the challenge? If you don't know how to build a deck then you will need the help of a trained expert and craftsman - especially if you don't have others to help you, as building a deck is not a one-person activity! How To Build A Deck, Step 2: Survey Your Site Next, go outside and take a look at your site - take some general measurements: the overall length and width of the area (don't forget to make a note of it - it would be a good idea to start keeping a 'how to build a deck' notebook with all this info for reference.) How To Build A Deck, Step 3: Consider Its Purpose Your next consideration: what do you want to do on or with your deck? Barbecue? Do office work outside? Snuggle with loved ones? Have a party? Get a suntan? Will you need room for the kids to play? Will you need electrical outlets? Room for a hot tub? These considerations will influence how big an area you will need, as well as what accessories or furniture you will need to buy. Again, keep all this info in your 'how to build a deck' notebook. How To Build A Deck, Step 4: Do Some Snooping If you look at your 'how to build a deck' notebook, at this point you will have a good idea of what you want to do with your deck, but no specific design in mind, and certainly won't know any of the specifics of just how to build a deck on your site. That's good, because at this point, you just want to gather some general ideas. The best place to get them? You guessed it-STEAL them. Really? Yes, just look around you: what do the neighbors have? Listen to the DIY broadcasts on the radio or TV and jot down ideas. (And don't forget to keep all this information in one place, in your 'how to build a deck' notebook you've been keeping all along, right?) You can even look in magazines or check the Internet looking for photos of what others have done. Keep these pictures in your 'how to build a deck' notebook, also. How To Build A Deck, Step 5: Be Aware Of Your Limitations Finally, as this 'dream' phase comes to a close, you need to be realistic and take stock of your situation. What limitations do you face? How much money, really, can you afford to spend? Do you have any time constraints? Does your local municipality place limits on the size, materials, or design? Will you need to hire a pro - or do you still think you can do the job yourself? As you think these issues through, you may wish to list this information (costs, time, and other constraints) in a summary section of your 'how to build a deck' notebook. How To Build A Deck, Step 6: Make Some Basic Design Decisions … For that, see the next section. |
