How to Build a Deck of value

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By thomasfence
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Building a Deck add ambiance and stature

Building Decks are a big investment and if done correctly can add value to your home and lifestyle. The idea of building a deck makes people feel they're successful, it expands their living space and adds value to their home. Like many exclusive resorts and vacation spots it adds ambiance and stature. I have removed several poorly designed, conceived, and constructed decks in my business. It's a heart break when you have an idea that never meets expectations or dreams. This article will help you formulate your goals and ideas in a realistic manner that will make your deck a valuable asset, not a disappointment.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Pen and Paper
List of Goals and needs
50-100 foot Garden Hose
Deck Books or the Internet
Quality Contractor
Honesty with yourself

Step 1

Is your home and budget suited to build a deck.

Decide if building a deck is right for your home and yard space. Make a list of goals and needs you have for a deck. Then ask these questions of yourself.

1. Is your yard large enough to accommodate the deck size you need?

2. Is there enough air space below your deck for it to dry out well? - The number one reason a deck fails.

3. Can you afford the size deck that will meet your needs?

4. What style deck will add appeal to your home style?

5. Are you prepared for years of maintenance a deck requires to last and look great?

6. Will you be living in the home long enough to see a return on your investment?

7. Are you building a new home in a subdivision that requires a deck per code, and do you know the amount this will add to the final price of your home?

8. If you are planning on building a deck yourself, are you skilled enough to accomplish a quality deck that will meet code and look good for decades?

9. What type of material should you build with?

Answer these questions honestly before moving forward on a deck project. If most answers are a yes, then you are well suited to have a deck built that will add value to your life.
If most answers are no, consider other options like a stone, brick or concrete patio to get the results you need.
Step 2

Design a deck to fit your surroundings and home

The key to designing and building a quality deck is first functionality, and then, design. I ask my customers to review what they plan to do on a deck first.
1. Do you entertain often?
2. How many people do you want to be on your deck comfortably at one time?
3. What will you do on your deck most often?
4. What traffic pattern do you need from your deck to your yard, or surrounding living space?
Step 3

One trick that helps people visualize the size of deck to build is to take a garden hose and encircle the area where the deck is to be built. Now add the furniture inside this area to see how it feels, does it allow enough walk space around each item for comfort and good traffic flow? Will all the items you want on the deck fit well, such as a grill, flower planters, childs swimming pool? Is there enough shade for late afternoon sun, or room enough for a shade canopy? Think through all the things that you need to make building a deck a long term enjoyment and not just a short term advantage.

Next, I recommend they look through several deck books or on the Internet for style and pattern. Is your home modern, look at Japanese or urban style decks. If your home is Victorian, look at historical decks. If it's country, look at rustic. If it's lakeside look at a Nantucket style. Keep in mind your function requirements. The style should match your home, and flow with the landscape as if Frank Lloyd Wright designed it. If a deck is well designed and well built not only will it last 30 years but add significant value to your home when you decide to resell it. If built and designed poorly will deter from the value.
Step 4

Build a deck with your life philosophies in mind.

Consider your life philosophy. In today's economy many people are reviewing the choices they make, and how it will impact their future and that of their children. We have an obligation to think carefully about what our decisions will provide for the future of the world. For instance, Redwood is a fabulous deck building material, but would we rather walk in a forest of ancient giants, or stand and entertain on them? Or IPE, a stunning Brasilian Teak that makes for a classy, and expensive looking deck. Is it worth destroying the rain forests, Mother earth's natural air cleaners, for our own status? Is building a deck with recycled plastics really a green decision, where will they go at the end of their life span? And can you get replacement boards years later once some become damaged? These questions will have to be weighed against your own life philosophies before you decide what to build a deck with. I for one recommend Cedar or Bamboo, two highly renewable and earth friendly products. But the decision is ultimately yours to make, one all our children and grandchildren will have to live with. If you choose well, and build well, a deck can be a value to your home and the lives of all of us.