Simple Deck Construction Projects

Deck construction projects can be simple.

Deck construction projects vary in scope, cost and involvement as decks can become intricate additions to a house. The cheapest and simplest deck projects to build are those that require as little construction as possible, involving limited materials and labor.

Deck Cover

Building a cover for your deck to protect it from weather and sun so it can remain cool in the summertime is a reasonably simple deck construction project. Connect or extend the two posts from the outermost corners of the deck itself, rising up as high as you want the cover to stand. It is probably best if the cover is at least 8 to 10 feet above the deck surface, about the height of a ceiling for an outdoor room. Attach supports which connect the posts to the structure of the house and attach crossbeams to the posts. Over these cross beams affix pieces of wood, roofing shingles, roofing tile or aluminum to create a deck cover.

Deck Railings

Deck railings make your deck safer and are cheap to build around your existing deck structure. Decide how high you want your railing; three to four feet in height is usually standard. The railing should have enough support to hold up someone leaning on the railing itself and built close enough together to keep anyone from sliding through the railing, especially someone the size of a child. Build supports even closer together if you will keep pets on the deck so that they can't squeeze through them and escape into the backyard or whatever is behind the house. A wider railing is often preferred, as people can lean on it more easily as well as set things on it, like drinks or plants.

Deck Gate

Some decks have gates in front of their stairwells to create a doorway to the deck itself, making it into a formal outdoor room. Use the same material to construct the gate that makes up the rest of the gate. Build a simple frame, the same height as the deck's railing, with a cross beam to stabilize the gate or flat boards or a screen to make the gate secure. Install heavy-duty hinges on the frame of the gate, and attach them to the railing on one side; install a locking mechanism on the other side. Keep the base of the gate at least six inches off the deck so it can swing open easily and can close without interference.

References

• Ask The Builder: Build Deck
• Ideas For Deck Designs: Deck Ideas