Deck building is a big job and requires planning ahead. To avoid surprises, research the basics of the project and familiarize yourself with the cost of materials.
Premium softwoods and hardwoods provide a natural aesthetic but carry a high upfront cost and require regular upkeep to prevent deterioration. They’re also susceptible to frost heave, which is why it’s recommended to dig footings four feet deep or more.
Costs
Adding a deck to your home can improve the resale value and add an attractive feature that you will enjoy using. However, you should know the costs associated with building a deck before you begin. These include the cost of the deck, any necessary permits, and the cost of labor. The type of deck you choose also influences the total cost. For example, a screened-in deck will be more expensive than an unscreened one.
The price of deck materials varies by region and type of wood. Popular lumbers like cedar and redwood are cheaper than exotic woods, which may require additional maintenance. In addition, the complexity of a deck design can increase construction labor costs. For example, if you opt for stairs or railings, these will add to the overall project cost.
Other factors that can impact the total deck build cost include location, permitting costs, and materials availability. For instance, if the deck is in an area prone to flooding, it will need a foundation that is higher off the ground. Similarly, building a deck in an urban setting will typically be more expensive than a suburban one.
Professional installation will ensure that the deck is built correctly and that you avoid any costly repairs or replacements down the road. In addition, a licensed and insured contractor will help you obtain the necessary permits for your deck.
Materials
The main components of a deck include support framing, concrete footers and posts, beams, joists, ledger boards, and decking. The cost of the materials depends on the type of decking and how the deck is attached to your house. If the deck will be above the ground, you may want to use concrete footers instead of posts anchored into the soil.
Wood is the most common decking material, offering a natural aesthetic that many homeowners prefer. Aside from appearance, it also holds up well to the elements and is naturally durable. Some of the popular woods used in deck building are pressure-treated pine, cedar, and redwood. However, these materials require expensive annual maintenance to maintain their good looks and durability.
Composite decking offers a modern alternative to traditional wood. It can be made from recycled plastics like polyethylene or PVC, which helps to reduce environmental impact and lower the deck building cost. Although more costly than wood, some homeowners find it worth the upfront investment because it never splinters or rots and requires very little maintenance other than semi-annual cleaning. It is important to note that wood-based decking typically needs to be stained on an annual basis, while most composites are stain- and fade-resistant and come with warranties of up to 50 years. The climate in your area should also factor into your decision, as certain types of decking perform better in different weather conditions.
Design
In addition to structural elements like footings and support posts, deck design involves choosing the material, style, and layout. Other factors include the level of privacy, location within the yard, and any potential amenities that might be added (like hot tubs or permanent countertops).
If you plan to use your deck for entertaining, it’s important to consider the amount of traffic that will be coming and going. This will help inform the size, shape, and placement of stairs and other features. Likewise, you should take into account how the deck will be connected to your home so that you can move easily between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Your climate will also have a significant impact on your deck’s functionality and enjoyment. For example, in warmer areas, your deck may need to face a specific direction to get the best shade during peak hours of sun exposure. This can be achieved through the positioning of privacy walls or the orientation of the deck’s joists.
Depending on your neighborhood’s regulations, you may need to install certain electrical and plumbing fixtures. This requires evaluating your options and securing the proper permits and inspections. In many cases, it’s best to hire a professional contractor to manage these tasks. They’ll save you time and money, as well as ensure that your deck meets local building standards and requirements.
Permits
The process of obtaining a permit can add several weeks to the project. This is especially true if you must submit detailed construction plans and pay an associated fee. This is to cover the cost of preparing the application, reviewing and approving the plans, and conducting inspections to ensure compliance with local safety regulations.
The first step is to determine zoning requirements, including setbacks. This information is usually available in your property survey. Typically, a new deck must not be built closer than a specified distance from the side, rear, and front property lines. This will ensure that the deck does not obstruct the view of neighbors’ properties.
Depending on the type of deck, you may need to submit additional documentation, such as a floor plan, joist spacing and span, railing design, and ledger attachment details. You may also need to specify the deck surface and footing depths. The building department will review these documents to ensure that they are code-compliant.
A non-compliant deck could result in serious physical and financial harm to you and your neighbors. In addition, it could require expensive repairs or even demolition. The best way to avoid these problems is to obtain a permit before commencing work. Besides, a deck that is not up to code can be a fire hazard and impact your home’s value.