5 Important Things to Consider for a New Deck

June 28, 2022

Whether you just built your home and you want to add a touch of outdoor comfort, or you're finally building a deck you've been thinking about for twenty years: it's vital that you know what you're getting into.

 

These are five important things to consider when building your deck and why they matter. 


Why People Love Adding Decks

Decks are a wonderful part of any property when done well. They can create a beautiful space to lounge, a fantastic area to entertain guests, and even a safe spot for your pets and kids to enjoy the outdoors.

 

Although there have been a lot of changes in how people build and design decks in the last twenty years, we still want them for the same reasons. They can add value to our properties, they look good, and they give us a space to enjoy the outdoors without being in the dirt or grass.

 

These are the top things to consider about them:

1. The Material

Although many decks are made out of wood, and it's become a standard: there are more options out there. Materials like Trex that are made to look like wood offer longer life and can come in a variety of looks and colors. Not only does this mean you don't have to stain or treat your deck every couple of years, but it also means that you can rest assured that having your deck near your pool won't damage it.

 

You can still go for wood if you want to, it's more affordable, and it's what most people are used to, but living splinter-free with a deck that you can trust will outlast wood is a  far better option.


2. The Safety

How safe will your deck be? Although many decks come with anti-slip options, if you have kids running to and from the pool, things can get dangerous. Consider adding a hog wire deck railing that will keep everyone safe and sure you don't have to worry about stopping the fun. 


3. The Location

Where do you plan on putting your deck, and how large will it be? If you want your deck to be able to reach the pool, it's vital that you decide how far out you want it to go and what proportions you want it to have. You should also consider how tall you want your deck to be and if the location will offer it any shade or if you need to build some.


4. The Finish or Color

Whether you're going for a wood deck or a Trex deck, it's a good idea to consider the color or finish you're going for. Trex and wood will allow you to pick whether you want a physical grain you can feel or you want a smooth surface. Both also allow you to pick from dozens of colors that will help you ensure you have an exact look that suits your home. You need to also consider details like polyurethane for decks that will help it last longer and look better if your deck is wood.


5. DIY or Hire a Contractor

Are you planning on hiring a contractor or trying to do this project yourself? If you're going to DIY it, it's a good idea for this to be a project you've completed before. Although some can pick up a construction job and be great at it just from instructions online: if you mess up, it could cost you a lot of money.

 

It’s better for untrained people to take the time to hire a professional.


Things to Avoid Doing

Although all of these items are fantastic, there are a few things you should avoid when you’re building a deck.

 

The first is to avoid cutting corners. Although you might be tempted to forgo putting a finish or sealant on your deck and just paint it instead: decks need to be sealed every one to three years, depending on the type of material they're made out of, the environment they're in, and how much they're used. If you forgo sealing your deck, you're setting yourself up for wasting all of the money you put into it.

 

Avoid attaching the ledger board directly to your siding. Although your siding and your deck will have around the same lifespan, depending on their materials, it’s vital that you don’t damage one because you have to replace the other. Besides this, your siding has to be well intact to be able to properly protect your home.

 

Don't forget to check in with your HOA. If you're part of an HOA, it's vital that you make sure your property is updated only after they sign off on it. Otherwise, you could set yourself up for being fined or being forced to take your deck back down.


A well-built deck can change everything about your property. Make sure to do your research, and build an awesome space for you and your family to share, and you'll never look back!


Roger Marx is a contributor to the Innovative Building Materials blog. He is a content writer for the construction and home improvement industries with an interest in landscaping, outdoor remodeling, and home renovation. Roger is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value and improve sustainability.


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At Decks by DAK, we believe that your deck is more than just a structure – it's a place where memories are made and moments are cherished. That's why we're excited to announce our latest initiative: Deck Check by DAK. Deck Check by DAK is a comprehensive 10-point inspection program designed to help homeowners like you better understand the health and condition of your deck. Our team of experts will conduct a thorough examination, covering everything from split or decaying wood to loose or corroded fasteners, to ensure that your deck is safe, secure, and ready for enjoyment. Here's what you can expect from our Deck Check inspection: Split or Decaying Wood: We'll inspect various areas of your deck to assess the condition of the wood, paying special attention to any signs of decay or deterioration. Railings and Banisters: Ensuring that your railings and banisters are secure is essential for the safety of your deck, especially if it's elevated. Cleaning and Maintenance: We'll provide recommendations for cleaning and maintenance to keep your deck looking its best and prevent issues like mildew and decay. Lighting and Electrical: Our inspection includes checking the functionality of all lighting and electrical components on your deck to ensure safety and compliance with codes. Outdoor Furniture and Storage: We'll assess the condition of your outdoor furniture and storage solutions, ensuring they're sturdy and safe for use. Surrounding Trees: If your deck is surrounded by trees, we'll evaluate the potential risks associated with overhanging limbs and falling debris. Loose or Corroded Fasteners: Loose or corroded fasteners can compromise the integrity of your deck, so we'll inspect and address any issues we find. Grills, Fire Pits, Chimneys, Heaters, and Candles: Safety is paramount when it comes to fire-related features on your deck, and we'll ensure they're positioned and maintained properly. Flashing: Proper flashing helps prevent moisture damage, so we'll check for any areas where flashing may need repair or replacement. Stairs: Finally, we'll inspect your deck stairs for stability, ensuring that handrails, risers, and stringers are securely attached. Deck Check by DAK is more than just an inspection – it's a commitment to your safety and peace of mind. Best of all, our inspection comes with no obligation to purchase our services. Our goal is simply to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your deck's maintenance and care. To schedule your Deck Check inspection or learn more about our services, contact us today. Your deck deserves the best, and with Deck Check by DAK, that's exactly what it'll get. Warm regards,

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The exterior of modern homes is far more than a perfectly manicured lawn and a few flower pots to boost curb appeal. No, contemporary homes are finding innovative ways to create dynamic outdoor living spaces to help increase the functional square footage of the property and provide homeowners with a breath of fresh air and change of scenery. With that said, not every outdoor living space is created equally, with poorly designed spaces often more trouble than they are worth. To help avoid this scenario, keep reading for 5 pro tips on how to create a functional and stylish outdoor living space! Make Sure Rooftop Areas Can Carry the Load Rooftop decks are an emerging trend among homeowners looking to maximize every square inch of exterior space possible. They are especially prevalent in areas that do not have a ton of adjacent land, as they provide some stunning views and a wonderful interior/exterior transition area when entertaining guests. 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For example, buyers aren’t going to pay extra for a home with a deck if it doesn’t enhance views and allow them to enjoy a change of scenery. Therefore, when building a deck, look into hog wire and other types of welded wire deck railing to secure the perimeter of the deck without inhibiting views. Choose the Right Materials for a Deck Project Deck projects are one of the most popular for DIY enthusiasts. To this end, there are many types of products, such as innovative fasteners for deck ledger board installation and lock-in-place composite deck boards, that can facilitate deck projects for non-professionals and guarantee that DIY deck projects are up to code. With that said, be sure to choose the right type of materials for your project. Make sure they will be able to accommodate the amount of furniture and traffic you plan on using on your deck. If you can’t resist the timeless beauty of a natural cedar deck, be sure to treat it with the right type of polyurethane to improve its moisture and fire resistance. Incorporate Some Sun Protection Exterior spaces will be far from popular if inhabitants are left to bake in the sun. Nobody will want to spend hours outside if they are sweating, squinting, and having to remember to re-apply sunscreen every 90 minutes. With that said, there are a number of ways to add a little shade to an exterior space. Some ideas include: Portable awnings and porch umbrellas Rustic porch ceilings Decorative pergolas for both attached and stand-alone structures Not only will providing shade make them more desirable areas for people to hang out, but the right shading mechanisms can add some style and character that ties the aesthetics of the exterior together. Lower Maintenance Requirements As Much As Possible Not only will run-down exteriors detract from curb appeal, but they will be extremely uninviting as gathering spots. Nobody wants to hang out on a deck that is sagging, a lawn overgrown with weeds, or a patio with standing water. As such, it is critical to look into adding as many low-maintenance features to your exterior as possible. Composite decking boards are increasing in popularity because they can withstand UV and moisture damage without having to be regularly treated. Stone landscaping pavers with built-in drainage features are providing a strong option in place of traditional concrete. Artificial turf is gaining attention for homeowners looking for that lush green aspect without having to continually water, trim, and fertilize. Get Started Today Toward a More Functional and Stylish Exterior Creating a functional and stylish exterior living space is critical for maximizing the value of a contemporary home. For most applications, the most straightforward way to accomplish this is through the installation of a high-quality deck. For more information on building the perfect deck, contact Decks By Dak today for a consultation! Roger Marx is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on the latest trending building and design products. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on backyard projects in his spare time. Roger’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor , a new construction industry resource site.
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