How to Plan and Build the Perfect Deck
Picture it—you’ve worked long and hard all week and dragged your body home on Friday evening, looking forward to relaxing. But when you get home, toys are scattered across the floor, the lawn needs to be mowed, and weekend plans are waiting to be made.
Complaining about life isn’t your style—but man—just a few minutes to sit, breathe, and relax would be amazing.
It would feel like a touch of heaven to step outside your house and onto a quiet deck away from the chaos, even if it’s just for a minute or two.
If that’s your thought, you aren’t alone.
Decks have been a staple of American homes since the end of WW2. They let you enjoy the outdoors in the privacy of your own home. Nothing beats a beautifully designed deck for relaxation and entertainment.
At Keystone Custom Decks, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about planning, designing, and building your dream deck, just in time for summer barbecues, family gatherings, and quiet moments at the end of the work week.
Ready? Let’s get started!
Planning and Design Considerations
While it’s fun to dream about your new deck, planning carefully is essential to avoid making this project a nightmare. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Purpose: How do you plan to use the deck? Do you intend to host large gatherings or to enjoy quiet evenings? Will it be a calm space to wind your day down, or do you see yourself grilling for your friends and family? Understanding the primary use will help determine the size, layout, and features.
- Size and Location: Consider where the deck would best fit on your property. How big would it be? Would it get enough sunlight or shade? Would there be sufficient privacy? Would it fit larger items, like an outdoor kitchen or hot tub? It’s crucial to get these nailed down to avoid future headaches.
- Budget: Outline a realistic budget. Remember that larger decks, high-end materials, and additional features like outdoor kitchens, hot tubs, or firepits increase costs. You may explore some financing options to help manage the costs.
Now that you’ve started on the foundations of your deck project, you’ll need to prepare and lay out the site. Keep reading to find out how!
Site Preparation and Layout
You’ve figured out how you want to spend time on your deck, where it’ll go, and how much to invest in it. Now comes the next step in your road to backyard bliss—preparing the site and getting the layouts and paperwork ready!
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Site Assessment: First, you’ll need to assess the site. Start by checking soil conditions, access points for construction, and any necessary grading or leveling. The work here ensures a smooth transition through the permitting process.
- Permits: Research local building codes and obtain the necessary licenses. Compliance with regulations not only keeps you safe but also avoids potential fines. Depending on where you live, there’s a chance you might need HOA approval and a zoning permit. It’s not fun, but it’s got to be done!
- Measurements: Accurately measure the area where the deck will be built. Then, mark out the dimensions with stakes or spray paint to visualize the outcome. This is where you’ll start to see your dreams become reality!
At this point, you want to ensure that your plans and paperwork are correct and current. Even a tiny mistake in your plans can result in your permit getting denied. Hiring a professional will save you a lot of time and headaches.
Now that you’ve gotten the i’s dotted and the t’s crossed, it’s time to build that deck! Ready to continue? Let’s go!
Selecting Your Decking Materials
The materials you choose for your deck will significantly influence its appearance, durability, and maintenance requirements. Here are some popular options:
- Wood: Traditional wood decking offers natural beauty. It has several options, such as pressure-treated lumber, cedar, and redwood. Stains further increase the variety of colors you can choose from. To keep a deck looking great and prolong the life of the wood, it needs to be restained or resealed every two or three years. We do not use wood as a company, as we believe PVC and composites offer superior advantages for building your deck.
- PVC: Also known as vinyl decking, PVC is lightweight and maintenance-free. It is 100% plastic, water-resistant decking that is resistant to stains, scratches, and mold. Depending on your climate, vinyl may or may not be suitable for your deck, as it can absorb heat from sunlight and get too hot to walk on. Older or cheaper vinyl can also be slippery, making it unsuitable for use around a pool. As a vinyl deck builder, we know quality materials are the foundation for a beautiful, long-lasting deck. We only install well-regarded, nationwide vinyl & PVC decking brands.
- Composite: Made by blending natural wood with polymer fibers, this sturdy material comes in almost unlimited colors. Composites offer advantages over PVC, such as better slip and heat resistance and a better resemblance to natural wood. Like PVC, composite decks require minimal maintenance! They do not fade under the sun or splinter, but they do need to be resealed to extend their lifespan. Finally, composite is mold-resistant. Because of these qualities, composite decks will cost more.
PVC and composites make excellent decking materials, but which would be the better investment? Both are synthetic materials engineered to provide low maintenance, durable, and long-lasting decking. Ultimately, factors like climate or whether you intend to build around a pool will affect the choice of material. Our team at Keystone Custom Decks will work with you to find the deck materials that fit your needs and budget.
Considering Add-ons
A deck just isn’t complete without some accessories. After all, your deck is meant to be your private outdoor getaway. You can enhance your enjoyment of your time outside with accessories such as:
- Outdoor Kitchen: Perfect for those who love entertaining, an outdoor kitchen can include a grill, sink, refrigerator, and food prep area. Our outdoor kitchen team will help you design a perfectly matched kitchen and island for your beautiful deck!
- Pool or Hot Tub: Integrating a pool or hot tub adds a luxurious touch. This requires additional planning, whether it’s ensuring that your deck can support the weight of your hot tub or integrating the pool with your deck to provide a seamless look. Fortunately, we have the expertise to do this for you!
- Fireplace or Firepit: Just because it’s getting colder outside doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your deck! A well-placed fireplace or firepit will add a cozy, romantic ambiance and a place to warm up after the pool or relax with the soothing warmth of crackling wood.
- Furniture: Sit out on your deck in style and comfort! You can invest in durable, weather-resistant furniture that matches your aesthetic preferences. Finally, consider getting modular pieces that can be rearranged for various occasions.
Putting these together requires some thought but will pay off with your deck’s increased functionality and enjoyment. You’re almost ready to enjoy that deck!
Finishing and Maintenance Tips
You’ve planned for your deck, built it, and added a few items to finish it out. Now, you’ll need to consider how to take care of it. These final touches on your deck make all the difference in how much you’ll enjoy it over time. Here are some considerations to protect your investment for years to come.
- Staining and Sealing: If you’ve opted for wood decking, apply a stain or sealant to protect against moisture, UV rays, and pests. You’ll also want to inspect for any damage, especially in the spring or after severe weather.
- Deck Lighting: Add lighting for ambiance and safety. A beautifully-lit deck can enhance your enjoyment of your deck in the evenings. Options include built-in lights on stairs, railings, or even under the deck.
- Regular Cleaning and Inspection: Sweep off debris or snow, wash the deck with a gentle cleaner, and inspect for damage periodically. It is vital to ensure that any damage, whether from weather, misuse, or build quality, is assessed and repaired as soon as possible.
Conclusion
We hope that you were able to learn something new with this blog and apply it to your dream deck design! Having a deck you can enjoy is an investment and a gift to your friends and family, building memories for years to come. Planning and building a deck can be hard work, but it doesn’t have to be. Let Keystone Custom Decks partner with you.
Whether you need expert advice or full-service construction, our team embodies craftsmanship, quality materials, and exceptional customer service. Ready to bring your outdoor vision to life? Contact us today to get started on your dream deck!