You know you want a deck, but where do you start? Not at the lumberyard, do-it-yourselfers. The first step starts at home, and in most cases, with a contractor. Your deck – if Done Right! – will involve framers, a plumber, an electrician, possibly a roofer and maybe even an architect. A contractor can manage a deck from assessment and design through build – including the management of all subs. So, consider the following before grabbing a beer and tool belt. A deck Done Right is not a job for the faint-of-heart.

Before the Project

How are you going to use it? The intended use of your deck is the most important consideration. Will it be used for entertaining? Do you want built-in seating? Will you need a deck cover or awning? Are you planning on plants or planter boxes? How will existing landscaping be affected? Where will your barbeque go and what kind will it be? And how will you see at night? (You may laugh, but lighting is one of the most overlooked steps by deck-do-it-yourselfers.) Plus, if you live where the nights are chilly do you want a space heater or a groovy outdoor fireplace?

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Basic design. The size and shape of your backyard most likely influences this decision, but you may be thinking about a deck off the master bedroom or above the garage. If it’s the latter, know that any deck with living space underneath (and, yes, garages are considered living space) must adhere to strict fire safety regulations that will, in many ways, drive both your design and your choice of materials. And though a deck seems far different than a roof in terms of its ability to shed water, it’s not. Insurance companies will tell you that far too many water damage problems are due to decks that don’t properly drain.

Are there any zoning or code issues? In most communities, homeowner’s associations (HOA) and/or municipal building departments will have some sort of regulations pertaining to the construction of decks. Most strict are the rules and regulations regarding safety. For example, your railings will have very specific height and width requirements. The typical rule of thumb is around 3′ for height and 4″ between slats (or, no bigger than a baby’s head). But if your pet Chihuahua can shoot between the 4″ slats then consider a tighter design, or even clear Plexiglass. HOAs and city building codes may also dictate what types of materials can be used and where a deck can be built in relation to your home, the property line and your neighbor’s home. Don’t think for a minute that decks escape the scrutiny of design review boards – if you live in an area where views are an integral part of home values, fully expect your neighbors to pipe up about what you think is “just a little old” deck. Lastly, your local building department may require permits and inspections. If you don’t pull permits for your deck it can really come to haunt you when you go to sell your home.

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Decks aren’t just about wood anymore. Termites have seen to that. Trex – and other products like it – are an increasingly popular decking material constructed of recycled wood and plastic, and although it may not look exactly like wood, the trade-off is compelling: NO MORE TERMITES and a big break for old-growth trees. Other popular tree-saving options are tile, concrete and even aluminum. All come with varying price tags, maintenance and safety issues so do your research. Better yet, ask your Done Right contractor.

During the Project

Permits. Once you have an approved design plan, it’s time for your contractor to begin work. In most cases, this will begin with the pulling of permits. You can also expect periodic inspections by your local building department. This stage of the project takes more time than you think. You may not hear the hammers a-hammerin’ or the saws a-sawin’ yet, but in today’s world filing papers and appeasing city officials is important stuff that is critical to your project and the value it ultimately adds to your life and your home.

It is important to note that while your contractor will provide the most accurate job estimate possible, unforeseen problems are bound to arise. So, while extra expenses are never welcomed, you have to expect them. You’ve heard of Murphy and his law…well, construction is where Murphy reigns supreme. It’s important to remember your contractor wants you to be happy. So, if he or she discovers a utility line in the exact location where a support post is supposed to go, know this is one of those unforeseen events. Being informed and prepared and flexible makes you a better customer and if anything in construction is certain it’s this: better customers get better work.

The Build. Here’s a basic idea of how the project will proceed after you’ve pulled all permits and finalized the plans with your contractor:

• Site Preparation. If your deck is being built over grass, the turf will be cleared to expose bare soil. If there is concrete below, holes may be cut out for the support posts, which need to be sunk. This is the foundation for your new deck. Your contractor may also place a ledger board on the side of your house. This will act as the anchor point for your deck. From here, all the floor joists and overhead beams will be attached. In some cases, this may require the removing of siding. Be prepared for an unappealing scar that will go away as the work progresses.
• Construction. Once the support posts are sunk and secured in the ground, it’s time for your deck to take shape. Floor joists and/or overhead beams will be attached to the ledger board. These will be used to attach decking (what you walk on) or any overhead slats. Simultaneously, a plumber will come out and plumb for water (a must-have for plant boxes/drainage) and a gas line for your barbeque, if you so choose. If you have any living space beneath the proposed deck you will require a layer of waterproofing material – often applied by a roofer – prior to setting tile, wood, or whichever surface material you choose. And, of course, the services of an electrician will be required for wiring your new lighting.
• The Finishing Touches. Once the basic structure of your deck is complete, the last step is to add any additional architectural detail: fancy railings, flower boxes, a potting station, a built-in barbeque. And, decks can be painted, stained, treated with clear sealants or other finishes, depending on the material. Remember to discuss these items with your contractor before work begins so they can be built into the original design and estimate. (“Oh, that bid didn’t include sealing the deck,” are words you don’t want to hear.)

After the Project

Your contractor will tell you how important it is to follow guidelines to extend the life of your deck. All of you “I-wanted-to-do-more-of-it-myself-ers” should be pleased to know that with a deck the work never really ends: get into a yearly ritual of power cleaning sanding, staining, painting and sealing. And a good sweeping and hosing off can add years to your deck’s life. But most of all enjoy your deck. It’s a great place for you and your family to build a lifetime of memories.