DIY Guide to Adding a Composite Deck to Your Home

Composite decking is a superior product for creating a variety of exterior complements to your home. Read on to learn more about using this material when adding a deck to your home.

You can increase your property value and add considerable functional and practical benefits to your home life by adding a composite deck to your home. If you want to go down the DIY path you will want to be sure to create a product that will reward you for years to come.

Composite decking is an impressive material that is created from recycled wood and plastic compounds, but it is crafted to look like all natural wood. This constituents of composite decking combine to create a material that has all the beauty of real wood with an impressive durability and longevity found in the best synthetic materials. The final result will be an awesome construction that will support all needs and look great the whole time.

Benefits of Building a DIY Deck

Your new deck will be a proud and worthy product if given sufficient time and thought and the benefits will be manifold. Here are some of the advantages of doing this work by yourself.

• No labor costs

Typically, the task of constructing a deck will be accomplished by a contractor for thousands of dollars. Depending on the specifics of your project, you will find that doing the work yourself can slash the cost of your expenses by as much as 66%.

• Can tweak budget

If you save cash on your labor costs, you have more cash to invest in this project. You could use this cash to add some attractive deck furniture to your project. You could also choose a better quality composite material, the cash could even go back into your pocket for savings. The DIY approach allows you to save cash and change the plan as you see fit.

• Greater control

When you choose to do the project yourself, your imagination are the only limits to your design and options. You can choose the screws you’d like and then customize the positioning of your deck to suit any fling your heart desires. After considering every last detail of the project in mind and your values for it, you can construct a deck that fulfills your expectations down to the smallest detail.

When you are constructing your deck you will want to make sure that the planning you are applying is perfect down to the tiniest details. Here are some things to consider when beginning your deck project.

Determine Deck Dimensions: General Considerations

The first decision will be concerning the dimensions of your project that will be essential to determining the function and appearance of your deck. Here are some of the questions you should ask yourself when considering the needs for your space.

• Where do I attach the deck?

You will need a space with relatively level ground that matches the layout and structure of your home. Consider what the view from the deck will be as well as how the deck will be accessed

• What will I put on the deck?

Consider things like the tables, benches, chairs and BBQ pit.

• How much room will the deck provide?

Think of what kind of activities you would like to perform on the deck. This will give you an idea of what kind of space you will need.

• What deck-to-house proportions should be considered?

A deck that is too large can overshadow your home, but a deck that is too small may seem odd next to large house. As a good rule of thumb, the deck should be no larger than the largest room of the home.

Now that you have covered these important basic questions, you can begin setting the dimensions of your new deck. The building materials you order should be purchased at the right sizes and many are available in increments of two feet. By keeping the dimensions as close to your needs as you can you avoid having to do a lot of cutting during construction.

Determine Deck Dimensions: Surface Area and Height

The next two important considerations for your DIY deck will have to do with the surface area and height of your deck. Some of the important information you need to include when considering the dimensions for this project include:

• Most decks are not as deep as they are wide and the length of the deck runs parallel to the home.
• The smallest deck that will still have room for a table will be about 144 square feet or 12’X12’.
• The average area of the deck is between 300’ – 400’ square. Some decks will even include multiple-levels. A common dimension used is 12’X24’.

• Larger decks can be much larger than your average sized deck and many include multiple levels that make it easier to designate spaces for different projects or activities.

Here are some things to consider when planning deck height:

• If you have a deck that lines up with a access door, the height should be two inches more or less than the height of the door frame.

• If you will be building a high-level deck that connects to a second level door, you will be taking on a particularly advanced construction project. Without professional experience, this can be a risky endeavor.

While the rule of thumb states that your deck should not exceed the dimensions of your largest bedroom, this can be ignored completely if the activities you and your family want to engage in require more space. Keep your own needs in mind when choosing the best size for your home’s deck.

Maintenance-Free Decking Supplies and Professional Assistance

Our expert Twin Cities deck builders and Chicagoland deck builders are here for you at every step of the way, from professional consultation to quality product recommendations.

Whether you are a DIY homeowner looking to install your own deck rails or you want to enlist the help of professionals, UglyDeck.com can help with any of your decking and railing needs.  We can assist the DIY homeowner with How to Build a Composite Deck.  We also have an award-winning UglyDeck DIY Academy available to customers who desire a high-quality finished project.

Contact us today, or visit one of our showrooms to talk with a member of our UglyDeck.com team about all your decking needs and goals!