Many people are jumping at the chance to get house projects underway, and adding a deck is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors as the weather continues to heat up.
If you’re planning a deck project, here are some questions you need to ask before getting started:
Should I DIY or hire a contractor to build my deck?
There are a handful of essential items to consider when planning your decking project. One of the bigger questions is: who is doing the work? Some homeowners like to roll up their sleeves and bring their deck ideas to life themselves, while others would rather have a professional handle the dirty work.
Ask yourself:
- Do I have the tools available to build a deck?
- Do I have the time to build a deck myself?
Though hiring a professional will cost more money, you’ll have access to all the experience and expertise to get the job done to the highest standard, on time, and on budget. Ultimately, it depends on what you’re going to be most comfortable with.
UglyDeck.com offers full deck installation services, but our team is also here to support DIY’ers, too! Beyond providing a superior variety of materials, our team can help with providing design ideas or answering questions you might have about the deck building process.
What permits do I need before I build a deck?
You will need to get a permit before building your deck. Check with your local city hall to get started, but you can typically expect to submit your deck design for approval prior to starting. Getting a permit ensures that everything is approved and done to code, saving you potential fines and other hassles in the long run.
Read more about getting a permit
What materials should I use to build a deck?
There are a handful of different materials that you can use to build a deck. One of the more common options is pressure-treated woods. They are one of the most inexpensive material options for a deck, but they do require annual maintenance, such as cleaning, staining, and waterproofing.
Other woods, such as redwood or exotic woods, can be used and are naturally more resistant to pests and rotting. Tropical hardwoods are dense, heavy, and can be difficult to drill into. Both options are also more expensive than pressure-treated lumber, and require annual cleaning and sealing every few years.
Composite, maintenance-free decking material comes in a variety of colors and styles, and manufacturers have accompanying deck accessories like balusters and handrails. Composite decking material is typically more expensive than lumber options, but doesn’t require any sanding, staining, or sealing.
View UglyDeck.com’s maintenance free decking materials
Take a look through our project galleries for inspiration for your next decking project. Whether you decide to do it yourself or hire an expert, these tips will prepare you to ask the right questions and get you the deck of your dreams!
Contact UglyDeck.com to request a quote today!