Are you dreaming of building an outdoor oasis of your own? Decks are a great way to accomplish that! Especially if it is done by a custom deck builder suited to all your specifications!
From selecting the right materials and tools to designing and constructing the deck, this guide provides detailed advice on every aspect of the project. Constructing a deck is a complex undertaking, but this helpful guide makes the process accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding.
Previous Projects
With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently design and build a deck that will serve as a beautiful, personal outdoor retreat for years to come.
Custom Deck Builders to Assess Your Space
Before you begin building a deck, you’ll want to assess your space to determine if it’s a good site for a deck. Your site will be an important factor in the type of deck you build, so it’s essential to consider site conditions. You’ll want to start by considering the following:
Is your site sunny or shady?
Is it windy?
To determine the best site for your deck, you’ll need to consider things like the amount of sunlight the site receives and what your preferred shade levels are.
You’ll likely want to build your deck in a shaded area, so your deck doesn’t get too hot. You’ll also want to consider wind conditions. If your site is frequently windy, you might not want to build a deck there.
Choosing the right materials
Choosing the materials for your deck is an important first step in the construction process. You’ll want to select a sturdy and durable material that will stand up to wear and tear. You’ll also want to consider any aesthetic preferences you have.
Once you’ve chosen a material, you’ll want to select a color, finish, and texture that will blend with your aesthetic preferences and the surrounding landscape. Wood: If you want a natural, eco-friendly deck, wood is the perfect choice.
There are many types of wood that can be used in decking, such as cedar, redwood, cypress, or ipe. You’ll want to select a wood type that blends well with your garden or yard. Our team at S.M.A.R.T. DECK BUILDER are happy to help and guide you in choosing the best-suited material for your custom deck.
Designing the layout of your deck
Before you begin constructing your deck, you’ll want to design the layout of the deck on paper. You can use computer software to create a digital layout of your deck, which is an easy way to create a visual representation of the deck design. This is a helpful way to visualize the deck, and you can make changes to the layout easily as you go.
You can start designing your deck by sketching out the layout on paper. You can also use computer software to design the deck layout. There are numerous computer software programs designed specifically for creating deck layouts. You can use software to create a digital version of your layout, which you can then easily edit as you go through the construction process.
Worried about doing the design process on your own? With S.M.A.R.T. DECK BUILDER, we’ll closely work with you during the design development, carefully piecing together your deck’s final look and layout using the latest technology.
Building the frame and floor of your deck
The next step in building your deck is constructing the frame and floor. Before you begin framing, you’ll want to lay out the joists and mark the joist locations. You can use a framing square to mark the joist locations, and you can also use a laser level for straight and accurate marks. Once you’ve marked the joist locations, you’ll want to install the joists.
Next, you’ll want to install the deck frame. You can use joist hangers to easily and securely install the frame. You’ll want to install the frame on the inside of the deck frame so the frame is invisible. After installing the frame, you can start laying the decking boards.
Adding stairs and railings
After you’ve built the frame and laid the deck boards, you can install the stairs and railings. You can build deck stairs using a few different construction methods. If you want the stairs to be visible, you can use a closed-stringer design, where the stringers are visible. This design is common for wide stairs. Another option is to use an open-stringer design, where the stringers are hidden behind the boards.
This design is more common for narrow stairs. You can install railings after you’ve installed the stairs. Depending on your deck design, you can install handrails, balustrades, or both. After installing railings, you can finish the deck off with deck accessories, like footrests, chairs, tables, and hammocks.
Installing the deck boards
Installing the deck boards is the final step in building your deck. This is where the hard work really begins. You don’t want to rush the installation of the boards, as rushing the process can result in an unsightly deck. Follow these tips to ensure you install the boards correctly:
- TIP #1: Use a square to ensure boards are leveled and perpendicular. Make sure the square is at a 90-degree angle to each board before nailing the boards.
- TIP #2: Make sure the nails are flush with the board. If the nail is not flush with the board, it will be visible.
- TIP #3: Use a level to ensure boards are even and straight.
Finishing touches
Once you’ve completed the installation of the deck boards, your deck will be nearly finished. You’ll want to seal the new wood to protect it against the elements and extend its life. You can use a high-quality sealer to protect your deck.
You’ll also want to consider staining the wood to give it a beautiful, rich color. You can use a wood stain on new wood or used wood. You can also use a wood stain on any wood type. Staining wood is a cost-effective way to give new wood a personalized look.
You can use a deck stain on new deck boards. Wood stains are easy to use, and they’re available in many different color choices. Once you’ve completed the stain, you can seal the wood to protect it against the elements and extend its life.
Maintenance and care of your deck
Once your deck is complete, you can enjoy it for many years to come. You’ll want to regularly maintain your deck to keep it in good condition. You can perform simple maintenance tasks, like sweeping the deck and cleaning off debris, to keep your deck clean and tidy. You can also seal your deck to protect it against the elements and extend its life.
You’ll also want to apply a finish every few years. You can apply wax or a sealant to your deck as needed. You’ll also want to consider the plant life around your deck. You don’t want plants growing through your deck boards or boards because they can damage the wood. You can plant flowers or plants around your deck to give it a sense of place.
S.M.A.R.T. DECK BUILDER: The Best Custom Deck Builder in Denver, CO
We are an industry leader in deck design and building, making sure that we only deliver excellent results to our clients. Our deck specialist will work with you to create the best design for your specific needs and work with you every step of the way until the finish.
We’ll discuss deck materials, layout, colors, add-ons (railings, stairs, and lighting), and plans with a hand sketch of a design idea for your deck project so that the end result is exactly how you imagined it would be. We put the “custom” in the custom deck builder. Call us today at 303-720-6640 for a FREE estimate!
Latest Posts
Related: deck design tool, trex deck design, custom deck builders, llc, deck design software free, do it yourself deck designer, deck designer, custom deck builders, composite deck builder