Five Essentials to Deck Additions
Whether you’re building a small paver pad or a huge wooden deck, you’ll need to have the best materials, tools and experience to get the job done right. No matter if you’re an expert home improvement aficionado or a first time DIY weekend warrior, you can bet that it’s important to include the following five essential deck building steps so you can be sure you get the most out of your new deck, porch or patio.
Steps
It’s really important when a deck is attached to your home to have it step down a few inches to keep water out when it rains. Whether your porch, patio or deck is made from wood, concrete or brick, be sure to step it down out of any door a minimum of 3 ½” inches.
Steps that lead down from a deck are a different matter. Most steps are made with a 7″ riser height and 10″ step or tread width. Use my guide to building stairs to help you get the idea of how it’s done. Learn how to install concrete steps right here. Get the most out of your step building project by using these five essential step building tools.
Lighting
One of the most neglected parts of deck, patio and porch design is the lighting. During the evening hours is one of the best times to use your outdoor space, but without the right lighting system, you can bet that its usefulness will diminish in the dark. Keep the barbecue party going into the night with my guide to installing deck lighting.
The Right Materials
They say clothes make the man and deck boards make the deck. If you’re planning on building a raised deck, then wood and composite materials come to mind. Find out the difference between the two with this article on composite vs. wood decking. If you’re looking for the ultimate in green decking, check out “ecofriendly decking materials“ and you’ll be surprised at what decking materials have the least ecological impact. Once you’ve decided upon a quality decking material, buy the correct amount by using my guide to deck board estimation.
Railings
Deck railings are an essential part of any raised deck or enclosed space. Many different types of deck railings exist and can be easily installed using this guide to deck railings. Be sure to follow manufactures specification on prebuilt deck railings as they often vary from region to region. Check with your local building department for any special specifications on railings in your area.
Tools
Without the right tools to build your deck, you’ll never get the project to run smoothly. A simple saw and hammer just won’t do the trick when building a quality deck, patio or porch. Check out my list of the five most essential tools you’ll need to build a deck and be sure to be well prepared for the many challenges that can come with building a deck.
More Great Home Improvement Articles by Eric Brennan
10 Ways to Save Gutters and Downspouts
