A deck in your backyard is a great way to offer more space for gathering, relaxing, and entertaining. By investing in a deck for your backyard, you’ll be able to enjoy time outside while turning an overlooked space into a functional and beautiful outdoor oasis.
Having a nice deck in your backyard can also increase the value of your home, as it provides a great place to entertain guests or even just to sit and appreciate the serenity of your environment. As long as you properly maintain your deck, it can last for decades.
Installing a deck is fairly simple if you have the right supplies, tools, and expertise. It’s important to do your research and to ensure you’re taking the proper safety and construction measures while working on your deck.
Gathering Building Supplies for your Deck
Before you start building your deck, you’ll want to make sure you have the necessary materials and tools. This will include boards, posts, screws, deck clips, and, of course, a deck plan. Also, check to make sure you have the safety equipment, such as gloves, eyewear, and footwear, needed to work in a yard.
You can choose from a variety of materials and surface finishes when building your deck, from wood to zinc. Before making any decisions, it’s important to research all of the options to ensure you get the best product for your specific project.
Installing the Deck Foundation
Once you’ve gathered your building supplies, the next step is to create a sturdy and level foundation for your deck. You’ll want to ensure the base is level, as this will make it easier to assemble and configure the deck. You’ll also want to make sure you properly secure the foundation and make sure any screws or nails are secured tightly.
After that, you’ll need to space out your posts on top of the foundation. Use the measurements from the deck plan to make sure you’re spacing out the posts evenly. You’ll also want to make sure each post is secure and level. Once the posts are in place, you can start to construct your deck.
Next, you’ll need to attach the boards to the posts. Make sure the boards form a level surface and are properly cut. You can use deck clips to secure the boards to the posts. After all the boards are in place, you can jump to adding staircases if needed.
Deck Finishing Touches
- Sand down any rough edges on boards and posts
- Secure deck to house, if necessary
- Add patio furnishings
- Construct stairs
- Install railings on stairs and deck edge
- Add lighting, plants and outdoor accessories
Conclusion
Building and installing a deck in your backyard can involve many steps. As long as you gather the right materials and tools, take the necessary safety precautions, make sure your foundation is level, and secure your deck with nail or screws, you can have a functional and beautiful outdoor space in no time.