Do you love to relax outdoors? Are you appreciative of nature? Are you feeling cramped in your indoor living space? You might want to consider building a deck. The construction of a deck is the first step in creating a fantastic outdoor space for your home. So if you are looking to enhance your home and rejuvenate your outdoor living space with a deck, this article will guide you through the process, from planning and designing a space that fits your lifestyle to choosing the right materials and giving you an idea on the construction cost.
What are decks made of?
Decks are usually made of wood. It is commonly known as wood decks. A pressure-treated lumber is the standard material used in the construction of decks. It is the standard material for decks that are known to withstand any weather. Most pressure-treated lumber is wet when delivered from the store so homeowners should need to let it dry before staining. It will typically take about six months for the pressure-treated lumber to be dried. Because of this, homeowners would use an alternative material such as hardwoods and composite decking.
How to construct a deck?
If you want to build a deck that will give you years of satisfaction, you should start with prep and planning. The preparation includes checking with the local building codes and securing permits and other building requirements. After securing all the building requirements, homeowners can proceed to design. Homeowners may think about specific details that will help them with their deck design. Of course, those homeowners who might not want to spend time in the design can always ask help from professional contractors for suggestions. Also included in the planning is the size of the wood deck. Factors that need to be considered in planning the size include about making sure that the wood deck will have enough space for outdoor furniture and that people can move around the wood deck. The size should also be based on the deck boards, which are typically 5 ½ inches wide. It is advisable to plan a deck size that will not leave narrow pieces at the ends.
When wood decks are constructed just over the land area, homeowners may be based it on a deck layout. Batter boards are then used and placed beyond the corners of the planned area where wood decks will be set up. Then strings are also placed to ensure the alignment of wood decks. The last part is the laying of deck boards, which is based on the strings. Other homeowners would consider building wood decks with deck stairs. That will depend on the design that homeowners would like to follow as well as the shape of the land where the house was constructed.
Moreover, safety should also be considered as significant when constructing wood decks. Contractors should wear a dust mask and eye protection when handling or cutting the wood. Also, hands should be washed after working with the treated wood. Sawdust and other waste must be disposed of according to local regulations. Homeowners should also know that it is not recommended to burn pressure-treated wood instead these materials should be disposed of together with other household items.
Why construct a deck?
Aside from the fact that wood decks can enhance the beauty of a house and give homeowners the space to relax outdoors, a wood deck is also the perfect way to improve the value of your home. Adding on something to a house can increase the square footage of a livable space thus increasing the value of the house.
How much will it cost to construct a deck?
There are a number of factors that need to be considered when determining homeowner’s budget for their new deck. The more elaborate deck design and choice of materials, the higher the cost of the deck. Homeowners should keep those factors in their mind. The cost of professionally installing pressured-treated wood deck starts at about $15 per square foot. However, the cost would start at about $35 per square foot if homeowners would want to use hardwoods and other composite materials for their decks. The labor represents 50% to 60% of the typical project costs. Other factors that contribute to wood deck installation cost includes added taxes and insurance costs. Moreover, homeowners should learn how to hire professionals and manage a budget for their wood deck construction project. Homeowners should ask questions and discover budget-friendly options.
Conclusion
If you want to experience outdoor spaces in a beautiful and relaxing way, then you should consider constructing or installing a wood deck. Aside from the fact that it increases the square footage of the house and enhances its beauty, it also increases the home value when in situations of a resale. Homeowners should also think about how to maintain their wood decks. Homeowners might want to research or get tips on how to continue enjoying their wood decks all year long.
We, at Fidelity & Designs, pride ourselves on being professional, reliable, and affordable. We can help you convert your garage into an income property. We are fully licensed and fully insured. Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-877-405-0409