Decking Checklist Before Installation
Having a deck can be a nice addition to your home, but a lot of thought should be put into the entire process. Things from budget and purpose to materials and design are important for a deck project. Use the guide below as a checklist to make sure all the proper elements are considered.
1. What purpose will the deck have?
When thinking about installing a deck, ask yourself how you’ll want to use it. To surround the pool? Outdoor dining? Entertaining? Whatever the answer is, keep that vision in mind when it’s time to design the deck. This will help get the most enjoyment out of your new outdoor addition.
2. How much will it cost?
The average homeowner in 2024 pays about $3,920-$7,320 to build a deck. The cost per square foot is about $21. Factors such as the type of material chosen, hardware involved, laboring costs, and how big the deck will be makes the price fluctuate.
3. What are the material options?
The different kinds of material for decks are very broad. The main categories are:
- Hardwood: popular species for decks are Ipe, Cedar, and Redwood.
- Pressure-treated wood: treated with preservatives to prolong its use.
- Composite: engineered material made with a mix of ingredients like wood fibers and plastic.
- PVC: engineered polyvinyl chloride (plastic) with the realistic look of wood.
- Aluminum: best for high traffic areas and is slip-resistant.
4. Where should the deck go and what building codes apply?
Before installing a deck, check with your local city or town hall to see if permits or any other regulations needs to be considered. If hiring a contractor to do the job, they will know the local regulations and should obtain any required permits.
When it comes to choosing which area to install the deck, sometimes it’s a clear decision. If there’s more than one possible spot to install your deck, consider a couple of these factors:
- Evaluate the quality of your ground for maximum stability.
- Determine which direction the sun rises and sets for personal comfort.
- If scenic views can be seen from any of the spots.
- Ease of access from deck to house
5. How should it be designed?
Once you have the materials and budget in mind, it’s time to figure out how you want the deck to look. Decks shouldn’t overplay or underplay a home. Instead, it should complement it as if it was built with the house. Proportion and color are two big factors to consider when designing a deck.
6. What makes a deck stand out?
There are a lot of options for customization to make your deck one of a kind. Colors/stains, materials, lighting, and other things can be a potential wow factor. Click here for inspiration.
With this checklist, you should have a better direction to go in when installing a deck. YBC offers all the decking materials you’ll need for the project. Click here to view our offered products.