How to Plan a Deck: Thinking Through Design & Layout

08 January, 2023

BACKYARD DECK & PATIO IN HOUSTON

Considering adding a deck to your home? A deck gives you a beautiful, functional outdoor living space where you can enjoy the great outdoors without leaving behind all the comforts of home. To learn how to plan a deck, you’ll need to think through several factors, from cost considerations right down to installation.

A Brief Look at Deck Anatomy

Before learning the steps for how to plan a deck, you need to know just what a deck’s components are.

Get insight on everything from footers to joist spacing, so you can plan like a pro.

Step 1: Decide if You’ll DIY or Work With a Contractor

DIY-ing your deck will save you on labor costs, but it also may influence certain factors of your build based on your skillset and time constraints.

Work With a Contractor

Working with a contractor will add to your overall deck costs but a contractor’s skillset and equipment better ensures your deck will meet your needs and aesthetic preferences — and is built up to code.

Plus, you’ll avoid doing the work yourself.

Step 2: Consider Cost Factors

The cost to build a deck will depend primarily on the following factors:

Additional Costs: Will Your Deck Require Pre-Work?

Pre-work refers to any work that needs to happen prior to your deck build to ensure the success of your project. These measures can affect the cost of your build, as well as the time it takes to complete.

Examples include:

An existing substructure that needs to be torn down.

Landscaping work to clear or level the area your deck will be built.

Addressing any jobsite access restraints.

Step 3: Determine Deck Shape & Size

To think through the right size and shape for your build, you’ll need to consider several factors, including:

Deck Function

How do you primarily plan to use your deck? A low, sprawling deck will suit large gatherings, but might not give you the cozy feel you want for a quiet retreat.

How to plan a deck project featuring multi-level home with cobblestone chimney in furnished backyard deck

Home Architectural Style

Your deck should complement your home exterior both in size and shape. To keep it simple, a classic rectangle is a good choice for any style of home.

How to plan a deck project featuring a poolside deck behind a single family home

Yard Layout

Space available in your yard as well as existing features such as landscaping or a patio, pool, or a slope will all affect your deck size and shape.

Before you confirm your deck design, it’s a good idea to confirm it’s safe to dig in your backyard. US residents can call 811. The presence of electrical wires, plumbing, sewer lines, and other utilities underground can affect where your footings go — which, in turn, could influence the location and size of your deck.

Step 4: Acquire Your Residential Building Permit

Once you have a basic idea of your deck plan, the next step for how to plan a deck? Acquiring a building permit.

While every municipality is different, acquiring a permit usually requires submitting a drawing for approval to your local building codes department and then undergoing an inspection process.

Step 5: Decide on Deck Material

When considering your deck material options, you’ll want to think through not only the upfront price, but also long-term costs for maintenance and repairs or replacements.

Your primary deck material choices include:

Traditional Wood

Includes pressure-treated lumber, softwoods like cedar, and hardwoods, like Ipe.

CHOOSE FOR:

Regular maintenance (seriously). All traditional wood options will require costly, rigorous maintenance every year or two after installation, increasing your workload.

Display swatch of Tigerwood composite deck boards

Capped Composite

A blend of recycled wood and high-performance polymers, protected with a fully engineered cap and made from majority recycled material.

CHOOSE FOR:

An enduringly beautiful deck with minimal upkeep.

CHOOSE FOR:

High-performance, low-maintenance decking that delivers your best life outdoors.

🔨Let us find the solution that works best for you and your roofing needs.

Source: timbertech

Portton Construction Inc: We are a General Contractor in Houston and surrounding areas. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, we provide general contractor needs for all domestic markets. In need of a home makeover? Look no further! We provide services in all areas of home remodeling.

BACKYARD DECK & PATIO IN HOUSTON

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