How To Build Your Own Deck Alexandria VA

There are few ways to add value to your home more easily than by building a deck. A deck adds outdoor entertaining and living space. Additionally, when you build your own deck, you get to enjoy it along with a sense of accomplishment. Building your own deck is not that difficult if you just follow some simple steps.

The firs step in any home improvement project is to do some planning. For a deck, you have to decide where you want to put the deck, how big it will be, and how high off the ground it will go. To get an idea of size, rope off or mark off the deck area with something so that you can see how it is going to look when you are done. Once you know size, you can begin to plan budget. A basic rule of thumb is to budget somewhere around four dollars per square foot.

Next, make sure you have the right tools and materials. You will need a cordless drill, a long level, a sliding miter or chop saw, and a carpenter's square. There is a chance that you won't need one or two of the tools, but it is always better to have too many tools than not enough.

You will also need materials. You can order them from your local home improvement store and have them delivered to your home. Thought that costs a little more, you may be better off getting the material that way than trying to make 20 trips to the store or renting a truck. Like with the tools, remember that it is much better to have too much material than not enough. You can always return what you don't use.

Though you could dig post holes to start your deck. One great short cut that is gaining popularity is to purchase deck piers. These are concrete footings that are notched for standard sized wood and preformed to support your deck. If you take that route, then your next move will be to get the piers in place and level. Set diagonals first so that the middle is easier to level as you go.

Next, build your deck frame. With the piers, this is just a matter of placing them and then nailing the perimeter boards in place. This is a quick process and should not take you a long time once you get the piers leveled.

Finally, you are ready to screw down your deck boards. On top of your frame you will screw down each deck board with deck screws by using your cordless drill. Make sure you have an extra battery or a long cord because you will likely go through one with all the screws. Make sure you place boards carefully, and once you have the last one in place you are all done.

As you can see, building a deck is not really difficult as long as you take your time and plan it out. If you have the right tools and right materials, you can find all the help you need online or through your local home improvement store. Once you deck is done, you will have something about which you can be proud for years to come.

WARNING: Use caution with any power tools. Follow safety instructions with the tools, wear proper eye protection, and keep all safety features in place.