The Complete Guide to Designing and Caring for Your Deck

Adding a deck creates invaluable outdoor living space for relaxing, dining, or entertaining. However, building or renovating a deck requires careful planning and material selection to create your ideal outdoor retreat. This comprehensive guide covers the full process, from planning and design to material selection, construction, maintenance, and more. Follow these tips to build your dream deck.

How To Design a Deck

When starting a new deck project, layout and size are two key early considerations. Think about how you will use the space and how the deck integrates with your home's architecture.

Here are the recommended layout guidelines:

• The ideal size for comfortable furniture is 12 x 14 feet or larger. An 8 x 10-foot deck can still be functional for smaller spaces like apartment balconies.
• Allow ample perimeter space between deck railings and obstacles to prevent a cramped feeling. At least 3 feet is recommended, but more space is even better.
• Stairs should be a minimum of 3 feet wide for easy navigation. Wider is better for convenient side-by-side access.
• Place stairs near the home's back entryway for seamless indoor-outdoor access.

When designing your deck, consider your intended use of the space. Will it be for intimate family gatherings or frequently hosting large parties? This will inform decisions about shape, footprint, amenities like fire pits or pergolas, and more.

Irregular shapes beyond basic rectangles add visual interest but often cost more to build. Partnership with an experienced deck builder is key to successfully constructing unique layouts and geometries.

Composite decking provides a versatile, splinter-free alternative to wood with added durability. Quality composites blend plastic and wood fibers with realistic grain patterns and rich colors. Popular brands like Trex and TimberTech offer fade and stain warranties.

You can match the decking material or use a complementary material like steel or aluminum for railings. Most railings are 36 inches high. This satisfies the code while allowing pleasant seated views. Wrought iron is also elegant but costs more than metal or composite options.

Research permit requirements before finalizing plans. Many areas require permits for decks over 200 square feet. Your local zoning office can provide guidelines to ensure code compliance.

What Decking Material is Best?

When selecting decking boards, you have several attractive options to consider. Key factors include durability, maintenance needs, comfort underfoot, and overall cost.

Wood

• Naturally, rot-resistant woods like cedar and redwood make classic, attractive decking. Although susceptible to damage, wood can be refinished over time. Softer woods like pine are more prone to splintering.
• Pressure-treated lumber contains preservatives to resist rot and insects. It's affordable but requires caution when handling chemicals.

Composite

• Composite mixes recycled plastic and wood fibers for a splinter-free alternative with an elegant real-wood look. Brands offer fade warranties.
• Many composites have realistic wood grain patterns and enhanced traction.

PVC

• PVC decking resists mildew, stains, and scratches. But it can get hot in direct sunlight. Newer heat-reflecting options help.

Concrete

• Durable stained or stamped concrete may crack over time. Embedded heating prevents icy patches.

Tile

• Tile provides easy-to-maintain walking surfaces. Proper installation with drainage prevents cracking. Creative patterns and designs are possible.

Evaluate options based on low-maintenance benefits, durability, comfort, and overall aesthetic. Composite and PVC offer low-maintenance perks, while wood provides natural, timeless beauty.

How To Build a Deck

Once you've designed your dream deck, it's time to tackle bringing your vision to life. For most homeowners, it's wise to partner with a professional deck builder to handle the nuances of code-compliant construction.

Attempting extensive DIY construction can be challenging, especially for inexperienced homeowners. Mistakes may lead to safety issues and violations. Permitting and inspection requirements assure you that safety codes were properly followed.

Here's an overview of the basic steps:

Framing

• Posts must be properly anchored on footings and piers per local codes to prevent shifting and destabilization.
• Ledger boards securely bolt the frame to the home. Flashing prevents moisture intrusion.
• Sturdy joists, beams, and subflooring provide structural integrity.

Installing Deck Boards

• Leave 1/8" spacing between boards for drainage and contraction. Staggered end joints add stability.
• Hidden fasteners or stainless screws attach boards while allowing natural wood movement. Predrill to prevent splitting.

Adding Railings

• Per code, graspable railings require a maximum of 4" space between balusters to prevent falling.
• Connecting posts to ledger boards provides stability. Decorative lighting or planters are nice accents.

Building Stairs

• Stringers connect steps to the main frame. The optimal step depth is around 11". Too shallow or deep is hard to navigate.
• Enclose stairs with cut deck boards and match stair railings to deck railings.

Building a DIY wood deck is feasible for experienced do-it-yourselfers ready to pull permits, design footings, and safely operate power tools. But hiring a pro is often advisable.

How To Care for Your Deck

Regular cleaning and sealing keep decks looking fresh and prevent long-term damage. In addition to maintenance, inspect decks yearly and make repairs immediately to protect structural integrity.

Here are care tips for composite and wood:

Cleaning

• Wash composites annually with soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage surfaces.
• Thoroughly clean wood decks each spring and fall with a power washer on low. Allow drying before sealing.

Sealing

• Sealing is unnecessary for composites but can restore old weathered wood. Always prep and clean wood beforehand.

Repairs

• Promptly replace loose, cracked, rotting, or warped boards to prevent further deterioration. Match new boards.
• Refinish worn, patchy railings by sanding and reapplying protective sealant.

Refinishing

• Refinish wood decks every 2-3 years to maintain color tones. Always clean, sand lightly, and dry the boards first.

Winterizing

• Removing snow protects against moisture damage, mildew, and excess weight.
• Clean and store outdoor furniture cushions indoors over winter.

Consistency is key for proper deck care. Schedule seasonal power washing and inspections. Keep necessary maintenance products stocked.

So, What's the Best Decking Material?

Composite and natural wood both have pros and cons. Quality composites resist weathering and need less maintenance than wood. Trex and TimberTech composites often have stellar limited lifetime warranties covering issues like mold, staining, and decay. But despite realistic faux woodgrain patterns, some homeowners still prefer the unparalleled warmth and beauty of real hardwoods.

Ultimately, composites and PVC require less long-term maintenance, especially frequent sanding and staining. They also resist weathering and hazards like splintering bare feet. But richly grained woods like ipe, redwood, and cedar provide treasured natural elegance. Consider your priorities, like lifestyle, maintenance tolerance, and budget. Both materials can provide enduring, beautiful decks with proper installation and care. An experienced builder is key.

Learn More About Decking Design and Maintenance

The Bottom Line

Installing a custom deck creates invaluable outdoor living space for your family for decades. You can build your ideal deck and outdoor retreat with smart planning based on your needs and priorities. Research material options, codes, permits, and reputable builders. Then, develop a diligent maintenance plan to protect your investment. Follow these best practices for constructing and caring for your dream deck.