Decking is the ideal opportunity to extend your home into your garden. However, before building a deck on your own there are a few things you should consider that will help you build your own decking paradise.
Before you start laying down your deck boards though, it’s worth running through a quick checklist to make sure you’re covering your bases. Consider these guides at the beginning of your project and you’ll optimize design, manage the cost of building of your deck and create the backyard you dream of and not just the one you end up with.
Guides:
- Location – Planning the location for your decking is the first important step to consider. If your property size is limited, then it will probably dictate where you can build a deck but if you have a large garden then some planning is necessary.
Tip: There are no set rules that say a deck must be attached to the house. You may find a detached location at the end of your garden that will provide the perfect getaway.
- Size & Design – The size and design of your decking will be mainly determined by your deck’s location and your budget. Make sure to determine your budget before you start, as your plans for grandeur could realistically be a lot more modest.
- Materials – When choosing your decking material, it is not always about looks; durability, affordability, and maintenance are also important considerations.
- Screws & Nails – Low-quality screws and nails will corrode, discolor your deck and shorten its life. When the structure of decking fails, it is generally due to the use of faulty or low-quality fixings. Invest in stainless steel or coated decking screws that have been specifically made to resist corrosion.
- Railings & Privacy Fencing – Platform decks are the easiest to build but if it is higher than a few feet off the ground, you may need to consider installing railings for safety. If your deck is visible to your neighbor’s garden or their garden is visible while you’re on your own deck you may also want to install a privacy screening that will help block the view from either vantage point.
- Know your level of DIY Skill – Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into before you start building a deck. Decking is a large project to undertake for any person with half DIY skills, but if you’re not so confident, you may want to consider consulting a professional. You could save yourself a lot of trouble and money in the long run.
We hope that with guides we provided helped you on how to start and what to consider before installing your DIY Decking. At Nice Backyard, we supply and install Composite Decking just give us a call on (03) 9402 6483
