Your DIY Deck Building Guide, Part 1

For DIYers, building a deck is great test of craftsmanship and an opportunity to hone your unique style. Given the size of deck projects, it’s common for the process to feel a bit overwhelming. Even though deck building is a large construction project, having the right tips and tools goes a long way.

If you’re ready to put in some sweat equity to create your dream outdoor living space, we’re here to help. After making sure you have all the essential tools for a building a deck, it’s time to get started. In the first part of our DIY deck building guide blog series, we’re going to cover how to put together a deck plan and tips for prepping the area for construction.

Every Deck Building Project Starts with a Plan

Before the first screw or hidden fastener is installed, you need to have a deck plan. Start by checking in with the local building codes in your area. Every city has building codes that could impact the design and layout of your deck. For example, some cities require parts of the project, like the deck posts, to be inspected before any further construction. Since you’ll be digging holes for the deck foundation, have all the underground utilities marked by the appropriate authority.

Tips for Creating Your Composite Deck Design

Once you have that information, it’s time to start designing the space. Start with deck dimensions, weighing factors including the types of activities the deck is going to be used for and how much room you’ll need to accommodate them, available space in the yard, budget, etc. A composite deck that is going to have a grill and full dining table will likely need to have larger dimensions than a deck that will only need a cozy sitting area.

It’s also recommended for DIYers to:

• Make sure the design accounts for the deck railing, so it’s clear of the home’s doors and windows.

• Try to stick to common deck board sizes if possible. You don’t want to have thinner pieces of composite decking toward the edges of the deck. Most composite deck boards are 5.5 inches wide, so you’ll want to account for that in your plans.

• Similarly, note that simpler designs with straight lines and single levels will be easier for a DIY installation than complicated angles and step-downs.

If you want some help or inspiration creating your deck plan, we have a deck visualizer and online tools you can use. Our deck visualizer tool allows you to get a better idea of how different decking colors will match with our numerous railing technologies, and infill options.

How to Lay Out the Deck Area

Now that you have a deck plan on paper, the first step in construction is laying out the deck plan in your yard. This process will require you to either make batter boards (temporary frames to help outline the deck) or use stakes to tie strings on.

Let’s go through the steps you’ll need to do:

1. Mark the perimeter of your deck design: Place batter boards or stakes slightly outside of where your deck will be built. Next, you’re going to tie strings to mark the outer edges of the deck.

1. Make sure the strings are level: Once the strings are attached, you’ll want to make sure they’re level. As you check this, be sure to mark where the string is on the batter board.

1. Remove the grass from the deck area: Before you can start building your deck, you’ll want a level area of dirt where the sub-structure will go. Some DIYers prefer to use a sod cutter to make this step easier, but a shovel will work as well.

1. Mark the deck post locations: The specific layout of your deck posts will vary depending on what design you’ve chosen. Start measuring from the house and run a string line for each row of needed posts. Then mark the location of each individual deck post on the strings themselves and use spray paint to mark the ground underneath it.?

1. Determine the height of the deck posts: Now that you have a clear picture of where each deck post will go, it’s time to determine how tall they will be. The deck itself should be a few inches below the home’s door level. Measure the composite deck board thickness, width of your joists, and support beams; that combined height must be considered for your deck posts

Set Up Your Deck Building Project for Success with Envision

Now that we’ve covered the first crucial DIY steps for building a deck, stay tuned for part two where we’ll dive into installing post holes, building the deck framing, and more!

If you’re interested in finding more support for your project, we’re here to help. Explore our idea gallery for inspiration, request a quote for materials, and find a dealer to start your deck building project off right.