The Deck Supply has more to offer than just the industry’s best materials for your deck. Our team also offers priceless advice to get the job done right. While there are many reasons to take your project into your own hands, there are a few things everyone should know when it comes to DIY deck construction.
Talk to our dexperts in a showroom near you, or keep reading to get the essential tips for every stage of your project.
Planning and Plotting
Building a Frame
Installing Your Flooring
Adding Railing
Dive Into Your Deck Project
Planning and Plotting
Before ever putting on gloves and grabbing a shovel, start with a pencil and paper first. The following tips will help you design the foundation and plan your project for success!
Tip 1: Determine the Lay of the Land
No matter how flat you think your land is, there are always natural contours to understand. Your landscape may have slopes and obstacles that can interfere with conventional piers and support structures.
In many cases, under-deck flooding can be a major foundational hazard. To make the most out of your DIY construction, control under-deck drainage with TREX RainEscapes and other supplies. Our dexperts can make recommendations on how to mitigate the damage water can cause around your deck area.
Tip 2: Factor in Wind and Rain
Since your deck lives outside, rain, wind, sun, and snow can all affect the materials you need. This will also help us determine the depth of a pier needed to meet code requirements and avoid frost heave. Our dexperts can help you consider an alternative like Diamond Piers.
Tip 3: Elevate Your Understanding
The elements and natural slope will help determine how high your deck needs to be and where it can be mounted properly. The height of your deck will also help us account for framing needs and code requirements. As the rest of your deck takes shape, each stage comes with its own intricacies. A well-thought-out design makes your entire project easier from the start.
Building a Frame
To source, cut, and assemble all the lumber or metal for your frame, there are many intricacies that go into building a deck by yourself! Here are 3 tips from our team for a lasting, sturdy frame.
Tip 1: Consider Your Surroundings
Depending on where you live in the US, you may have options like treated Southern Yellow Pine, Douglas Fir, or Western Red Cedar. For things like pool decks and docks, more durable materials may be required. Some of our alternative options include systems from Fortress Steel or New Castle Steel, and aluminum frames by AZEK.
Tip 2: Secure Lasting Connections
Make sure connections are strong—and up to code. Some areas of the country require robust frames to hold different loads. If you plan to host parties and have lots of people on your deck, you should also consider adding extra joists and fasteners to your frame. This helps spread the additional weight evenly to avoid unnecessary stress to your deck.
Tip 3: Blocking and Posts
Configuring stairs and blocking for posts can be mounted later in your DIY deck construction. However, you should plan ahead to know where these structures will be installed, especially if you intend to run wires for lighting, or a water drainage system.
Installing Your Flooring
As one of the most important parts of a project, installing your decking requires careful planning and all the right tools and supplies from our showroom. These are some helpful tips to make your installation come together flawlessly.
Tip 1: Know Your Needs
Choose a color that matches or complements the aesthetics of your home. Dark colors tend to absorb more heat in direct sunlight, and some textures tend to hold more dirt if you’ve got pets or family tracking in debris from your yard. Your deck flooring needs to match both your look and your lifestyle!
Tip 2: Plan Your Layout
How you want to lay out your decking will help decide the dimensions and necessary hardware. A simple cascade pattern will be easy to install, as the deck boards will be parallel and have exposed butt ends.
For cleaner, defined areas, we recommend bordering your deck for a picture frame-style edge. In both designs, you will need to cut and support your boards in different ways. Our resource center and trusted brands offer great tutorials like the one below!
Tip 3: Keep It Together
Be sure to know what sort of finish you want on your decking, whether you want exposed fasteners, deck clips that attach between boards, or hidden fasteners with a clip system. Explore your options for composite fasteners in our shop!
Installing Railing and Accessories
For the majority of decks, flooring and framing aren’t enough for a complete build. Before getting your build started, our dexperts recommend identifying the extra components you’ll need, like railing, lighted post caps, and more!
Tip 1. Budget for Railing
It’s important to understand your budget when it comes to railing, because you have a wide array of options in different materials available to choose from. Instead of going all in on flooring, we recommend saving at least 40% of your budget for railing. The Deck Supply offers solutions for almost any taste and wallet. The biggest factors that determine cost are the area we need to cover and your desired materials.
Tip 2. Understand Your Materials
Steel, aluminum, or cable systems stand up to the elements much better than classic wood balusters. Rust-resistant steel and aluminum kits are the easiest to install for dedicated DIYers. Each kit comes complete with instructions, hardware, and advice from our dexperts to facilitate a smooth installation. Browse our guides to see how easy building your deck right can be!
Tip 3. Determine Crucial Conveniences
Every deck is just as unique as its owner because everyone uses their space differently! If you have steps that need to be lit in the dark, or want some ambient light to dress up your space, a light system can elevate the form and function of your deck. We offer a wide variety of lighting options to keep your deck safe and stylish!
Screens and tracks enhance the quality and capabilities of your deck. For those with a roof over their deck, we highly recommend closing it in with Screeneze. No matter how you finish your DIY deck construction, The Deck Supply has all the resources and materials you need!
Let’s Dive Into Your DIY Deck
Building a deck is no small task on the to-do list. A DIY deck construction project can make or break even the most seasoned homeowners. Get your project done right with the advice, supplies, and service you need—all in one place. Try our project planning tool, or contact our team to build with the best!
