A backyard deck is a great place to recline outside during restful moments of the day and evening. It is also a structure that you can set about designing and creating yourself. You might, therefore, choose to build one on your own as a commendable home-improvement project. If so, follow these tips for building a backyard deck.
Get the Required Permits
Learn if there are any local regulations that stipulate when and how you can build a deck in your backyard. Find out what restrictions apply to decks, and keep them in mind as you lay out the design. You should be clear in your intentions, as you may need to show your local government the design before getting the go-ahead. Apply for the necessary permits, and don’t start work until you’ve acquired them.
Hide Deck Board Ends
A tip for building a backyard deck that looks polished and complete is to find a way to hide the rough board edges. One way to do this is to measure the fascia boards that will attach to the ends of the deck longer so that they not only form the sides of the deck but also cover the ends of the boards laying on the top of the deck. You could also use a perimeter board that lies on top of the vertical fascia board like the deck boards. The perimeter boards create an enclosed top frame around the deck boards to hide their ends.
Pick Lasting Deck Materials
Your deck needs to last through 365 days every year of outdoor wear and tear. Therefore, the materials you select to build it with will make a big difference. Wood is the most popular choice, but you will need to treat it with a sealant periodically so it doesn’t deteriorate from moisture and other elemental forces. For a more carefree option that you can rely on, plastic lumber may work well for you. It has the overall appearance of wood but does not rot, discolor, or warp as easily since it is composed of inorganic compounds. It is also an eco-friendly material since it’s the product of recycled plastic waste and doesn’t require potentially harmful sealing chemicals applied to it.
