As the weather gets colder, more people want to stay inside and enjoy some good old-fashioned indoor/outdoor activities. One of these is building a deck or patio for you home that can be used year round. This has become much easier with technology advancements in recent years, and if you’re looking to build one this winter, your options are near limitless!
The “deck plans free” is a project that will help you build the perfect backyard lounging deck. This project is easy to follow, and it’s also very cheap.
Summer provides warm weather and bright days that beckon you to come outdoors and enjoy them. Grilling and eating outside are the quintessential ways to make the most of the season. It should be enough to persuade you to learn how to construct a backyard deck.
Contents
Before you start learning how to build a deck, there are a few things you need know.
Before you begin, you must make some important considerations. First, consider what you want from a deck and how you want to use it. Do you want to host a party for your friends? Is it primarily intended for family usage, sunbathing, and spending time outside? What is the size of it?
After that, search for a picture of your finished product. You may also get ideas by looking at free deck layouts online. Then there are two key issues to consider: is it a do-it-yourself project, and how much can you afford? Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Is it better to do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you?
The most significant benefit of doing it yourself is the cost savings. Without the extra cost of labor, you’ll likely spend a fraction of the price. We’re not going to lie to you. It’s a lot of effort, particularly if you’ve never done anything like this before. Calculate how much your work contributes to the total.
Making a Financial Plan
A modest platform deck might cost up to $1,000. The more complex the job, the higher the expense. There are various hidden expenses associated with constructing one, including:
- If required, a building permit
- Rental of equipment
- Extra supplies and enhancements, such as privacy shrubbery
- Maintenance
Do you want to learn how to construct a deck in your backyard? Let’s get started!
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Step 3: Collect your materials
You’ll probably receive a supply list for the timber and hardware you’ll need if you use a design. Make sure you have plenty of spares for both. We suggest seeing any wood to ensure it is straight and in good condition. You’ll be able to choose from a variety of decking materials. They are as follows:
- Wood that has been pressure-treated
- Redwood and cedar are examples of other wood kinds.
- Composite wood is a kind of wood that is made
- Plastic timber that has been recycled
Each has advantages and disadvantages, and each may contribute to the previously stated hidden expenses. The first two, for example, need to be cleaned and refinished once a year. For the latter two, you won’t need to reseal your deck. They are, however, more costly up front.
Don’t forget to include a dust mask and safety glasses on your shopping list. Wood that has been pressure-treated contains preservatives that can be harmful if inhaled.
Step 4: Create a deck layout plan.
String and 2-inch wooden slats were used to create the perimeter. To ensure that they are straight, use a line level. You’ll use it as a blueprint as you construct. With spray paint, mark the placement of your posts or corners. The number is determined by the size of the structure and local building requirements.
Step 5: Prepare the Subterranean Area
We suggest covering the area under your deck with ground cover sheets, particularly if it’s a low-profile platform. Make footings by cutting apertures in the ground. To keep it in place, stake it down and cover it with a layer of pea gravel.
If you decide to move it later, we recommend this method over burying it underground. One of the most dreaded landscaping jobs is digging up plastic sheeting. You can rely on us. Drainage will also be aided by the gravel.
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Step 6: Get Your Legs Under You
Though Wood that has been pressure-treated can handle ground contact, you should leave at least a 1-inch gap between the ground and the bottom of your deck for air circulation, hence, the need for footings. The depth depends on where the frost line is in your area. It’s the point where the groundwater freezes. In Minnesota, for example, it is 3.5 feet deep, although add another 6 inches to play it safe.
When water expands when it freezes, failure to dig your footings deep enough might cause irreversible damage to the building.
Using a motorised auger will make this process easier to complete. Someone will be required to assist you. One might be rented from a hardware shop or a home improvement center near you. Keep in mind that certain sections may need to be examined before you can progress.
Alternatively, depending on where you reside, you may use cement blocks. Check to see whether everything is level and if there is enough airflow.
Step 7: Prepare the Footings and Place Them
Fill the holes with pea gravel. Fill each hole with concrete footer tubes, marking and cutting them to size so they are plumb with the ground. Quick-set concrete should be used to fill the remaining gap. Each one should have an anchor bolt or a metal saddle in it. Allow the concrete to cure for a few days.
Cut the Lumber (Step 8)
Begin prepping the parts for the rim and support beams using the cutting list from your blueprint. We highly advise you to measure twice and cut once, as the carpenter said. In the long term, it will save you money.
Step 9: Construct the Backyard Deck Rim
Arrange the prepared pieces in the form of your deck and use angle brackets to join them. To ensure that they are properly positioned, measure the diagonal from each side. Fix them to the pillars. Also, use a second piece of wood to reinforce the rim. To strengthen the construction, use 16d nails to connect the two. Before you go any further, make sure it’s level.
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Add the Joists and Hangers in Step 10
When studying how to construct a backyard deck, these components are the basis and one of the most important. You may find it easier to start the holes for the joist screws using a drill. Place a screw at an angle into each joist. For spacing information, see your deck design. They are usually 16 inches apart.
Attach the Decking Material to the Frame in Step 11
Things are starting to come together quickly, and that pile of lumber you bought is starting to resemble a deck. There are two approaches you may take. You may use decking screws or concealed fasteners to secure them. Aside from the looks, the latter has the benefit of being less prone to spring out and grab someone’s foot. Make sure they’re all countersunk.
There are a couple of caveats. If you are using Wood that has been pressure-treated, the chances are that it’s still wet—and heavy! It will shrink over time so that it will eventually provide the necessary gap between the planks so that water can drain off the floor. It’ll extend the lifespan of the deck.
You’ll need to allow approximately a 0.25-inch gap between each piece if you’re using dry wood or another material. This distance will provide appropriate ventilation, ensuring that the area under your deck remains dry.
Step 12: Put the Fascia in Place
The fascia has two functions. It seems to be more attractive than an open area under the deck. It will also create a barrier to prevent pests like raccoons and opossums from settling in the area. We enjoy how it provides a deck a completed appearance.
Trim the Edges (Step 13)
Use a chalk line to snap the overhang of the decking. Then, use a circular saw to trim the edges. Bear in mind that the ends are no longer protected from rotting if you’re using Wood that has been pressure-treated. We’d suggest taking a rasp to them to smooth them out to make the stain and sealer easier to apply.
Step 14: Pressure-Treated or Bare Wood Aftercare
If you prefer a different color than the natural appearance of the naked wood, the last procedure is to stain it. You may do it once you’ve completed the deck. You’ll have to wait many months for pressure-treated timber to dry. A stain would otherwise slough off and not adhere.
In any case, the wood must be sealed. This will prevent mold, fungi, or insects from causing degradation or harm. It’ll help keep your deck from splintering and extend its life. After that, you’ll have to do it every year. Before you start decorating or placing outdoor furniture on it, we recommend waiting a few days after you’ve treated it.
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Last Thoughts
Even a small platform deck may improve your landscape while also increasing the value of your house. Staying on the right side of the law—and your homeowners’ association—requires some forethought and preparation. The project may be completed in a weekend by DIYers.
When you keep to your plan and measure precisely, learning how to construct a backyard deck is simple. While you may hire it out, even a beginner can do the process. You’ll save a lot of money and get everything done on time. To get the most out of your work, all you have to do now is add some furniture and install some outside lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you build an outdoor sitting area?
A: To build an outdoor sitting area, you would need to dig a trench around the seated zone. Then fill it in with dirt and rocks. The next step is to plant grass seed in the ground and spread sand or gravel on top of that. After clearing away any debris or weeds, water your yard by watering from above so as not to harm roots
What is the cheapest way to build a deck or patio?
A: The cheapest way to build a deck or patio is through pre-fabricated materials.
What is the cheapest deck you can build?
A: While there are many different decks you can build for Beat Saber, the cheapest one would be a single deck with no enhancements.
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