5 Deck Building Tips for Albertans
Posted on: 2012-07-18
A well-built deck can be both a useful asset and a backyard enhancement. When done right, a deck will give you a reason to come outside and relax, a place to hold barbecues and family gatherings, and will add to the value of your home. On top of this, your deck can be treated as a backyard centerpiece, with shrubs and flowering plants placed around it. However, in order for your deck to be all of these and more, it needs to be built correctly. Here are five tips to help:
1. Choose A Location Carefully.
Before digging the first post-hole, think of where your deck needs to go. A fairly flat, shady spot is the best place to put it, but if you already have a set of sliding glass patio doors in place in your house, you may be limited to the outside space right in front of them. The deck should be up against your house on at least one side, not floating out in the middle of your backyard – unless you have an aboveground pool that is anchored in place and you want the deck to be built around it.
2. Fully Plan The Design Before You Start Building.
If you start building a simple deck and then, halfway through the build, decide to add side rails, built-in planters and an additional set of steps, then you will have to backtrack slightly, remove parts of the already built deck and possibly start from scratch in some areas. Having all of this planned out ahead of time will save you both time and money.
3. The Materials Make The Deck – Literally.
Go to your local home improvement or lumber store and ask for recommendations. Some types of wood – like redwood and cedar – will need to be stained yearly and maintained, but if properly taken care of, will last for decades. Other types, like pressure treated and composite, may be lower maintenance and will cost less, but will not stand the test of time in some areas.
4. Don’t forget the permit!
You will more than likely need a permit from either the city or the county that you live in – in some cases; you will need one from both. In order for this to be a painless process, ask ahead of time and find out what you need. Gather all of the information, whether it consists of forms, blueprints or photos, before going to officially apply. And don’t forget the fee. If you don’t get a permit you could end up getting fined or being forced to take down the deck.
5. Consider Installing Safety Lighting.
Even if you don’t plan on using your deck at all hours, safety lighting is a must. Having motion-detected lights installed on your house above the deck will deter burglars, and prevent you from tripping on the steps of the deck while walking up them late at night or early in the morning. Taking this extra step to ensure your safety is a must.
Looking for help from a trusted contractor? Contact Parabola Developments today!
Photo by Nidia Dias on Unsplash
