Is there a cheap way to build a deck?
My wife and I want to add a deck to our backyard. We don't really have the money to hire anyone so we want to do it ourselves if we can. Where should we look to have the best chance at success?
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Answers ( 1 )
Not a deck that is safe, or that lasts long enough to make it worth what you spent to even make a bad deck.
If you are at all handy, have some rudimentary carpentery skills, it is the building materials which are most costly. In most areas, you can find services which allow power tool rental; if your area doesn't have that, ask on your local area FB pager for such a service, and/or, inexpensive help.
You need a decent foundation- you can't just plunk the upright supports onto the ground and say done and dusted. You need to create a foundation with cement, then set your uprights into metal anchors in the cement. You need to be very sure you have enough support in the construction so the deck doesn't fail- break apart in wind or when people are on it. You need treated timbers- or the wood will dry rot within a few years. You need to consider how the deck attaches to the house so it doesn't break away or rip off siding due to stresses.
Watch a TON of videos on deck construction. Start smaller than you want and make sure what you end up with is solidly well-built- if you hit that mark, you can always add on. Use the best materials you can afford- composite decking materials will last virtually forever, because they are plastic. Which might be a factor for you- they are plastic. They are not environmentally friendly, but they last virtually forever.
Ask any friends or co-workers who have some knowledge for tips- they may even be able to help you draw up plans, which you will need so you know what to buy and what you don't need.
You can do this- it will just take you learning what you need to do it well- then putting in the work.