Build Your Own Deck

9 Nov, 2011Featured, Outdoors

Building a deck probably isn’t the easiest home DIY project you’ll ever take on; in fact, it can be downright frustrating, especially if you don’t have your plans made well in advance, or have neglected to obtain the proper tools and supplies for completing the job. A good beginning is your best friend in any home improvement project, so why not get your deck off to the best possible start?

Estimating the amount of material you’ll need is important. You may not estimate the quantities with precision, but it’s easy to get close. On a small deck (10 × 12 feet, for example), guess how much lumber you’ll need by using detailed plans for the project to count all the pieces of each size you will be using: 12-foot 2 × 4s, 8-foot 2 × 6s, etc.. This number should include any railings and stairs. After that, just add 10 percent to framing and 15 percent to decking to allow for waste, and you should have a very close estimate that you can work with.

Directtv has a lot of DIY programming that can help you to build your deck as well as take on any other projects you might have in mind for improving your home spaces. This video from the Home Depot will also be beneficial to you as you begin: