Building a deck is a popular outdoor project. It’s a great way to expand your living space, plus add real value to your home.
When planning your project for deck construction anywhere in Maryland or Northern Virginia, there are several key factors to consider. The region’s humid summers and freeze-thaw winters can influence everything from material selection to long-term maintenance. Here are a few of the deck building tips from the pros at TrueDecks.
#1 – First, consider what your deck will be used for.
In the deck design process, it’s critical to prioritize your needs and determine which activities to accommodate for. If you plan on hosting meals or parties on your deck, make room for about 4 feet all the way around your table so people will have plenty of space for seating.
You’ll also want space for a prep area and a grill, and perhaps additional seating or handrails. When designing your deck, also keep in mind which areas will be sunny and shady at different times of day.
#2 – Visualize your deck layout before construction.
Using stakes and string, create an outline of your deck so you can visualize the space in your yard. Also place furniture within the outline to see how well it fits and make adjustments as needed.
Tip #3 — Select the best deck material for your needs.
Manufactured wood is excellent if you’re looking for a durable, low-maintenance option. Wood is often best in terms of aesthetics. Here are a few pros and cons of some popular choices.
Pressure-treated wood is easy to stain and waterproof and is reasonably priced. It may warp and crack and will need to be cleaned, resealed, and re-stained.
Composite wood comes in a variety of colors and textures, is long-lasting, and won’t crack, splinter, or rot. However, it may not look as natural and is susceptible to scratches and staining.
PVC wood material is the best in terms of repelling moisture and keeping its shape. It also won’t rot or be vulnerable to termite damage, and it’s easy to clean. But on the flip side, this product looks much less like wood.
Wood like cedar, hardwood, or redwood are beautiful, easy to work with, and may help repel insects. However, frequent waterproofing and maintenance are required with these materials, and this material can be pricey.
Taking the time to compare wood and composite decking can make it easier to choose the material that best fits your needs and long-term maintenance expectations.
#4 – Leave space for drainage between your deck boards.
It’s important to leave gaps between the boards during deck construction to allow for water to runoff. For man-made materials, follow the manufacturing instructions for spacing. For wood decks, use a large nail to space the boards out during installation.
#5 – Make sure your deck can support enough weight.
When constructing the foundation and support structure for your deck, consider how much weight will be placed upon it and fortify the foundation if needed. For example, features like furniture, hot tubs, heavy planters, or outdoor appliances may require additional structural support.
If you’re unsure whether your planned deck can safely support features like a hot tub, outdoor kitchen, or other heavy additions, a deck safety evaluation can help assess its structural capacity before construction begins.
#6 – Choose your deck pattern and stain.
Select the pattern you’d like for your boards to be installed, like diagonal, straight, basketweave, or something more unique. Also choose a premium deck stain that repels moisture, mold, mildew, and UV damage, and is the right color for your style.
#7 – Add finishing touches to your deck.
Remember custom add-ons that will make your deck truly spectacular. Consider features like privacy screens, pergolas, accent lighting on steps and posts, post trim, post caps, ornate railings, lattice skirts, and more.
Looking for inspiration? Browse our photo gallery to see completed deck projects and finishing details that can help you refine your design.
FAQs About Planning a Deck
What is the best material for a deck?
The best decking material depends on your budget, maintenance preferences, and the look you want to achieve. Pressure-treated wood, composite, PVC, cedar, hardwood, and redwood all have advantages, so consider the pros and cons of each before making your decision.
What should I consider before building a deck?
Think about how you’ll use the space, your preferred deck layout, the materials you want to use, and how much maintenance you’re willing to perform. Planning these details early helps you build a deck that fits your needs.
Do deck boards need a gap between them?
Yes. Proper spacing allows water to drain and gives the boards room to expand and contract naturally, which helps improve the deck’s longevity.
How long does it take to build a deck?
The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the project, the materials you choose, permitting requirements, and weather conditions.
Should I hire a professional or DIY?
While some homeowners choose to build a deck themselves, hiring a professional can help ensure the deck is structurally sound, meets local building codes, and is built to last. Learn more about whether you should hire a pro instead of building a deck yourself.
Ready To Put These Deck Building Tips To Work?
Building a deck takes careful planning, and the decisions you make early can affect its appearance, durability, and long-term maintenance. Following these deck construction tips can help you plan your project, choose the right materials, and build a deck that meets your needs.
TrueDecks proudly serves homeowners across Montgomery County (Gaithersburg, Rockville, Germantown, Bethesda), Howard County (Columbia, Ellicott City), and Loudoun County (Brambleton, Ashburn, Leesburg). Visit our Gaithersburg, Columbia, or Brambleton location pages to learn more about the areas we serve.
Remember that ongoing deck cleaning and maintenance are essential for protecting your investment and extending the life of your deck.
Ready to get started? Call 240-404-0207 or schedule your free estimate online today.