How to Build a Deck You Love: DIY or Hire Professionals?
Are you interested in learning how to build a deck you love? Many homeowners attempt to build their own decks, but DIY deck projects can be a headache. If you want to love the end result, here’s why working with professional deck builders is the way to go.
Maximize Your Outdoor Living Space with a Professionally Built Deck
When you work with Structurally Speaking, you get the benefit of our decades of experience in designing outdoor living spaces. We specialize in building custom decks, porches, and sunrooms that are perfectly suited to meet your needs. We’ve worked with a wide range of clients, and can help you make the most of any space. It doesn’t matter if you have a small backyard, a sloped yard, a lot of trees, or other challenges. We’re experienced enough to build a deck that will perfectly suit the space.
Additionally, once we see your space and hear about your needs, a deck may not be the best solution. Instead, we can build a sunroom, three-season porch, or screened porch. We can also build a combination space, such as an enclosed porch that leads out onto a deck. These larger outdoor living space projects are nearly impossible for most homeowners to do themselves. You can learn more here about the different types of outdoor spaces.
With a DIY deck, you may not have the experience to design and build the deck you really want. This means you aren’t going to use your deck as often, so you’ll waste the time and money you spend building it. Simply put, if you want a deck or other outdoor space you truly love, it makes sense to hire professionals like the Structurally Speaking team. We can work with your budget to create a deck that your family will use and that takes advantage of everything your space has to offer.
Ensure Your Deck is Safe and Built to Last
One of the biggest benefits to working with our team of deck builders is that we ensure your deck is safe. When building a deck, you’ll have to ensure it has the proper supports. This isn’t always easy, especially if your backyard isn’t perfectly flat. We see many DIY decks that are sagging and, frankly, unsafe, after just a few years. We know how to build a deck and our team can ensure your new deck is safe for your family to use.
Railings are another important part of deck safety. Many decks are low to the ground. However, depending on the height and the slope of your yard, your deck may need a railing or wall to be safe. This is especially important if you have children in your house.
Here in North Carolina, you’ll have to follow national, state, and local building codes when building a deck. It can be a nightmare to navigate these rules if you are trying to build you own deck. For example, this is the state-wide North Carolina State Building Code for wood decks. Notably, it is long and detailed. Additionally, each city or county often has additional requirements. We can handle this for you. We know exactly how to build a deck that is up to code.
Our high-quality decks are not only safe; we build them to last. Decks can add value to your home, but only if they are well-maintained. During your initial consultation, we’ll talk to you about maintenance requirements for various deck materials. We can help you choose the perfect materials for your new deck, so that it stays looking beautiful for decades to come.
A New Deck that Looks Like We Built it Specifically for Your Home
When we build a deck or other outdoor living space, our goal is to both address your family’s needs and keep it stylistically consistent with your home. Many DIY decks are eyesores that look like simply square planks of wood tacked onto your home. We build decks that perfectly match your home’s style.
This includes building special features for your deck to help make it both functional and beautiful. Here are just few of the special features we have experience building:
- Pergolas to provide privacy and shade
- Built-in benches
- Planters and areas for plants on your deck
- Outdoor kitchens
In addition, we have a wide variety of materials and finishes for your new deck. Some homeowners love a sleek deck painted white. Others love a deck built with exotic hardwoods with a light stain to allow the wood grain to shine through. We’ll help you choose the finish that looks best with your home.
FAQs About How to Build a Deck
We’d love to answer any questions you have about how to build a deck for your home. Here are a few questions our clients frequently ask:
How large should my new deck be?
The size of your new deck will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your yard, how you want the deck to function, and your budget. Want a larger deck without sacrificing too much yard space? We can even build two-story decks.
Is building a new deck hard?
Building a deck isn’t easy if you are trying to do it yourself and have no experience. However, we make the process easy. We start with a consultation to learn what you want and follow with a design presentation to show you detailed deck options. Before we start building, we make sure you love your new deck design.
We walk you through the process from start to finish. If you have more questions, we’d love to answer them! Fill out the form or contact us here to set up a free initial consultation!