So you are thinking about having a deck on your terrace. Awesome! A deck is an ideal option for your outdoor spaces not only from an aesthetic and decorative point of view but also because of the versatility and functionality that it gives to your space.
With that in mind, it is important to consider a couple of things before you start hammering away. Building a deck is not a difficult task, but when done with meticulous planning, you’ll think it’s easy.
Here’s a list of what to…
The Design
Keeping in mind the way people would move around the space. You should determine the spots where the furniture will be placed, the safe distance that they must have with the grill, and the surface that must be covered with the deck. Of course, this varies depending on the type of décor your space features.
The Lighting
Proper placement with lighting is key. Thinking about placement ahead of time will help you ensure sufficient lighting while allowing you to avoid making certain areas too bright. . Great lighting can make a huge difference in small spaces, and can even be used to highlight the most beautiful parts of your yard/deck area.
The Material
You can build a great deck with one of several types of materials or by combining them. This allows for a variety of budgets and personal preferences. At Lumber+ we offer only the best options:
- Hardwood decking is beautiful and long-lasting, but inclement weather, friction, and water are some things to be careful about.
- Composite works for a variety of budgets. Better yet, its low maintenance, compared to pine wood and allows customers to recoup costs in the long run. Composites come in various colors and textures and are a sustainable decking alternative, made of up to 95% recycled materials.
- PVC is made entirely of plastic, PVC is extremely durable and weather resistant, not being damaged by humidity. It also maintains great traction even while wet and is the lightest alternative in decking.
The Tools
Building your deck is not too difficult. With basic tools, it is possible to do it. Here’s what you’ll need if you decide to awaken your inner DIY. If you’d prefer to have a local pro assist you, we will happily refer you to some great ones.
- Spirit level
- Tracking cable
- Subway
- Drill/driver
- Circular saw
- Puzzle
- Hand saw
We can also assist you in hiring specialized help for this type of work.
Important Considerations
Although some decks may be built directly in the ground, the most popular ones are placed on slats that separate them from the ground about 15 cm. They also have to have an adequate distance to distribute the weight of the structure and isolate it from the humidity of the ground.
Wooden decks are damaged by humidity, so it is essential to have a drain that prevents the accumulation of water, and thus prevents the rotting of the wood.
