So you love the look of that deck you saw on HGTV, or the inspiration you found on your Pinterest board? We totally get it! Adding a beautiful composite deck to your home is a wonderful way to increase both the living area and the resale value of your property. But for some homeowners, the hardest part is simply knowing where to start — the size, the overall design, finding and hiring the right people to do the job.
It can all be overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ll walk you through everything that needs to get done to create your dream deck.
Start with Sizing*
Make a list of the features that are most important to you in a deck — things like an outdoor kitchen, hot tub or dining area. This will give you — and your contractor or landscape designer — a better idea of how big of a deck and what type of deck would best accommodate these types of activities.
If you’re not planning to work with a professional, you can start by mapping out the size of the deck that you’re envisioning by using a long piece of rope or string. Stake out the corners of the area that seem appropriate to the size of your home and property and take a measurement to determine the approximate square footage of the deck.
This measurement should give you a basic idea about the scope of the project you have in mind when you start reaching out to contractors or decking/lumber retailers. Other items that you’ll want to think about include:
- Deck layout
- Number of stories (if you’re planning a multi-level deck)
- Location of access point(s)
- Type of railings and potential local building codes
- Special features like built in benches, outdoor kitchen and fire pits
Order Composite Decking Samples
Sometimes colors and textures can appear different on your computer than they do in person, so you should try to get a sample of the product so you can see it first-hand. Since your new deck is going to be a part of your home for a long time, you want to make sure you are happy with the color you select! With DuraLife® Decking, you can order samples online. Samples are one foot in length and cost $5 each (shipping included). Enjoy a full refund on the cost of your samples if you order DuraLife® Decking for your project — just be sure to save your receipt!
Decide to Go with a Pro?
Once you’ve got a handle on what you want from your new deck, the next step is finding the right builder for the job. If you’ve decided on a contractor, spend some time online researching contractors in your area through professional review sites such as Angi, Home Advisor or by simply searching for “deck builders” with the name of your town. You’ll often see reviews posted by local homeowners who were clients of the business.
Another option for finding reputable contractors in your area is to reach out to composite decking retailers such as local lumber yards. Often, they’ll have several contractors that they’ve built relationships with and are happy to pass along contact information. At the end of the day, these guys want their materials installed correctly and putting customers in touch with the builders they know do a good job is the easiest way to make sure that happens. Retailers are also often able to recommend contractors that have experience working with specific products, like DuraLife® Decking.
Friends and neighbors are another great source of contractor referrals. Keep in mind that the deck building season in many areas of the country is short — and the best contractors can be in high demand — so you may want to start reaching out well before you’re ready to build.
Going the DIY Route
If you’re all-in and ready to put your deck-building skills to the test, then doing it yourself is the perfect choice. Once you’ve determined your layout and ordered your materials, you can officially get started. Measuring, installation and framing will likely be your first couple of steps. With vision, determination and a little bit of elbow grease, you can create your own dream deck! Get some friends and family to help and make it a fun, creative time for all.
Making your dream deck a reality — whether you decide to hire a professional or tackle a project yourself — is possible with careful thought, planning and research. And when working with quality composite decking, like DuraLife® Decking, you can rest assured we will be there for you every step of the way! Learn more about How to Choose the Best New Decking Material for Your Home.
*Be sure to check with your local municipality on the size; there may be restrictions.
