| When starting a deck building project there are many | | | | initially. But it will save you thousands of dollars later in |
| different aspects that one should take into account | | | | not having to redo the deck in just a few years. |
| before hitting the first nail. For example: where are | | | | Stainless steel hardware, concrete footings, clear BC |
| the property lines? What existing obstacles in the | | | | cedar and some maintenance-free deck materials are |
| backyard do you have to work with? Do you need | | | | just examples of products that could make your |
| shade? What are the sun and wind patterns like for | | | | deck last much longer. |
| your area? Are you trying to get a view, or keep an | | | | The last thing to take into account when designing |
| existing one? | | | | and building your new deck is your personal |
| The main thing you must take into account is the | | | | preference. For example you can have a deck with |
| number of people using the deck. A deck built for a | | | | railings, privacy screens, or built in lighting. Many |
| family of 2 will differ in size, shape and design from a | | | | people build their decks around their existing |
| deck built for a family of 5. Once you have the | | | | landscape or work in a built in BBQ or bar area. A fire |
| number of people, you can determine the appropriate | | | | pit is also so something to consider since is gives a |
| size of the deck you should be building - keeping in | | | | nice rustic touch and adds an area for the family to |
| mind that each person needs about 25 square feet. | | | | gather around. |
| How long you're planning on staying in the house is | | | | By looking at many pictures of decks and borrowing |
| another important thing to ask yourself. To make | | | | ideas from different projects, you can create your |
| your deck last 20 years or more, you'll want to | | | | own custom-designed outdoor living area that will |
| invest in good quality materials, so it may cost more | | | | satisfy all your needs. |