How to Build a Deck
A Guide to Planning & Building a Deck
Not many home improvement projects match a deck for aesthetic appeal, convenience, and the value it adds to a home; and thankfully building one falls well within the skill level of the average handyman or woman.
Our Canadian summers are so short that being able to get out and enjoy the warm weather in your own back yard becomes a precious luxury. With that in mind, there is no time like the present to start planning your deck – read on for helpful hints on how to go about it.
The check-list below will assist you in choosing the location and style of your new deck. Review and answer each point to ensure you have covered all your bases before moving on!
- How do you plan to use it? Think about what kind of furniture and how many people you wish to accommodate.
- Is privacy important? Are you trying to avoid street noise or just looking for privacy from your friendly neighbour. Screens and landscaping may be a consideration if you are.
- Where do the air currents arise? A prime location will receive a gentle breeze to cool things off, but if you live in an area prone to high winds you may want to consider positioning the deck where it will be sheltered, or alternatively factor in screens or landscaping for shelter.
- Do you wish to enjoy sun or shade? Which direction will your deck face and how are your trees positioned?
- Where will the access point to your home be? Plan whether the deck will be situated off the kitchen, living room, etc.
- Do you need to provide special safety measures? Additional safety may be something you want to incorporate into your plans if you enjoy the company of senior citizens and children.
- Is the existing structure (your home, garage etc) compatible with your deck plan? Considering your options - raised, tiered or ground level – which design will best suit your needs and your home?
- Work with your view. If you have a great view from the planned location of your deck, you will want to showcase it. Alternatively, if you have an unpleasant view, you may want to take measures to mask it.
Can you think of any other needs or preferences to add? Then you are ready to move onto the next step!
Contact your municipality to understand any limitations you may face by way of by-laws, zoning ordinances and building codes in your communit.
You may encounter restrictions as to the height and size of your deck, and a construction permit will more than likely be required. Most code requirements are universal but local variations may apply.
When you have confirmed your deck design and have acquired your permit (if required), you are ready to choose and order your materials. There are various decking options available to you, each of which has it's own benefits:
- Non-Treated Wood: West Red Cedar is most popular for its durability and rot resistance. It can be expensive but needs no chemical treatment and is recognized for its beauty and quality.
- Pressure-Treated Wood: The process involves drying the wood and then putting it through a 3-hour chromated copper arsenate pressure treatment. The wood is easily recognizable by its green colour and it can be stained or left as is. Pressure-treated wood is more expensive than non-treated wood but is maintenance-free and extremely durable.
- Recycled Plastic: This product is quickly gaining popularity for its durable, maintenance-free, and easy to clean qualities. It comes in grey and white and although it costs more than pressure-treated wood it doesn't warp, decay, fade or succumb to termites. It is cool to the touch and slip resistant and usually carries a warranty.
- Wood composite: This option is made of a combination of wood fibers and plastic which make it light weight, easy to handle, and durable. It does not splinter, crack, warp, or rot, and doesn't require painting or staining.
The following is a list of tools you will need to build your deck. They are divided into 4 basic categories to assist you in identifying the phases in which they will be used.
- Measuring & Layout: Tape measure, chalk line, framing square, combination square, bevel square, and level.
- Power Tools: Circular saw, cordless drill, and saw or jig saw. Optional: power auger, and miter saw.
- Hand Tools: Hammer, nail set, hand saw, caulk gun, adjustable wrench, and socket wrench.
- General: Post-hole digger, shovel, wheelbarrow, ladders, tool belt, safety glasses, dust masks, and extension cords.
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Hand Tools
(view all)
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$59.99
at
The Home Depot
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$49.99 
$64.99
at
Canadian Tire Corp
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$349.97
at
The Home Depot
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Power Tools
(view all)
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$199.99
at
Canadian Tire Corp
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$499.99
at
Canadian Tire Corp
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$299.00
$369.00
at
The Home Depot
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Good construction and workmanship are the cornerstones of an investment that will amount to hours of outdoor leisure. Here are a few helpful Do's and Don'ts to keep in mind while building your deck:
Do:
- Do wear gloves to avoid splinters
- Do use flat washers under lag screw heads
- Do re-square and trim mill ends
- Do drill a pilot hole when nailing close to the edge of a board about ¾'s the diameter of the nail to reduce the chances of splitting the wood.
- Do use rust-free nails and hardware to avoid weather related rust streaks from forming on your deck.
- Do nail the thinner element to the thicker element.
- Do drive nails at a slight angle toward each other for a stronger hold.
- Do ensure the boards are placed “right side up” as all kiln dried wood will be slightly warped or “crowned”. Placing boards crown-side up will prevent them from cupping and holding unwanted moisture.
Don't:
- Don't use plastic sheeting under the deck as a liner to keep weeds down. Use landscaping mesh instead so proper drainage can occur.
- Don't use solid material to skirt the deck as it will reduce cross-ventilation. Use open lattice if skirting is necessary.
- Don't use a silicon sealer as it may prevent stain from sticking and doesn't have a big effect on protecting the deck from ultra violet rays.
- Don't cut deck boards to the finished size until they are nailed down. Trim them all to the final dimension as one of the last construction steps.
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