Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Deck

A well-designed deck can transform the look of your home, it is one feature that really enhances your landscape and attracts attention from visitors and potential buyers. The more elaborate the build, the more planning you’ll need to do. You’ll find that many DIY enthusiasts decide to buy material from a supplier and do the labour themselves. Although it is a good way to save money, DIY decking comes with a lot of risk.

Failure to Plan Properly – One of the main reasons why decking projects fail is because they aren’t properly planned. Building a quality deck is as easy as you may think, it takes a lot of planning and preparation. It doesn’t simply require a few screws, wood beams and decking boards. You must know what you are doing when you start to build the deck. When you decide to install timber decking in Brisbane, failure to plan could be your downfall. When you visit a supplier and load up your truck with materials, don’t go straight into the construction phase without planning and design.

Focus on the Foundation – Any structure or building is only ever as good as its foundations, if you don’t lay solid foundations, your entire project could fall apart. One of the worst mistakes many homeowners make when building a deck is poor foundations. They simply don’t take the time to assess the area and lay a durable base that will support the deck. It is a costly mistake that can bring your project crashing down around you. You should never get lazy or complacent with your foundations, they must be properly dug to ensure stability.

Poor Quality Materials – There are certain areas where you can save money when building a deck, materials shouldn’t be one of them. If you are planning on staying in your home for many years, pressure treated wood may be the best choice. The type of material you choose will have a significant impact on the project, the wrong material can have a negative effect on the structure. Do your research before deciding on a material, don’t just consider aesthetics, there are other, sometimes more important choices to be made.

Not Following Instructions – If you want to build a quality deck, you should never cut corners. Make sure you follow instructions precisely, if you don’t, your deck could deteriorate or even collapse unexpectedly. It is absolutely necessary to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when you build the deck. If you are planning on maximising your return on investment, DIY decking isn’t the way to go. There are many things that could go wrong, costing you more money in the long run. If you want quality, you’ll need a professional.

A beautifully designed deck can add aesthetic appeal and value to your home. But if you don’t plan carefully and follow the right instructions, your project could fall apart at the seams. If you don’t have experience, adding a simple deck feature is doable. If it is a complex project, you are better off hiring a professional company.

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