Outdoor Decks

Before you get too far along with planning your deck, you should check with your zoning board. If you are in a restricted area, there are zoning ordinances. They can tell you what size and what kind of deck you may build. Also, whether it can be attached to your house or if it must be free standing. You will need a building permit, and inspections by your local building inspector. He can also give you a lot of free advise on how best to build the underpinning for your deck.

Once you find out what you are allowed to build, then you must decide what you can afford to build. Take your measurements to a lumber yard or a store like Lowes and they will give you an estimate of the cost of the materials required for a deck that size. You also need to know whether you want benches around the edge or just railing. You might also take your plans to a contractor and get an estimate of his cost to build it for you. If you are not experienced at do-it-yourself projects, you might ahead money ahead to hire the contractor.

Go to the library and look at as many different decks as you can so you won't get it done and then see several things you would have liked to have done. Also talk to your neighbors who have decks and see what they would have done differently. A lot of home work before hand can save a lot of frustration later. You want to really enjoy your deck.