By Tom Scalisi | Published Oct 3, 2022 9:15 AM

Who doesn’t enjoy leisurely sipping a coffee outdoors on a sunny morning, or a good old-fashioned neighborhood cookout? The allure of a backyard escape has only increased in recent years, as decks became prime open-air hangouts during peak pandemic times and continue to be an important multifunctional space for work or fun outside the home.

Planning new deck construction—from material selection to scoping out size and features—is a large project for both DIY-inclined homeowners and those who prefer to leave the work to the pros. But these large outdoor builds can have equally grand rewards: an enhanced outdoor living area and improved home value.

Whether you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and begin construction yourself or hiring a licensed and certified professional, answering these key questions can help develop a solid game plan and a sturdier structure.

Scale matters. Small decks (12-foot-by-12-foot, for instance) suit smaller yards, while large properties can accommodate structures that span the entire side of the house or sprawl out into the yard. Consider the size of your home, too: Sizable decks may look out of place against tiny homes, and small decks can look insignificant next to large estates. The “golden rule” for deck design is not to exceed 20 percent of a home’s total square footage to prevent it overwhelming the property.

Equally important is how you plan to use the deck space. You want to leave adequate space for furnishings and walkways. Decks designed for a grill and one or two lounge chairs don’t need to be very big (a 12-foot-by-12-foot size will typically work). However, those built for entertaining may contain separate areas for grilling, sitting, and dining—and need considerably more space.

Decks offer plenty of opportunities to incorporate personal touches and styling, and we’re talking more than just outdoor rugs and shade sails. Customization can begin as early in the design process as when the framing starts. Consider whether the design should go the standard or custom route: Standard, minimalist decks are ideal for some backyards, but some folks dream of custom touches that make their decks stand out.

Every design choice will impact the budget, but each one can make a huge difference in the deck’s usability and your enjoyment.

Outdoors year-round in rain, shine, even snow, a deck can take a beating from the elements and may require some level of maintenance to stay in shape. How much maintenance you want to schedule every summer will influence your decision in decking material, as some need much more upkeep than others.

Wood decks will require seasonal washing as well as staining and sealing every few years to protect the wood and prevent rot or mold and mildew. Even so, individual boards may need to be replaced. This can be quite a bit of work on a larger deck, so it’s important to consider the construction of pressure-treated lumber, cedar, or redwood.

For a slightly higher investment up front, composite decks are much more low maintenance in the long term. Fade- and UV-resistant, composite decking only needs a quick wash once or twice a year to keep it looking as fresh as can be for a decade or more. These deck boards are also water-resistant, bug-resistant, and generally more durable, so look for a manufacturer warranty. Deckorators covers its composite decking with an industry-leading 25-year structural and stain and fade resistance limited warranty.

HomeAdvisor surveys of recently completed deck projects put the average cost to build a deck in the mid-$7,000s, with a full range from $4,000 to more than $11,000—all largely dependent on size, materials, and design. Small, simple decks on ground level made from pressure-treated lumber will typically fall on the lower end of the scale. Larger composite wood decks elevated and guarded by railings will often cost more to build, but they’ll also add more to the home’s value in the end.

While affordability is relative, homeowners planning to build decks should take those baseline costs into consideration when creating a budget to work within. Then, it’s a matter of determining priorities: square footage, high-end decking, ancillary features, or custom design elements.

As with most big projects, saving in select areas can help create room to splurge in others. Keep these tips in mind to stretch your dollar:

Project planning always includes setting a realistic timeline, no matter whether you’re hiring pros or handling the job yourself. It’s important to allow enough time for the project to wrap up. There’s a trick to this: Visualize when you want to be using your deck and work backward from there.

First, there’s the time needed to order materials. With the current state of materials availability, this may take longer than it has in years past. Giving yourself or a contractor enough time to find your specific materials may help ensure you’re happy with the final product.

DIYers will want to set aside several weekends for a deck project. Removing and disposing of any old deck will likely take 1 weekend. Digging footings and pouring concrete will likely take another 2 days. Framing the deck will also take at least a weekend, while installing the decking can take a day or two on its own if it doesn’t have a complex pattern. Installing the stairs, railings, and other touches can take a week or so as well. And if the deck is high off the ground, as is often the case with raised ranches, the process in full can take two or three times longer.

While pros can do the job with even more efficiency, it’s still important to have a realistic timeline. A basic deck can take a contractor as few as 2 weeks to complete once the materials are on-site, but good licensed contractors have busy schedules. It’s critical to get on their calendar in advance to allow enough time for them to get to the job by your deadline. Calling them a month ahead might not be enough time if their schedule is full, so it’s a smart idea to talk to them several months in advance. For instance, homeowners planning to build a deck next spring should consider getting on a contractor’s calendar right now.

If you’re ready to hire a contractor, connect with a Deckorators Certified Pro for a project consultation and estimate. These certified contractors not only know decks, but they have also trained with Deckorators to deliver the best possible project for homeowners in their area.

This content has been brought to you by Deckorators. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com.

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