There are few other renovations made on a home that can increase the living space so quickly, and cheaply, as building a deck. If the homeowner is moderately-skilled a deck the project can be a do-it-yourself job, otherwise he or she can hire a contractor to complete the deck. The key to deck building is in the planning.

Here are some tips to consider before building a deck:

1.  Function: How the deck is to be used relates directly to the style of deck. For example, if the deck is going to be in a wet area like around a pool a good suggestion is a composite wood/plastic decking like Yakima Prestige Series Composite Decking - Grooved Board.

2.  Shape and Size: Most lumber is sold in 8, 10, 12 and 16 foot lengths. Planning the deck around these sizes will save wood waste and that saves money.

3.  Positioning: Homeowners should take advantage of sunlight and view and avoid the side of the home facing traffic, garbage or a neighbor’s unsightly yard.

4.  Bylaws and Codes: In many areas decks over a certain height must have a building permit. In addition the homeowner should know the property boundaries and where any underground utilities are buried.

5.  Materials: Depending on the use many homeowners choose pressure-treated lumber. It can be stained to a redwood look, or almost any other design. If the deck is used around a pool cedar, redwood, vinyl and aluminum are expensive but will offer years of maintenance-free deck surface. And so will a composite decking like Yakima Prestige Series Composite Decking - Grooved Board.

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