Building Your Perfect Deck
If you’re thinking about landscaping your property, you might want to take this opportunity to build that deck that you’ve always wanted. You might want to build your own deck to get it just the way you want it. Or, maybe some local Newcastle builders can help you achieve all of your landscaping dreams. Whether you do it yourself or have an expert build the deck you want, there are some important things to consider when installing a deck including different style options and maintenance.
What to Know Before You Build
Before embarking on any major landscaping project, you should always be aware of the type of ground and the soil conditions of the property you are building on. Because deck building usually requires some digging, you should also make the proper phone calls and be aware of any underground utilities that might be present underneath your property. Because all decks need the proper footings, knowing the soil conditions is incredibly important in the beginning stages of deck planning. Soil can be classified into gravel, sand, or clay, or a combination of the three. The type of soil you’re working with will determine the total weight your ground and deck will be able to sustain. Of the three, gravel soil is the strongest type to work with and is ideal, but any reputable builder will know how to build regardless of soil type. Builders will also be able to determine the depth of deck footings and the size each footing needs to be.
Types of Decks
Once you’ve determined the size and structure of your deck based on the soil type you are building on, you can begin to consider the different types of decks and decking materials available to you. While decks are often made with wood, there are many different options available to you with modern decking. The variety of wood options means that building with wood will give your deck a beautiful appearance, but will require more maintenance than decks made with other materials. Redwood, cedar, pine and other exotic woods can all be used to build decks, but they must be treated and stained annually to protect from sun and water damage. Alternatives to the traditional wood deck include composite, vinyl, and aluminium. These materials are relatively low maintenance and cost effective. The material you chose should be based on the functionality of your deck and the environment your deck will be exposed to.
Builders vs. DIY
You may consider yourself to be pretty handy with a hammer and nails, but this doesn’t necessarily translate into being a skilled builder who is capable of building the right deck for the property you own. Because of all the factors to consider when building on any property, it might be best to call in some experienced builders to help you with your project. While DIY projects usually cost less than going with professional services, you might not want to skimp out on a project like building a deck. Decks can break and collapse if not built correctly, so it’s important to know what your doing before you build.