People build wooden decks for many reasons that include wanting to extend their living space from the inside out, reclaiming wasted space on a slope in the backyard, and surrounding their pools, spas and hot tubs with a safe, solid surface in the form of a wooden deck.
There are many different deck designs and deck building plans that you can use. Some are very basic, while others have additional features ranging from built-in seating and storage boxes to rails and steps that will make your deck a lot more accessible and safe.
Some wooden deck designs are more complicated than others, which will usually imply that they will require more specialized skills. But if you find yourself some good how-to deck building plans that have been drawn up by someone who knows what he or she is doing, then you’ll have a good head start.
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If you compare different types of decks, you will see that some are built on level ground, others are built on sloping ground, and another variation is built so that it provides access from a second or third storey of a building. The latter may be constructed with solid upright posts secured into the ground, or they may be cantilevered from the building structure.
The simplest type is clearly the easiest to build, and the most versatile. In fact if you can find easy-to-follow instructions that show you how to build a deck on a flat piece of ground, you will probably be able to build it anywhere. Other advantages of building decks on flat ground include minimal excavation (all you need to dig are holes for the upright posts), and the fact that you can normally use standard off-the-shelf materials, including the timber required.
If your backyard slopes, you will certainly be able to find a simple woodworking project that will show you how to build a wooden deck in this type of location, but you will have to adapt it to the site and the specific slope.
If you are keen to build a deck in your backyard, identify a site and make sure you are clear in your own mind what the function of the deck will be. Then study as many woodworking plans and projects that you can lay your hands on to get a better idea of the type of design you will feel comfortable with.
Of course you also need to be sure that you have the skills required for the particular deck project that you choose. Generally you will need to be able to:
· Set out the design for the plan you are working from.
· Work from the cutting list that comes with the plan, and cut all the lumber to size.
· Work with various power tools, including a Miter saw or skill saw, drill, sander and possibly also a router (if you want to bevel the edges of timber railings and so on).
· Level surfaces using tools that include a level and plumb bob.
· Sand wooden surfaces so that you end up with a smooth, safe finish.
When you build decks, you also need to work with concrete, which involves mixing cement, and water together in the correct ratio for the foundation footings of your upright posts. And you will need the right tools to be able to do the job efficiently.
