Three Things To Know Before Building A Deck

Imagine it: a comfy reclining chair, an ice-cold drink and a perfect view. No matter where you live, decks can provide the ultimate backyard getaway. “[It] is a way to get out of the house,”says Fred Haun, owner of DeckCreator in North Royalton. “You can create a space where you can relax and enjoy outside and transition to a yard or pool.” Before getting started on your outdoor lounge, Haun offers a few things to consider. 

Take Your Pick
While wood is a classic choice, newer options such as plastic or a plastic and wood combination are growing in popularity due to their longevity and easy upkeep. “There’s wood where you have to maintain it year in and year out,” Haun says. “Then there’s low-maintenance material where it’s more money up front, however the maintenance on it is just cleaning at [your] leisure.”

Find Balance
Since the deck is essentially an extension of your home, make sure it’s similar in style, color and size. “You don’t want to have a huge deck on a small house or vice versa,” says Haun. “And then you want to carry the same style and color scheme into the deck to make sure it looks like it’s part of the house,” he says. 

Go Pro
While it may seem as easy as slapping a couple boards together, deck building can be a huge commitment. Haun recommends talking to a professional to ensure you meet any safety requirements for its size and distance from the home. “Know what you’re getting into,” Haun says. “It typically doesn’t take a weekend or a day to build a deck.”