Five Things Everyone Should Remember When Building a New Deck

Decks aren't rocket science.

Really. As home improvement projects go, they're relatively easy. In fact, their simplicity engenders some pretty misguided stereotypes. Too many of us think of decks as boring rectangles of wood stuck to the back of a house. But decks can be much, much more than that. Here are five things to remember when deciding whether to embark on a new decking project.

Not all decks are created square. Think about it: If you could completely rebuild your home from the ground up, would you simply build a squarish A-frame house with 90-degree angles in all directions? Of course not - you'd have gables, cornices, turrets - maybe even flying buttresses or parapets. There's absolutely no reason your deck should be a boring, rectangular affair; decks can feature multiple shapes, levels and points of entry.

Decking material isn't just for walking on. Whether you use wood or composite decking, the possibilities are endless. Try building a long bench on your deck, with a hinged seat so you can store sports or grilling gear underneath. Decking material can also make great planters or arbors. With the right plans, your deck can work with the very land itself, allowing space for greenery and even trees.

Above-ground pools can be a calling to something greater. Above-ground pools have a bad reputation - over the years they've taken on a more proletarian image than their in-ground siblings (despite the fact that they don't get you any less wet). But a swimming pool that sits six more feet above sea level than your home can be an invitation to build yourself a snazzy new deck, turning your pool into a backyard entertainment center - let the neighbors snicker at that. Pool decks can be simple structures that only service the ingress and egress of the pool itself, or they can be ornate and labyrinthine, housing barbecue grills, sunbathing benches and (hey, why not?) changing cabanas.

Balconies are just decks on the second story. Not all decks cover the ground floor. There's no reason your deck can't stretch out from a second-story den or family room. So if your home is on a hill, don't feel left out - there are plenty of decking options available. These are especially popular in rural areas, where the combination of an upstairs deck and a hilly, forested terrain make for a great rustic look.

Decks aren't decks without great railing. Nothing makes a deck look more professional than a matching set of rails. Fairway and Deckorators are great manufacturers of quality railing supplies, but spend some time searching the Internet -- there are dozens of great brands out there. Pick the one that's best for you.

If you're considering building a new deck, you're not alone -- it's something every homeowner thinks about at one time or another, particularly given the fact that many decks pay for themselves -- or come very close -- by improving the overall dollar value of the homes they're attached to.

The most important step in any decking project is the planning process, so feel free to stretch your wings a little bit during this time. Of course, expense is a factor, as well as labor (particularly if you're building your own deck), but with a little ingenuity, you'll be able to create a backyard paradise.

Kevin Ott writes about home improvement projects (like deck construction, basement remodeling and mold removal) and a wide variety of other topics. He writes for dozens of clients, including Sequoia Supply, the premier supplier of decking material in the Northeast.

Visit Sequoia Supply at http://decksupplies.com

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