DIY Woodworking Ideas - Different Ways to Design a Deck

Have you been thinking about different ways to design your deck? Maybe that's been on your to do list for several months or even a couple of years. Well now that spring time is here I would certainly think you're looking forward to getting outside and working around the house.

There are so many different designs out there that it will make your head spin, so obviously it's better if you have a basic picture in your mind and then build off that.

However like anything else you have to plan, you need figure out where you're going to build your deck.

You don't have to do that now, at this point you're looking for ideas.

First is it going to be attached to your house or is it going to be a free floating deck?

One of the more common styles is a rectangular deck mainly because they're one of the easiest to construct. With simple modifications, rectangular decks can be arranged to make virtually any size or shape and you can hopefully build that right off your house.

It's better to have a good size opening to your deck, so I would recommend having a slider door if you don't have one already.

If you're looking to build a stand alone or a free floating deck, they've made things a lot easier these days.

What's more interesting is that you don't have necessarily dig post holes, they have what they call pavers. I had a representative from a lumber company tell me about the dek-block system, they're concrete blocks that are made so you can fit a joist or a 4x4 post in so you're able to distribute the weight around the whole deck.

It makes life a lot simpler especially if you're working by yourself, so keep that in mind as an option.

Let's say you're building a deck for your above ground pool, the same rule are going to apply because it is a free floating deck. The only difference is going to be the kind of decking you want, the reason for this will determine the spacing between your joists.

In a case like this I would recommend composite decking so you don't get splinters on your feet but like I said before spacing the joists is important. You want to make them 12 inches on center rather than the traditional 16 inches on center so the don't warp.

My personal favorite is a wrap around deck. I have a farmer's porch and the idea I have is to extend it and wrap it around the side of the house, but that's just my next project.

No matter what style deck you plan to build, preparation is very important.

My suggestion would be to research a DIY software program so you can get ideas and also put together a materials list.

With most programs when you enter in the basic dimensions of what you want it will give you a list of lumber and hardware that you will need, or at least 95% of it.

Just remember if you are working alone then work safely.

People want to save money these days by doing those woodworking plans themselves. But on a more personal note I like the feeling of accomplishing something myself and having someone else do the job for me. it's an awesome feeling. On that note I strongly encourage you to check out my website if you want to get further educated on woodworking. Go to theultimatewoodworker.com

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