How to Build a Deck that Won't Break the Bank

There's nothing better than sitting outside surrounded by friends and family. The deck plays home to parties, barbeques and makes a nice outdoor area to relax in the sun!

If you are looking for a way to improve your home without breaking the bank, building an outdoor living space may be just what you need. A custom deck is an excellent way to spruce up any garden or backyard space while increasing functionality.

However, there are several things to consider when designing and building custom decks in Richmond VA.

This blog post will provide you with all the information you need to get started!

What is a deck?

A deck is a flat, uncovered platform used for seating or entertainment. They are commonly found on houses near large bodies of water but can also be very useful in mountainous areas. Decks are typically located at the back of a house or at an elevated part of the home to provide more privacy and view. When decking your backyard, it's essential to consider the cost and the safety of deck installation.

What are the different types of residential decks?

There are several different types of decks: raised, ground level, and cantilever (with support beams). Decks can be open or closed with trellises, pergolas (a kind of pavilion), fences, or walls for privacy.

Raised decks: These decks extend off the ground anywhere from a few inches to multiple feet. They're easy to access and provide good ventilation underneath the deck by allowing air to flow through.

Ground-level deck: This deck is on the same grade as the rest of your yard. You can walk from inside your house onto this deck, so it feels like an extension of the living space.
Cantilever deck: Cantilever decks extend past the support beams by several feet and need additional support holding up the decking, railings, and weight of people or things on top of them.

Deck materials to consider

There are many types of deck-building materials that you could use. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages depending on deck design, construction, size, and layout.

Cedar decking is famous for its durability, resistance to rot, and the natural reddish-brown color that it fades into over time as it weathers. It's also known for its low-maintenance properties.

Fiberglass decking tiles are a lightweight material suitable for small decks where weight needs to be kept low.

Plastic deck tiles are used under high structures such as pergolas or arbors to minimize wind load.

Aluminum deck tiles are a good choice if you want a long-lasting solution but need something lightweight. You could also use copper deck tiles or steel deck tiles if you're looking for a more affordable exterior material with the same durability as aluminum.

Composite decks are top deck boards made of a combination of recycled wood and plastic. They are made to look like cedar decking, but they last longer.

Finally, if your deck is large enough (usually 50 sq.ft.), you might consider using interlocking deck tiles instead of deck boards. This is an excellent option if you want the deck to be low-maintenance, affordable, and quick to assemble.

What is the most affordable deck material available today?

Pressure-treated wood is a popular option for decks in Richmond VA because it does not require as much maintenance as other types of decking such as redwood, cedar, or Ipe (among many others). This saves homeowners money over the long run by not spending on expensive stain treatments every year or so.

Also, since pressure-treated lumber is made from softwoods such as pine, fir, spruce, or hemlock trees, this option is readily available in most hardware stores throughout North America at very affordable prices.

Building an outdoor living space with non-treated lumber requires you to put some extra effort into the installation by cutting down posts and beams, so they do not come into contact with the new deck boards.

This means more work for you and additional costs since posts must be cut down and replaced or kept and capped with a deck plate or skirt.

Non-pressure treated deck boards are also likely to warp, twist and cup, creating an uneven surface that can be difficult for the builders to work with during installation. This may result in added costs due to the extra labor required.

DIY or hire a certified team of builders for the project?

DIY deck installation may seem like an easy task at first. Still, more often than not, it's better to hire a professional deck contractor because of the reasons mentioned below.

DIY deck installation might end up costing more money in the long run. Many different factors can affect the final price tag of a decking project, such as your time, effort, skills, and your construction experience.

The dimensions or measurement of various components of your deck can be complicated, which only experienced professionals know how to do correctly. If you don't feel confident enough to build a deck of the desired size, you should hire a deck contractor to do it for you.

Another reason why hiring professionals can be better than doing a deck yourself because deck contractors already have the tools necessary to make deck installation easier and faster.

For example, decking contractors typically use nail guns (which are not something you would like to buy for a one-time project) and portable sawmills (for creating custom deck boards). You'll need these same tools if you want your DIY deck installation to go smoothly.

Things to do before hiring the best yet affordable deck contractor

If you're going to hire an experienced deck contractor, look for someone who has previous experience with projects similar to yours. You shouldn't take risks when hiring contractors because their level of professionalism directly affects the quality of work they do on your project- so make sure it's excellent!

Some offer free consultations and estimates, while others expect upfront payments before doing any work or providing services that may be unnecessary for your needs. So, it's important to know what type of company they are to avoid being tricked into purchasing additional products/services from their business.

Inform the contractor that you have a limited budget and their suggestions on how they'll get it done.

You want to make sure that the company has a long history of successful work. They should show you examples from their past clients and how happy they are with the custom outdoor spaces.

Make sure you sign a deck construction contract. Once the project is complete, some contractors will ask for an additional form called a completion certificate to protect both parties involved. This practice ensures that customers are not overcharged due to errors or lack thereof from the contractor's end.

If you want to ensure that deck repair service is suitable for your property, always ask for references. Check out their past customers and see if they are happy with the quality of work from this company before hiring them!

Some contractors guarantee their craftsmanship, while others stand by their work with a lifetime warranty. It is best to hire deck contractors with warranty options for deck repair, deck construction, deck replacement because this shows that they are confident about their quality of work.

Some builders guarantee their craftsmanship, while others stand by their work with a lifetime warranty. It is best to hire deck contractors with warranty options for deck repair, deck construction, deck replacement because this shows that they are confident about their quality of work.