Your backyard can be an extension of your living space for entertaining family and friends while adding to the value of your home. First you need to consider a few things like budget, architecture of your home, landscape, family needs and your lifestyle. If you are on a tight budget then you can do this in steps while taking into consideration what the completed project will be.
You will then want to check with your local building department what their requirements are like easements or restrictions. Before construction starts it is always good to have your local utility companies mark any underground utilities. A good deck contractor will do this.
A good starting base would be a deck. Will this be a wood deck ( pressure treated pine, cedar, redwood) that will require maintenance from time to time like a good wood preservative or will it be an exotic hard wood or composite deck material that requires less attention? Will it be constructed with screws or nails? Check with your supplier to make sure that you get the best fasteners for you application if doing this yourself.
You can make this an outdoor living room with a fireplace or fire pit with a outdoor kitchen complete with a sink with running water, built in gas grill and refrigerator or just a deck with a portable gas or charcoal grill.
Consider shading this with a pergola or getting a little more protection from the rain with a shingled roof over the area and maybe install a set of french doors linking the indoors out to your new backyard paradise.
A nice water feature like a fish pond with a waterfall can add a relaxing touch for those days when you want to nap in your rope hammock or use your laptop surfing the internet. You can add a gas heater for the cooler days or screen it in to keep those pesky bugs out while still letting the breeze flow through.
You can then add lighting, ceiling fan, outdoor rug, outdoor furniture, landscaping, wall mounted LCD TV and outdoor art work.
As you can see the possibilities are endless and this will give you endless memories for you family and friend photo albums.
Custom Redwood Deck built by Terry Campbell
Do a search for outdoor living. The internet is full of images that will help you with your design.
Before beginning construction on your deck be sure to check with your zoning laws for regulations regarding your deck. Most deck projects will require you to get a permit.
Some good reasons to build your own deck would be to save some money by doing the work yourself. Another reason would be to add more value to your home, give your home a nicer look, have a great outdoor space to relax, and also have a nice spot to barbecue and entertain.
Before beginning you will have to figure out which tools you will need for this project. One of the most important tools you will need is some plans. Having some deck plans and following the instructions will make building your deck allot easier. If you feel you are not skilled enough to build your own deck, you should consider hiring a general contractor. It is a good idea to talk to some contractors and get about two or three estimates. Even if you plan to build the deck yourself, you can get an idea of the money you will save by building it yourself.
Always take your time when you are choosing the design and style for your deck. Make sure to think things through with some careful planning. Asking family and friends for their opinion is a great way to get ideas for the design of your deck. Looking at other decks is another way to come up with a design you might like. Seeing how other decks are built, and asking the homeowner questions can help you avoid mistakes when building your own deck.
The location of the deck can affect the way you use your deck. Take into consideration how the sun, wind, and other natural elements will affect how your deck will be used.
Natural elements such as the sun and moisture is the most common reason for damage to the deck. Applying sealer or stain to your deck is a good way to protect it. A good finish will repel water, and protect the wood from the suns UV rays.
The type of wood you choose for your deck is very important. This will decide how your deck will look, how long it will last, and how much money you will need to build your deck. Choose the best wood you can afford for best results. The most common lumber for building decks are pressure treated lumber, redwood, and cedar. When buying lumber give it a good inspection. By inspecting the lumber at the lumberyard one by one you can get the best boards possible. Hand picking the lumber will make your deck last longer, and it will also make it look more attractive.
By doing some research, and some careful planning, you will avoid mistakes and have a beautiful safe deck that will bring you and your family years and years of enjoyment.
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