Decking

Building your own deck is a tempting do it yourself project that few people complete successfully, and others regret ever attempting. Entire books have been written on the subject, and it’s not something that should be attempted if you’re unsure of your basic carpentry skills. This article will give you an overview of the process, focusing on the basic principles of construction, rather than detailed plans and other information that’s required for actual construction.
check with your local building authorities to determine if there are any restrictions and if building permits are required. Many communities have set-back rules that determine how close you can build to property lines, as well as requirements for heights, structural supports, and dimensions for railings and stairways. Your building inspection office really should be the first place you go, as they can tell you much about how you should build, whether you can build, and variations in deck construction—all of which will tell you if you want to build at all. Did you know, for example, that decks must be supported by footings that reach below the winter frost line in your region? This will mean you might have to dig holes and pour fittings that are four feet deep or even more if you live in a cold region.A great backyard can become even more appealing with a beautiful deck on which to enjoy barbecues, fire pits, and family gatherings in the summer. If you’ve decided a deck is the perfect addition to your backyard, you may be wondering, “How much does it cost to build a deck?” Several design factors affect the overall price of a deck, particularly size, materials used, structural requirements, deck design, extra features, and more. On average, the cost to build a deck is around $9000, which quickly translates to a boost in property value.

What affects the cost of building a deck?
As with most home improvement projects the answer is… it depends. The biggest influence on the cost of your deck will be the size, materials and labor. Design extras also affect the total cost of the project, but you can get a rough idea of what a new deck will cost you if you know those three things. Here’s everything you need to consider.

Square footage: Obviously, the bigger the deck, the more it costs. A large structure takes longer to build and requires more decking, posts, piers, joists, and screws. Some deck contractors charge by the square foot as well, so if your budget is tight, lose some square footage from the design.
Elevation: How high off the ground will the deck be? Taller decks require stairs and railings. Stairs and railings add complexity – and material costs – to your project.
Labor: Deck installation contractors either charge by the hour or by the square-foot. Hourly rates include time spent including time spent sourcing materials, job set-up and break-down, etc.
Demolish an old deck: If there’s an existing structure already in place, you’ll have to factor some demolition costs into your new deck budget, or simply opt for a refinish. The cost to remove an old deck ranges anywhere from few hundred to two thousands .
Permits: If you’re building a new deck, you may need a permit. Your contractor can do this for you (for a fee) or you can apply yourself before the project begins. The average cost of a general building permit starts around $500, but can go much higher. Permitting fees vary from region to region and will depend upon the size and scale and value of the project.