A Spectacular Spring

Building a Deck? Here Are the 4 Common Building Mistakes That You Should Avoid at All Costs

19 November 2021 by Terri Holmes

Building a deck is a perfect and affordable way to increase the living space in your home. When you hire a competent deck contractor to handle the installation, you will undoubtedly make your home more valuable in the property market. Besides that, you will add beauty to your outdoor space.

However, you can only achieve this by handling the installation correctly. Besides that, you should avoid the following DIY mistakes to acquire a functional and attractive deck. 

Picking the Wrong Deck Materials

Choosing the wrong materials for the deck is one of the common mistakes many people make when installing decks. Keep in mind that your deck will endure the sun, rain, snow, and ice. If the material cannot withstand these conditions without deteriorating, you are setting yourself up for failure.

Installing the wrong material means that you need to carry out repairs or a replacement soon after the installation. Thus, you should pick a robust material for your deck, such as pressure-treated rubber. Composite material is also an ideal deck material. These materials combine the weather-resistant property of artificial materials with the beauty of natural wood to create an outstanding and hard-wearing deck.

Failing to Seal the Wood

Failing to seal the wood during the installation is a costly error. When you leave the wood open, it starts deteriorating soon after the installation. For instance, it will absorb water and swell. Then, during the hot season, it will lose moisture and warp. 

A few cycles of this process will leave you with severely distorted wood. Eventually, the wood will splinter and split. Therefore, sealing is crucial as it creates a barrier between the wood and the environment and preserves the integrity of the material.

Rail Installation Errors

Rails prevent people from falling off the deck, more so the little ones. However, do-it-yourself installers often use the wrong height of rails. Worse still, some people forgo the railing installation entirely. Putting the right-sized rails is essential in preventing accidents. Your deck contractor will advise you on the best rail height after assessing the area. 

Installing Weak Footers

The footers support the entire weight of the deck. For that reason, they need to be made from a sturdy material to carry the structure's weight. Weak footers are a safety hazard since they can cause the deck to collapse.

The best way to avoid the above issues is by hiring a professional deck contractor to handle the installation for you. They will help you choose the right material and design a suitable deck that suits your outdoor living space.

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