Building your own deck can be a great way to save money, but it’s important to recognize that it’s only cheaper if you do it the right way.
While many DIY enthusiasts might feel confident in tackling such a project, it’s essential to understand that building a deck involves more than just hammering boards together. Mistakes in the planning or construction phases can lead to costly repairs or even pose serious safety risks.
The Risks of Cutting Corners
For elevated decks, especially second-story ones, proper construction is critical. Every year, deck collapses result in serious injuries and, in some tragic cases, fatalities. A deck that is improperly designed, built with inferior materials, or not up to code can collapse, putting your family and friends at risk. These dangers underscore the importance of adhering to local building codes and using the correct hardware and materials.
Common DIY Deck Building Mistakes
Here are a few mistakes that can lead to higher costs and unsafe decks:
- Inadequate footings: Without proper foundation support, your deck could settle unevenly, leading to structural issues.
- Incorrect ledger attachment: If the ledger board (which connects your deck to your house) isn’t secured correctly, it can weaken the deck’s support. It’s estimated that 90 percent of deck collapses occur due to ledger board connection failures.
- Improper spacing of joists: Not spacing the deck’s joists correctly can result in sagging deck boards and uneven surfaces. Many composite decking manufacturers say their decking boards can span 16″ on center. However we advise our customers these boards are very flexible especially on hot summer days and they should strongly consider 12″ on center joist spacing when using most plastic decking boards.
- Failing to use weather-resistant materials: Choosing low-quality or improper materials can lead to early rot, warping, and deck failure.
- Improper Flashing: Flashing your ledger board wrong or just not flashing it at all can lead to accelerated rot and failure of your ledger board causing your deck to collapse. You should also use joist tape on top of your pressure treated deck joists. One of the first places your deck will rot is the top of the joist as rain gets trapped in between the bottom of your deck boards and your deck joist. This spot usually receives very little sunlight and less airflow so it stay damp longer leading to accelerated rot. Using joist tapes prevents this from happening.
- Skipping permits or inspections: Bypassing necessary building permits and inspections can result in fines and the need to tear down and rebuild portions of your deck.
Saving Money by Doing It Right
For those who are handy, take the time to educate yourself on proper building codes and deck construction practices. Doing so can save you a lot of money in both the short and long term. Building a deck on your own without professional labor costs can reduce the overall expense, but it requires research, patience, and the right tools.
Advantages of DIY Deck Building:
- No labor costs: Labor can be one of the most expensive parts of hiring a contractor, so doing the work yourself can save thousands.
- Customization: As the builder, you can customize the deck to your exact specifications, selecting the materials, layout, and features that work best for you.
- Satisfaction: There’s a sense of pride and accomplishment in completing a deck with your own hands.
Planning Your DIY Deck with AdvantageLumber.com
To ensure your DIY project is a success, take advantage of the free project estimating and planning services offered by AdvantageLumber.com. These services help DIY builders by providing guidance on the materials needed, project planning, and expert advice on deck construction. By working with a detailed plan and the right materials, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your deck is safe, durable, and built to last.
When planning your DIY deck, remember that saving money upfront isn’t worth the risk of future repairs or accidents. The key to a cheaper, safer, and long-lasting deck is building it the correct way, and with proper guidance and materials, you can enjoy the process and the savings that come with it.