Building your own deck can be a fun way to improve your home and save some money.
It might seem like building a deck would be a difficult process. However, it is fairly simple and can usually be done in a few weekends.
Many people put off getting a deck installed because of the expense. By building one yourself, though, you can save yourself money on labor.
Before you start building your deck, you need to have the proper tools. Making sure that you are prepared can help make your deck build go smoothly and safely.
Tools Needed for Building a Deck: Basic Idea
Getting started on your deck build will require the right equipment. In order to start off on the right foot you should at least have:
- Circular saw
- Chalk line
- Power drill
- Carpenter’s level
How to Prepare to Build a Deck
The first thing you should do before building a deck is check your local building codes.
Some areas have requirements for the size and height of decks and railings and it’s important that you obey these. If you don’t, you could find yourself facing hefty fines plus the expense of fixing the deck.
You should also do all your measuring before you begin.
Mark off the boundaries of your deck with stakes and string. This will give you a good visual aid once you get started.
Having your joists measured and knowing where your footings will go will help you along the way. This will cut out any guess work and dictate the measurements of the planks.
12-Amp Circular Saw
The most important tool for building a deck is a circular saw that is at least 12 amps.
There are all kinds of circular saws on the market and not all of them have the same power rating. Choosing a saw that has enough power to handle 4x4s and 2x4s is crucial.
Chalk Line Marker
A chalk line marker is a reel of string that is coated in chalk.
This simple tool is one of the most important things you can have when building a deck. To use it, you stretch the string across a piece of wood you want to cut.
Then, you lift the string up and snap it onto the wood. This will leave a perfectly straight line that you can use to cut.
Professional Power Drill
A power drill is another crucial tool for building a deck.
You should invest in a drill that plugs into the wall. Battery-powered drills don’t have enough power to efficiently fasten long screws.
Level
A carpenter’s level is your best friend when building a deck. You will need to make sure that your joists and planks are perfectly straight as you build.
A good carpenter’s level will have levels for every axis. This will help you know whether the planks and joists are level up-and-down and side-to-side.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it hard to build a deck yourself?
Building a deck is a relatively simple project.
While you won’t be able to build it in a weekend, most people can handle it. If you are worried about structural issues, you can have a professional dig and install the footings.
- Will a deck increase my taxes?
A deck will probably qualify as a capital improvement on your home. Because of this, you will probably need to adjust your home’s value.
However, there may be exceptions and a local tax assessor can help you find out.
- What is the average cost to install a deck?
The national average cost of installing a deck is $7,696. The low end of that average, though, is $4,160.
If you are building the deck yourself, you can count on being closer to the low end.
Conclusion
Building a deck is a great way to add value to your home and improve the outdoor space. By building it yourself, you not only get these benefits, but the pride of a job well done.
Making sure you have the above tools will make your deck installation much smoother and easier.
