Attention deck builders! Designing a deck and picking the right deck boards can be an exciting task, but it can also be overwhelming. There are many factors to consider, including the size of your space, the materials you want to use, and your budget. It’s important to take your time during the planning process to avoid common mistakes deck builders make that can impact the functionality and beauty of your deck.

Here are some key mistakes that you should avoid when designing and building your deck:

1. Not Considering Your Home’s Architecture

Your deck should complement the style of your home. A rustic-looking deck may look out of place if you have a modern-style house. Consider using materials such as aluminum or composite decking for a more contemporary look, while pressure treated wood decking is perfect for traditional homes.

Also, a professional deck builder should consider decking accessories to help complete the style you’re trying to achieve. The right railing can add safety to your deck while making it fit better with your vision.

2. Choosing the Wrong Size

When it comes to building decks, bigger is only sometimes better. You need to carefully consider how much space you really need based on how you plan to use your wooden deck. If you only plan on using it for small gatherings with family and friends, a smaller deck may suffice. However, a larger deck may be necessary if you frequently host large parties or entertain guests in your backyard.

3. Forgetting About Maintenance

Decks and deck boards require regular maintenance in order to keep them looking good and functioning properly over time. Make sure you choose materials that are easy to maintain and won’t require too much upkeep to keep them looking their best. Sunbelt offers a variety of decking options designed to look good and last longer with less maintenance on any budget.

4. Ignoring Local Building Codes

Building codes vary by location, so make sure that you research what is required in your area before beginning construction on your new residential wooden deck. Failure to comply with local building codes could result in costly fines or even having to tear down the entire structure.

5. Not Considering Sun Exposure

The amount of sun exposure your deck receives is an essential factor in comfort and usability. If your deck is constantly exposed to direct sunlight in your backyard, it may become too hot for use during certain times of day or seasons of the year or require you to incorporate covering or cooling options like canopies or fans. It’s also necessary to consider choosing deck boards that don’t retain heat, like wood deck boards vs composite.

6. Overlooking Lighting

Lighting is crucial for both safety and ambiance on your new deck design project; however, many homeowners overlook this feature altogether until after construction has already been completed. Plan ahead by incorporating lighting into your design plan from the start.

7. Failing To Incorporate Seating Areas

Seating areas are essential for any outdoor living space because they provide comfortable places for people to relax and enjoy their surroundings without feeling cramped or uncomfortable due to lack-of-space issues!

8. Neglecting Privacy Concerns

If privacy is a concern for you or if there are neighbors nearby, consider adding privacy features such as screens or hedges around perimeter edges where needed most!

9. Not Planning For Future Expansions

Planning ahead will help ensure that all potential future expansions are accounted-for before starting construction, which will save time/money long term as well as give peace of mind knowing everything was considered beforehand.

10. Failure To Hire Professional Deck Builders

Finally, though it may irritate some DIY enthusiasts, to execute your vision for your deck, you might need to hire professional deck builders who can help guide you through every step of the process and ensure that nothing gets overlooked. An experienced deck builder can ensure your deck matches your style and budget while meeting all necessary code and safety requirements.

Designing a deck requires careful consideration of several important factors, but taking the time to address these issues beforehand helps hold off the headaches while you have fun in the sun on your new deck.

To get a head start on your decking journey, check out our entire collection of decking and deck accessories and visit our blog for more tips, projects, and news.