Deck Planning

Deck planning is necessary before the commencement of any project to build a deck, as you need to carry out a number of legal and practical checks.

Consider all building and area regulations to ensure that your deck building plans would be permitted by the relevant authorities. The size, shape and planned location of your deck may need special permissions before you start work.

Be mindful of any drainage or cabling that lies beneath the ground that you intend to cover with decking, to which access might be required in the future.

Ensure that you know your precise property lines. Boundary disputes can erupt if your building project lies too close to neighbouring land.

If your property gives the right of way to someone, whether for a specific purpose or just to cross your property, you must ensure that building a deck is a realistic possibility. These rights of way, or easements as they are called, can prevent the building of anything that will hinder rightful access. This could include a deck, fencing, pergola or any accessories you may wish to use with your deck that block the right of way.

Give consideration to the impact of weather at your chosen deck location. The sheltered areas for when it is windy, any areas that collect surface water when it is rainy, and the areas that catch the most sunshine.

Then decide whether you are going to build the deck yourself or hire a contractor. Although deck building may be within your Do It Yourself skills, the job can be time consuming. The various construction stages could occupy a month of weekends or even longer depending on the size and complexity of your project.

You will then need to design your deck and draft plans for the project, whether you build it yourself or contract out the work. You need to design both the visual element as well as the structural, with full specifications for the materials you decide to use.  When planning materials for a deck, take into account their suitability for the use to which you will put your deck, as well as the appearance and cost.

And finally, you will need to purchase all the materials needed, and arrange hiring dates for any specialised tools or equipment you may prefer to speed up the job - see Deck Building Tools.