Build A Deck That'll Last As Long As Your House

By Author: Blue Star Carpentry
Total Articles: 35
Comment this article

Building a deck

Who says natural is the only way to go? Occasionally humans invent something that not only lasts longer than Mother Nature's products but is easier to maintain. In this article, we'll tell you how to use some of these materials to build yourself a deck that will last a long time, look good and be easy to maintain. We'll also show you tricks and tips to make the building process simpler and “mistake-tolerant.”

Decks are great do-it-yourself projects, and this one, big as it looks, is no exception. Although this multilevel deck looks complex, you can build it using standard tools. A circular saw, drill, tape measure, chalk line, hammer and posthole digger can be adequate for building anything from a simple 12 x 12-ft. deck to an elaborate multilevel structure. But don't think you'll knock this one off in a couple of weekends. This deck took 12 skilled-carpenter days to build, so if you're new to carpentry, add a few days for the learning curve, weather delays, weekend-only work and family obligations. Realistically, a deck this size could turn into a summerlong project.

Our deck is 420 ...
... sq. ft. and cost $8,500 (in 2000) including the planters and privacy wall. Using plastic composite decking (we used Trex) instead of cedar or treated added substantially to the project cost, but when you figure that 15 years from now you'll be vacationing in Mexico instead of replacing the old deck, it doesn't seem so bad.