QA

Question: How To Design A Deck And Patio

Can I draw my own deck plans?

All you need to make accurate deck plans are a pencil, ruler, and graph paper. Draw your deck to scale on graph paper (typically 1/4″ to the foot). You’ll need at least a site plan, a plan view, and one or two elevations. You also may want to draw detailed plans for complex parts of the deck.

Is it cheaper to build a deck or lay pavers?

Although wooden decking can offer a high percentage of return on the initial investment if you’re looking to quickly increase the resale value of your home, over the long run, however, pavers are more cost-effective, lower in maintenance cost, and provide the better option for saving money over the course of your May 22, 2017.

Is a deck more expensive than a patio?

In short, patios are usually cheaper than decks. For instance, since a patio is placed directly on the ground, you’ll want to choose a space that is level. Patios may not be the best choice for uneven ground because the cost to create a level foundation can double or triple the cost of the actual addition.

Which direction should deck boards run?

On most decks, the decking boards run parallel to the house and across the joists (either perpendicular or at a 45 degree angle).

Is there an app for designing a deck?

The Trex AR Visualizer Mobile App brings deck building inspiration to a smartphone. Compatible with iOS devices, this free app offers basic design features on mobile to create a custom deck from anywhere. Note: Trex, a decking materials company, created this app, meaning it offers only Trex decking and railing options.

What’s the difference between a deck and a patio?

Defining Patios and Decks For starters, let’s define them. Patio is a Spanish word, which means it is a courtyard of a house or building. Since patios are built at or around ground level, they don’t require safety railings. Decks are primarily made of wood or a composite wood material or vinyl, like Trex.

How much does it cost to build a 20×20 deck?

The average homeowner spends $2,200 to build a 10×10 foot deck, $6,160 to build a 14×20 deck, and $8,800 to build a 20×20 deck. The cost to build a deck with pressure-treated wood, hardwood, or composite is about $25 per square foot, for both materials and installation.

What is a floating deck?

A floating deck is a deck that isn’t attached to a building and they “float” above the ground. Generally, floating decks are low to the ground and don’t require handrails or even staircases. They are sometimes called “grade-level” or “freestanding” decks because they’re built just above the ground level, or grade.

Does decking add value to your home UK?

While there are varying opinions on how much a deck adds value to your home, many experts in the UK agree that on average, it can add 10% value to your home. So if you’re looking at a £250,000, that’s a £20,500 increase. Small makeovers can increase your home’s value by at least 5%.

Is it cheaper to build a wood deck or pour concrete?

Overall, a concrete patio will generally be cheaper to install compared to a deck. While your specific house and yard set-up may determine which is cheaper for your individual needs, a wood deck is likely to have a better return on investment compared to a concrete patio.

Does a patio add value to a home?

Patio. That said, it’s estimated that well-designed patios not only add 8-10% home value, but also earn an ROI of over 80%. A better option for most homeowners, however, would be to refinish or repair an existing patio, as repair estimates average around $1,400. This can provide an ROI of nearly 500%.

Should decking be parallel to house?

Running the boards parallel to the length is always desirable, it gives the deck a much bigger look. If you run the boards parallel to the width, it tends to give the deck a stumpy look, not very desirable.

Should a deck slope?

Deck boards should have a slope of about 1/8” per foot. This allows water to easily slide off deck boards more efficiently during rainstorms.

Do you need to leave a gap between decking boards?

Proper Gap between Decking Boards When installing decking boards, make sure to leave 1/4 to 1/8 inch gaps in between them. This gap will make sure that the decking can breathe, have sufficient drainage, and make it easier to clean.

Can I design a deck online?

Design Your Dream Deck in 3D with Our Free Online Software. Bring your deck vision to life with our easy-to-use deck design tool. You’ll need to create an account or login to Decks.com to get started and save your designs. Design the deck of your dreams with this simple and fun experience.

Who can I get to design a deck?

An architect can take your concepts for your dream deck and turn them into visualizations so you can see what the deck will look like. Once you settle on the design you like best, the architect draws up blueprints that provide the contractor with elevations, heights, and features for the construction of the deck.

What software do you need for decks?

Best Free Deck Design Software Azek Deck Designer. Using this free deck design software, you can start finding inspiration and creating a 3D layout. Trex Deck Design. Decks.com Deck Designer. BigHammer. Idea Spectrum. Chief Architect. SketchUp. SmartDraw.

How far apart should the posts be on a deck?

For Building a Deck Railing, Deck Frame, or Fence The maximum spacing of 4×4 deck posts should be 6 feet on center, while the maximum spacing of 6×6 deck posts should be 8 feet on center.

How many decking boards do I need for a 10×10 deck?

For a 10×10 square deck, you would therefore need twenty-two 10′ deck boards. Dimensions for deck boards can vary depending on the look you want and the deck board type you use. However, the most common is a 5/4” thick by 6” wide deck board of any length.

What material do I need for a 12×12 deck?

You will need 18 boards of 2-by-6-inch lumber or nine 2-by-10 inch boards to build the joists, also known as the beams. You should purchase an additional 25 percent wood to allow for framing pieces and waste.

Which is cheaper to build a deck or patio?

Patios generally cost less to build than decks do. Patios consist of more affordable materials like stamped concrete or stone as opposed to wood or bricks which are common for decks. Patios also require less labor and maintenance, which can help keep the costs down.

How much does a 12×12 paver patio cost?

A paver patio costs $10 to $17 per square foot to install, with most homeowners spending between $1,900 to $6,800 depending on the size, labor, and materials.Paver Patio Cost. Size Average Installation Cost 10×10 $950 – $1,700 10×20 $1,900 – $3,400 12×12 $1,400 – $2,500 12×24 $2,700 – $4,900.