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Decking can make a significant difference in the appearance and usability of your outdoor space. It comes in a range of designs, styles, and colors, so you can find decking that suits your needs and preferences.
Hiring Professional Contractors to Install Your Decking
It’s often easier to hire professionals to get your decking installed. Whether you’re searching for help with deck construction in Ham Lake, Minnesota, or elsewhere in the country, expert deck-building contractors will help you achieve your dream decking.
Professional contractors will know exactly how to choose the perfect customized decking for your garden to maximize its aesthetics while also focusing on functionality and practicality. They can work closely with you to ensure your outdoor renovation is everything you desire.
Of course, choosing to work with a professional Deck Builder in ‘Ham Lake, MN’, or your local area is a much quicker and more convenient option. You won’t need to do anything yourself aside from working with the contractors to finalize the design and layout of your decking area.
Why Composite and Wood Are Great Options for Decking
Below, we’re going to cover a simple step-by-step guide on how to install decking at home. First, let’s take a look at why composite and wood are the best materials to use for decking.
Benefits of using composite for decking
Deck builders often use composite for their projects because it offers a range of benefits. It’s eco-friendly due to being sourced from recycled materials, such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified timber and is free of pesticides. It’s also highly durable, resistant to weathering, and cost-effective.
Composite decking is low maintenance and tends not to fade over time, even in extreme weather conditions. When installed by professional deck builders, composite is extremely safe, and each plank blends seamlessly with the next to avoid trips and falls.
Benefits of using wood for decking
Wood has always been and continues to be a popular choice for decking because it’s aesthetically pleasing and customizable. It’s also obtained from sustainable materials certified by the FSC, making it a great option for eco-conscious people.
Wood decking is easy to install, even with basic tools and minimal DIY experience. It’s available in a range of wood species, colors, stains, and finishes, making it a versatile choice for outdoor decking.
Installing Decking by Yourself – Step-by-Step Guide
Those of you who are DIY-savvy or fancy a challenge might wish to install your outdoor decking without professional help. Doing so presents the perfect opportunity to improve your DIY skills and have fun in the process!
Follow these simple steps to install your own outdoor decking on your property without hiring professionals.
Plan and Design Your Decking Area
The first step in building the perfect decking area on your property is choosing its size, location, and design. You may want your decking in a private and secure area of your garden, or maybe you’d prefer to place it in the space that receives the most sunlight or is the easiest to access from your home.
Consider how large or small you want the decking to be. If you plan on hosting family BBQs, consider a larger decking area. For solo outdoor relaxation, a smaller space might suffice.
You’ll also need to consider additional features, such as barriers, railings, or built-in seating, and the designs of each of these features. This is something that deck construction professionals can advise you about.
Choose Your Materials
Next, you’ll need to choose the decking materials that suit your needs. Selecting the right materials is essential for maximizing the longevity and aesthetics of your decking.
Whether you go for one of our above recommendations, composite or wood, or you choose alternative materials, such as cedar, concrete, or PVC, you’ll need to consider the final design. Each material is available in various styles and finishes, each with its own advantages and uses.
Gather Your Tools
You can install decking with basic, affordable tools. However, you’ll need to make sure that you have all of the essentials at hand before you start your hefty DIY landscaping project.
Essential tools for installing decking include a circular saw, hand saw, drill, hammer, tape measure, marking chalk, and a framing square. Note that the tools you’ll need to properly install your decking depend on the materials you’ve chosen, size, and layout.
Lay the Foundations of Your Decking
Once you’ve gathered the necessary tools, you can start laying the foundations of your decking. Getting this step right is essential, as the foundations support the decking panels and make it look seamless and professional.
You’ll need to calculate the size and depth of your footings based on your local building regulations and the type of soil in your garden. Ensure you install the right footings, so your decking is well-fitted and long-lasting once installed.
Strong decking foundations also involve a sturdy frame. Your frame will need to be level and square, and you must secure it tightly to the footings to ensure your decking platform is even and hazard-free.
Install Your Decking Boards
You’ve finally reached the step in your decking installation where you can place down your decking boards. You’re almost there!
Lay each board down one by one, making sure to maintain proper spacing between them so water can drain to the ground below and there is enough room for the wood to expand on hot days. You may need to cut some boards using a saw to align them perfectly with the edges of your decking platform, particularly if it’s irregular in shape.
You may want to lay the boards down in an alternate fashion to add depth and visual appeal to your decking. Staggering the edges of the decking boards also increases stability and sturdiness by alternating the anchor points.
Secure screws or deck clips on either side of each decking board using a hammer. The former may be slightly noticeable but offers maximum stability on your decking platform, while the latter is hidden and secures the decking from below.
