Building Codes

• Before you get your heart set on a deck design, check your local building codes. Avoid unexpected delays and possible fines. Many municipalities have codes, restrictions or construction specifications that apply to outdoor structures attached to a home. You need to know whether your construction plans require a permit and if you must have a licensed professional install certain deck elements like footings or electrical connections. Municipal codes for the maximum deck height, rail spacing, step width and depths, load ratings and safety requirements are other design considerations that may affect your deck design.
  
  If you are building a deck in a planned development or living in a condominium, additional restrictions may apply. Contact the neighborhood or condominium association to review your options.
  
  

Design Choices

• To prevent unnecessary expenses, choose a DIY deck plan that works well with your terrain. Some home lots have irregular elevations that limit the placement and size of a deck. Even if your lot is completely flat, your deck plan should enhance your property and integrate seamlessly with your house and other outdoor structures like the garage. Consider plans that have potential for expanding the deck, enclosing it or adding a cover in the future.
  
  Find design examples and view free 3D plans in Google's Sketchup warehouse. To see a complete model for designs that you like, download and install the free Sketchup software and use it to follow or modify any deck model from the collection. Choose a design based on the shape that you prefer from the collection at Free Deck Plans. The Handyman USA website has a step-by-step deck building guide that walks you through the most common deck construction elements. The site has useful links that provide additional tutorials on important components of deck design, such as setting your deck's footings.
  
  

Materials

• Outdoor structures should be durable and easy to maintain. All commonly used deck materials have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Treated wood stands up to weather, resists decay and deters termites and other wood boring insects, but may contain toxins that make it unsuitable for some uses. Home improvement stores sell treated wood in precut planks or in board feet.
  
  Bob Vila suggests that homeowners consider investing a little more money for higher quality wood like cedar, redwood or mahogany to extend deck life and reduce the need for toxic pretreatments and maintenance solutions. Eco-friendly material options like synthetic wood or composite decking include planks, tiles and deck kits, but most are not as strong as wood.