Deck Plans

Do it yourself jobs are not as easy as it sounds. First of all, you need to have the daring to do something with your own two hands. Next, you need the skills. Finally you need a plan. If you think this is just about changing a busted light bulb in your toilet, think again.

This applies to constructing woodwork, for instance, a deck. The first need is pretty easy to awaken although the second one needs years of studies. However, you can have the second one pretty easily when you get one of those nifty deck plans online.

Yes, you read that right. There are kind-hearted experts out there who uploaded the blueprints of their creations on the internet so that those novices who dream something bigger for their houses can start on a project with something in hand.

So, what exactly should you look for when downloading a deck plan online? Well, here are some important things that you need and that should be printed in those drafts, if you want to be successful in your endeavor of making a deck.

The Structure Itself
Of course, this is the most important thing. How can you possibly create a deck without the foremost structural plan? Since there are several kinds of deck plans available online, choose those which will fit the style of your house well. It is imperative also that you opt for the deck plan which will agree with your bank account.

The Materials Needed
A checklist is always important. This includes the raw materials that you will require for the project like the type of wood, its cut, measurements and so on. It also includes the list of tools that you may need. The basics consist of a measuring tape, rulers, mason string, a paper and a pen.

There is Always a Little Bit of Extra
Besides the decking boards, balustrades and wooden posts, you will need something else to complete your deck. One of these things that you should look for in a decking plan would be other woodwork which may be included. Some deck plans already have

Legalities are Followed
Legal considerations must also be included in the deck plans, or at least, you should be aware of these when you are choosing a blueprint to follow. The over-all size of your deck must be according to local zoning ordinances, neighborhood and building guidelines.

Easy to Follow, Easy to Use
This, perhaps, is the most important thing that one should think of when looking for deck plans. Get something which will fit your specifications for the house but is also simple to create.

There are deck plans which you can download for free but don't disregard the ones you have to pay for as well. The tips will definitely help you in this.

Toby Chalus has been writing articles about home improvements for many years now. His current project focuses on woodworking and all the different plans that can be done by the DIY enthusiast. Take a look at Toby's latest articles about deck plans and woodworking plans.

Wood Deck Designs

A wood deck is a home improvement that not only adds to the value of your home, but provides a communal area in which you and your family can commune for eating and other activities. There are some things to consider when deciding on deck designs that may be appropriate for your yard and needs.

Your deck design should include features that match your family's lifestyle as well as compliment the design of your house. Being that you will probably live with the deck design you choose for many years, the planning portion of adding a wood deck to your home is the most important part of such a project.

There are three main ways to view the building of a wood deck that can help you decide which deck designs are most appropriate for your needs. These perspectives include 1) How you plan to use your wood deck, 2) Legal considerations, and 3) Size and location.

One of the most important considerations in designing a wood deck for your home is figuring out what all activities you plan to have take place on the deck area. If you entertain regularly, then an important consideration would be the number of people that usually are involved in these types of get-togethers.


Would your dinner guests be more comfortable on built-in benches, or comfy patio chairs? Do you want the deck layout to facilitate several small conversations, or one large communal area where a presentation or one group activity can be enjoyed? Will you require lighting for night time gatherings? These are the types of question you must ask yourself when deciding on which functions the deck area is being built to accommodate.

Try to imagine each and every activity or type of gathering that you'd like to accommodate in your backyard wood deck area. Most decisions on appliances and other deck accoutrements depend heavily on these kinds of considerations.

Before deciding on deck designs, you should first check your local zoning codes and ordinances. These rules may limit the height or overall size of your wood deck area. Local ordinances may also have regulations about privacy screens or the minimum distance that your deck can be from your neighbors' yards. Also, neighborhood or subdivision committees may need to approve your deck design before construction begins.

Check with the local building department to see if you're required to attain a building permit. Also, don't forget to check with the utility companies to ensure that you will not disrupt underground water or power lines.

Size and location are important considerations as well. Just as tiny decks look out of place next to large houses, huge decks can look rather odd next to tiny houses. If your deck designs add up to too large of a deck for your house, try to break up the decks into smaller, individual deck areas.

As far as location is concerned, this mostly relates to sun and which side(s) of the house your deck will reside. North side decks will most likely be the coolest in the summer. Southern or western facing deck locations may prove to be too warm in the summer months.

There are a number of valuable resources for finding deck building guides and whatnot on the internet. The important thing is to consider what all your deck needs to accomplish in terms of activity and comfort; the rest will work itself out. Have fun!

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Ideas for Deck Entertaining

When you are planning to build or buy your house, take into consideration the entertainment possibilities of having a deck. A deck could be useful for all types of social events, from light dinners to cocktail parties. Because decks have columns and banisters, you can decorate them up in the theme of the party.

One deck event could be having a cocktail sundowner. Add soft lighting by hanging white lights from the top of the banister to turn on when it becomes dark. Remember to place chairs and tables on the deck, with ashtrays and candles. For the cocktails, choose a couple of recipes that are easy to make.


An example of a good sundowner cocktail would be a Blue Lagoon. This is a popular drink among cocktail bars and is simple to make. Fill a glass with ice and pour over a shot of vodka and blue Curacao liqueur. Pour the lemonade to the top and add a cocktail cherry for garnish.

Although you are watching a sunset, try making a Tequila Sunrise for a cocktail. For this drink you need a tall glass filled with ice. Pour in two shots of tequila and top it up with orange juice. Tilt the glass to the side a bit and pour in about two dashes of grenadine syrup so it sinks to the bottom. The grenadine will then filter itself to the top creating shading from red to orange in the glass. You could garnish the drink with a slice of orange and cherry on the top of the glass.

Once the drinks are served, guests can socialise on the deck and watch the sunset go down. If you are having a large sundowner cocktail party, invest in some heaters so guests can stay warm once it becomes dark.

On larger decks, you could entertain a barbecue. A table could be placed on the wooden planks with chairs. This prevents the table from wobbling as it would on the soil. Decks also have the advantage of easy access into the house. Instead of carrying plates, salt and pepper and glasses from the garden to the kitchen, the access is just a few feet away.

The barbecue cook could roast up some chops and sausage. For vegetarians, create some vegetable skewers by pushing different types of vegetables onto a long pointy stick. Vegetables you could use include chopped peppers, onions, marrow and pineapple. Place them on the barbecue and drizzle with olive oil every now and then to prevent them from drying out.

At different holidays the decks could be decorated according to the theme. On Halloween, place pumpkins on the stairs and drape white sheeting on the banister. You can tie bats made from cutting out black paper on to the columns.

During Christmas you can stick cotton wool on the banister to mimic snow if you don't already have the real deal. You can weave Christmas lighting through the banister and place decorations all up the banister.

If you are not having a party or there are no holidays to celebrate, invest in a hammock to hang on the deck. You could relax in the shade by swinging on a swing bench bolted into the roof on the deck. There are plenty of seating options specifically created for porches to choose from.

To have a deck around your house adds a feature. It is not only pleasing to look at, but adds wonderful opportunities for memories. How many first kisses have been stolen on the porch and how many snuggles on a swinging bench? It is a place in a home that everyone can enjoy whether you are sitting in rocking chairs reading, or enjoying a beautiful sunset.

Celeste writes for Deck Pro, who specialize in garden decking, design, construction and maintenance.