Home Improvement Information

Planning For a New Deck


Part of the fun of a new deck is the planning! When you plan your deck, you can let your imagination run wild and add all kinds of fun features. As your planning process moves forward, you can whittle down your design to a more practical (and buildable) plan. Planning a new deck can be as simple as a few sketches, or as complete as a blueprint. You can have an architect or designer create plans for you, or you can do it yourself. Also, there are many new software programs available to make planning easier.

Before you start planning your deck, you may want to browse through some magazines for ideas. You can also search the Internet for photos of existing decks to give you some better ideas. There are also entire books written specifically for decks and deck building. They usually have hundreds of full-color photos to help you decide what features you want to add to your deck.

So the first place to start, is to measure the area you have available for your new deck. This is sometimes easier if you have a long tape measure; a 50 foot long tape measure is usually best for a project like this. Using wooden stakes, hammer them into the ground at the corners of your deck. This will help you visualize where your new deck will be. It's a lot easier to move wooden stakes around, then to change the layout while building your deck.

As you stake out your new deck, take into consideration any changes in elevation. You may want to consider a multi-level deck, areas for steps, or special task areas on your deck. Task areas may include things like a wet bar, a place for a grill, or even a private sitting area. These special task areas are what will make your new deck unique.

Once you have your deck staked out in its final position, you will want to draw some final plans. You can take these plans to your local home center or building supply store, and they can create a materials list for you. You will also need a set of plans if you need a building permit for your deck. Most townships or municipalities require building permits for a new deck. They will want to have one or two sets of plans submitted with the building fee. The more professional your plans look, the easier it will be for you to get approval to build your new deck.

Once you have your final building permit and your plans all finished, it's time to start building your deck. The next series of articles will cover building your deck from start to finish.

Dean Novosat is an avid do-it-yourselfer and remodeler. He writes for http://build-decks-patios.com, http://for-gadget-guys.com, and http://www.the-kitchen-designer.com


MORE RESOURCES:

The Associated Press

How home improvement chains fared in 3rd quarter
The Associated Press - 13 hours ago
Here's a summary of how the nation's two largest home improvement chains performed. Home Depot: Profit: $756 million, down 31 percent from last year. ...
Home Depot Posts 31% Fall in Net Income, Cuts View Wall Street Journal
Tough economy takes toll on Home Depot Atlanta Journal Constitution
Net earnings fall for US home improvement retailer Stockhouse
CNNMoney.com - Atlanta Journal Constitution
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Economic Downturn Sparks New Home Improvement Trend
MarketWatch - Nov 18, 2008
With the harsh reality of uncertain economic times, and the average consumer shouldering $10000 or more in credit card debt, a new trend in home improvement ...


BBC News

Endeavour Docks at Space Station on Home-Improvement Mission
Bloomberg - Nov 16, 2008
16 (Bloomberg) -- NASA’s space shuttle Endeavour docked with the International Space Station today just after 5 pm New York time on a home-improvement ...
Video: AP Top Stories AssociatedPress
Shuttle Endeavour docks with ISS on 'home-improvement' mission RIA Novosti
Endeavour to launch on 'home improvement' flight Spaceflight Now
EastDay.com - Space Fellowship
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TheHomeMag Experiencing Continued Growth in Slow Housing Market
MarketWatch - Nov 18, 2008
Additionally, revised numbers from HIRI (Home Improvement Research Institute) show the long-term outlook for the home improvement industry remains strong ...


Royals need home improvement
Reading Eagle, PA - Nov 17, 2008
By Don Stewart Reading, PA - Since the Reading Royals' inaugural 2001-02 season, the Sovereign Center has been a rough place for opposing teams. ...


$2 Million for Home Improvement in Elmira
WETM-TV, NY - Nov 17, 2008
ELMIRA- About two million dollars is up for grabs in the city of Elmira for you to use in home improvement projects. All you have to do is apply! ...


The Republican - MassLive.com

Holyoke officials, residents debate benefits of proposed Lowe's ...
The Republican - MassLive.com, MA - Nov 16, 2008
by The Republican Newsroom By KEN ROSS HOLYOKE - Planning Board members are touting the economic benefits of a proposed Lowe's home improvement store in ...


Key Challenges and Issues facing the World Home Furnishings Market ...
MarketWatch - Nov 18, 2008
Canada 60 Home Improvement Products - A Market Overview 60 Wall Coverings Market 60 Furniture and Fixture Market 61 Growth Drivers 61 3. ...


State files complaint against R Construction of Kaukauna
Green Bay Press Gazette, WI - 1 hour ago
The complaint alleges that in November 2005, the defendants entered into a $55250 home improvement contract with a Menasha couple promising, ...
Kaukauna contractor charged with theft, fraud Appleton Post Crescent
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KARK

Stocks Open Flat in Early Trading
Washington Post, United States - 20 hours ago
Like its competitor Lowe's, Home Depot said customers have scaled back on home improvement projects and big ticket purchases. Home Depot's stock was up 5 ...
MARKET SNAPSHOT: US Stocks Erase Losses To End Ahead, Led By HP ... CNNMoney.com
US Stocks Drop, Indexes Fall Below Lowest Closes Since 2003 Bloomberg
Hewlett-Packard, Home Depot, Saks among big movers The Associated Press
CNNMoney.com - Bloomberg
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Home-Improvement - Google News

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