Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Never built a deck before....

I'm not sure what the best approach is to building a deck. I have about a three foot drop off of my back door, so a deck is necessary, but what is the best kind of deck? I want to have a nice space on this deck as well as access to the back yard for my kids. Overwhelmed!!! So, just an overview of selecting the type of deck and a basic step by step would be extremely helpful. Thanks!

This is a very open ended question. We had alot of trouble deciding on a deck design so I borrowed a whole bunch of books from the library. Looking at pictures or seeing other people's decks will help you decide what is best for your situation. Personally I recommend not rushing design or decisions until you have weighed everything. Plan as much as possible before executing your design.

As far as materials, I know we are very happy so far with our new Trex decking. The jury will be out until we go through a winter and see how it survives two dogs and months of snow shoveling. But I love the knowledge that once we actually finish the deck (we still have a few things to do) we will likely not have to do ANYTHING to it other than wash it off for a very long time. (Living at a UV scorching 8300 ft, with overly dry conditions and wet snow for 6 months of the year, this is a big factor.)

Thank you very much for your response. Where can I get information about the material you used? I, too, live at a high elevation, so it would be good for me to investigate materials that are friendly to such an environment.

I also recommend composite materials.

Mrs. Beckwith,

First, you need to decide on, figure out, or determine the perimeter of the deck. The step out of the door is easy -- it needs to be 8" or less. (8" is the maximum -- 7" is going to be more comfortable.)

If any part of the deck is more than 30" above grade, you'll probably have to have a permit to build it, and it will need railings. Be aware of that, and go ask your local building dept. BEFORE you start building it.

The framing members have span limitations. The farther you span, the larger the framing members have to be. The larger that the framing members are, the larger your footings will have to be.

As to whether to use composite or wood for the decking material, that's your call. It will depend on what's available to you and at what price. On the right coast, there is some pretty decent PT decking, and it's cheaper than composites. On the left coast, PT is pretty much out of the question, and composites are cheaper than redwood.

Mrs. Beckwith, if you go with a composite deck (doesn't matter which one) be sure to check the warranty. If it is not gapped properly then the warranty is voided. I build a Trex deck here in Texas and the Trex rep recommended I use a product called Deck Spacers. Check out www.deckspacers.com to see more. Without question I would have butted the boards together and been in a heap of trouble later on.

I got cut a bit short in my last reply, so let me continue.

Start at local lumberyards and big box stores and see what is available for decking material. That will determine what your choices are.

Composites come in different styles and different colors. A lot can be done to personalize the deck by mixing two or even three different colors together. Retailers will have brochures that have lots of pictures -- that can be a great resource.

At a high elevation in Utah, I would probably be inclined to spend the winter deciding exactly what you want the deck to be and start actual construction next spring. It's a big investment, and it's not going to get built in a day or two. And it's not something that you'll be able to change easily once it is built. Spend the time in designing it and get it exactly like you want it.

Lefty is right - I started designing our deck last summer, and preliminary planning had started long long ago. I spent all winter contemplating shading of the area below (ours is a second story deck), watching what kind of shading the trees provided, stair placement, greatest use of space, the work space for the grill, even where to hang the hummingbird feeders. I researched all the composite materials and chose the best one for our application and our goal of using as much recycled material as possible (Trex is made of wood shavings and plastic bags). As a result of all that planning we haven't found a thing we would change - the space is a perfect size and configuration and a great place to hang out. Remember that alot of home improvement projects, including decks, fall under the 80% planning, 20% executing rule... plus it's so fun to dream up your project! :D