How to Plan a Deck: 9 Tips and Design Ideas

Planning and building a deck is a great way to extend your home into the outdoors, but this is not a project to take lightly. You'll need a thorough plan that accounts for variables from local building codes to the unique challenges posed by your landscape. This guide will help you plan, design, and build a beautiful, functional deck where you'll love to spend time.

1. Check Local Building Codes and Permit Requirements

Before planning your deck, contact the local building department for your city, county, or state and familiarize yourself with the deck building codes in your area. You'll likely need to meet certain standards, obtain building permits, and have your project inspected once complete.

 If you live in a community managed by an HOA, you should also find out its requirements for deck appearance and placement.

2. Call 811 for Safe Digging

A deck’s foundation starts with footings that support its weight, prevent shifting in the ground, and hold the vertical posts that stabilize the rest of the structure. These components require you to dig deep into the ground, so it's key to know where gas lines and other utilities are buried.

811 Call-Before-You-Dig is a nationwide phone hotline you can call for a no-cost utility marking survey on your property.

3. Define the Purpose of the Deck

Whether you're planning a deck yourself or working with a contractor who builds decks, have clearly defined goals for your space. Decks can serve many functions, including:

• Relaxation

• Entertaining large groups

• Outdoor cooking and dining

• Gardening

• Pool privacy

• Enjoying a view

 Knowing your deck's purpose will set the direction for your features and design elements. For example, you may consider having separate areas on the deck for different activities or permanent features like a hot tub or gazebo. If you want your outdoor space to be covered and protected from bugs, consider the pros and cons of a screened-in porch.

4. Map Out Your Ideal Deck Size

The deck you build needs to be big enough to accommodate all of your furniture and desired features while allowing the comfortable movement of as many people as you envision. At the same time, every square foot of deck you build removes a square foot of open lawn space, so you’ll want to strike a balance.

One way to visualize your desired deck size is to set up your outdoor furniture and other features as if they were already on the deck. This way, you can see how much space you'll need to fit everything while allowing people to move around. Use landscaping stakes and tape to map out where each item will go as well as the perimeter around them.

5. Choose a Decking Material

There are many decking materials, including wood, composite, aluminum, PVC, and deck tiles. Pressure-treated wood and composite decking are the most common. Compare your options and choose a material that suits your aesthetic style, local climate, preferred deck maintenance schedule, and budget.

The material you choose also impacts your final deck size, as many boards come in standard widths. Account for these differences when designing your layout to minimize cuts.

6. Determine the Ideal Deck Location

Where you place a deck directly impacts its function. Large nearby trees may cast shade and drop leaves and other debris. Meanwhile, a complete lack of shade will expose you to the full light and heat of the sun all day. You may want your deck placement to maximize outdoor views or privacy.

Access is also key. Consider all possible entrances to your deck, such as sliding glass doors. Decide where you might place stairways and how easy it will be to access your yard, patio, or pool area if you have one.

7. Alter the Land as Needed

Unlevel ground, rocks, trees, plants, and other landscaping issues can all increase deck building costs due to complex measurement and structural requirements. In very steep yards, you may need to pay the cost to level a lawn before construction can begin. Clearing the land ahead of time can help reduce overall building costs.

8. Account for Your Utility Needs

Know where you’d like to place lighting fixtures and outdoor outlets. Common locations for deck lighting include near stairs and pathways leading up to the deck, as well as floodlights, sconces, and string lights for atmosphere. These will need wiring, so your deck builder may need to coordinate with an electrician.

9. Select a Finish

Depending on the decking material you choose, you may need to finish and seal your deck to provide long-term protection from the elements and keep it looking new as long as possible. This can include staining or painting your deck or hiring local deck painters to do the job for you. Be sure to consult with your painters to ensure that the deck is sealed after the paint dries.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Deck Builder?

Hiring a deck builder will add an average of $15 to $35 per square foot to the total cost to build a deck. A professionally built deck usually ranges in cost anywhere from $4,350 to $12,550, depending mostly on factors such as the materials used and the height of the deck. If you’re confident in how to build a deck, DIY labor can reduce your total cost by about 35%.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Building a deck is a complicated project. It requires specific carpentry knowledge and adherence to strict codes and regulations to achieve a safe structural foundation and a functional final product. Only DIY if you can competently handle all aspects of the build.

The safest option is to hire a local deck builder to bring your plan to life. A pro will also be able to guide you through the planning process and account for things you may not have thought of yourself. When hiring a decking contractor, meet with at least three builders to get quotes and compare experience and reputation. Ensure that whoever you hire offers the following: 

• An active contractor's license and insurance

• Experience building decks in your area and references for proof

• Knowledge of local building codes and permitting requirements

• A clear budget and building timeline

• Excitement for your deck vision and suggestions for improvement

If you're really set on DIY, consider a simpler project such as a small floating deck, which often doesn't require a permit, stairs, or connection to a separate structure. You can also use your creativity to choose deck colors.