Yes, you can draw your own deck plans in many cases. However, you must know your local building codes and be familiar with carpentry principles. Even then, it's always best to run your plans by a professional contractor with experience building decks, whether you choose to DIY some of the build or not.

Some elevated decks require stairs that lead to the ground level per the local fire codes in some municipalities. In other regions, a staircase is an optional feature that can increase accessibility and convenience for homeowners who want ground-level access to their deck. Additionally, a staircase is necessary if your home doesn't have an existing door leading to the deck.

Spindles on a deck may also be called balusters or pickets. While not as important to the structural support of the deck as the rail posts, they play a critical role in ensuring the deck is safe to use by closing in large gaps in the railing. For this reason, balusters must be no more than 4 inches away from one another.

Unless you’re using a 2-in-1 formula or painting over an existing coat of paint, it pays to apply a coat of primer ahead of your new paint. Decks see a lot of footfall and exposure to extreme and sudden temperature changes and moisture levels. The primer promotes better paint adhesion, moisture repellency, and a smoother finish, which means you’ll often need fewer coats of paint.