New Deck Installation in Round Rock & Pflugerville

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A deck is a great addition to any home, as it provides extra living space, enhances curb appeal, and increases property value. However, building a deck is not a simple DIY project that can be done without proper planning, preparation, and professional guidance. In this article, we will explore some of the key aspects of new deck installation, such as:

• Choosing your deck material
• Deciding on the size and shape of your deck
• Comparing different foundation types
• Estimating the cost of building a deck
• Hiring a pro vs. doing it yourself
• Understanding the benefits of installing a deck

Choosing Your Deck Material

One of the first decisions you need to make when planning for a new deck installation is what type of material you want to use. There are many options available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common materials are:

• Wood: Wood is a natural and traditional choice for decking, as it offers a warm and rustic look that blends well with any landscape. Wood decks can be made from various species of wood, such as pressure-treated pine, cedar, redwood, or exotic hardwoods. Wood decks are relatively affordable and easy to install, but they require regular maintenance to prevent rotting, warping, cracking, splintering, fading, or staining. Wood decks also tend to attract insects and mold.
• Composite: Composite decking is made from a mixture of wood fibers and plastic resins that mimic the appearance of natural wood. Composite decks are durable, low-maintenance, resistant to rotting, warping, cracking, splintering, fading, staining, insects, and mold. Composite decks come in various colors and textures that can suit any style preference. However, composite decks are more expensive than wood decks, and they may expand or contract due to temperature changes.
• Vinyl: Vinyl decking is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that offers a smooth and sleek look that can resemble wood or other materials. Vinyl decks are also durable, low-maintenance, resistant to rotting, warping, cracking, splintering, fading, staining, insects, and mold. Vinyl decks are easy to clean with soap and water, but they may become slippery when wet or hot. Vinyl decks are also more expensive than wood decks, and they may fade or discolor over time due to sun exposure.

Deciding on the Size and Shape of Your Deck

Another important factor to consider when planning for a new deck installation is how big and what shape you want your deck to be. The size and shape of your deck will depend on several factors, such as:

• The available space in your yard
• The purpose and function of your deck
• The number of people who will use your deck
• The furniture and accessories you want to place on your deck
• The design style you prefer for your deck

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for how big or what shape your deck should be, as it depends on your personal preferences, needs, and budget. However, some general guidelines are:

• A standard size for a small-to-medium-sized rectangular or square deck is 10×10 feet,[4] which can accommodate four people comfortably.
• A standard size for a large rectangular or square deck is 14×20 feet,[4] which can accommodate eight people comfortably.
• A standard size for an L-shaped or U-shaped deck is 16×16 feet,[4] which can accommodate six people comfortably.
• A standard size for an octagonal or circular deck is 12 feet in diameter,[4] which can accommodate four people comfortably.

Of course, you can customize your deck size and shape according to your specific needs, but keep in mind that larger or more complex shapes may require more materials, labor, and cost.

Comparing Different Foundation Types

Another crucial aspect of new deck installation is choosing the right foundation type for your deck. The foundation type will determine how stable, secure, and level your deck will be. There are two main types of foundations for decks: concrete footings and deck blocks.

Concrete footings are poured concrete pillars that are dug into the ground and support the deck posts. Concrete footings are strong, durable, and can handle heavy loads and uneven terrain. However, concrete footings require more work, time, and cost to install. They also need to comply with local building codes and regulations regarding depth, size, spacing, and frost line.

Deck blocks are precast concrete blocks that sit on top of the ground and support the deck posts. Deck blocks are easy, quick, and cheap to install. They do not require digging or pouring concrete. They also do not need to follow building codes or regulations regarding depth or frost line. However, deck blocks are less stable and secure than concrete footings. They can shift or sink due to soil movement or erosion. They also cannot handle heavy loads or uneven terrain.

Estimating the Cost of Building a Deck

The cost of building a new deck depends on many factors, such as:

• The size and shape of your deck
• The material you choose for your deck
• The foundation type you choose for your deck
• The design features you want for your deck (such as railings, stairs, benches, lighting)
• The labor costs in your area
• The permits and inspections required in your area

According to HomeAdvisor.com, the average cost of building a new wood deck ranges from $4 to $20 per square foot depending on the quality of wood used. The average cost of building a new composite deck ranges from $8 to $28 per square foot depending on the brand and quality of composite used. The average cost of building a new vinyl deck ranges from $19 to $39 per square foot depending on the quality of vinyl used.

The average cost of installing concrete footings ranges from $1 to $3 per linear foot depending on the size and depth of the footing. The average cost of installing deck blocks ranges from $5 to $10 per block depending on the size and type of block used.

The average cost of adding design features such as railings ($10-$45 per linear foot), stairs ($15-$25 per step), benches ($20-$45 per linear foot), lighting ($5-$30 per light) varies depending on the material and style chosen.

The average labor cost for installing a new deck ranges from $10 to $30 per square foot depending on the complexity and duration of the project. The average permit fee for building a new deck ranges from $50 to $500 depending on your location and project scope.

The total cost estimate for building a new 10×10 feet wood deck with concrete footings, railings, stairs, benches, lighting, labor, and permit is:

(10×10) x ($4 +$10) + (40 + 2×4) x ($1 +$10) + (40 + 2×4) x ($20) + (2×4) x ($15) + (40 + 2×4) x ($20) + (8) x ($5) + (1000/1000)x($50) = ($1400+$560+$1920+$120+$1920+$40+$50) **$6010**

This is only an approximate calculation based on national averages. Your actual costs may vary depending on your specific choices and local conditions.

Hiring a Pro vs. Doing It Yourself: What to Consider When Installing a New Deck

A new deck can be a great addition to your home, providing you with more outdoor living space, aesthetic appeal, and value. However, installing a new deck is not a simple task, and it requires careful planning, preparation, and execution. One of the most important decisions you need to make is whether to hire a professional deck builder or do it yourself.

There are pros and cons to both options, depending on your budget, time, skills, preferences, and goals. Ultimately, 1775 Fence can assist you with your deck project. Just call us!

Understanding the Benefits of Installing a Deck

A deck is a raised platform that extends from your house to your backyard, usually made of wood, composite, or vinyl materials. Installing a deck can be a rewarding project that offers many benefits for your home, lifestyle, and environment. In this article, we will explore some of these benefits and how they relate to different aspects of deck installation.

How Does a Deck Enhance Your Home’s Value?

One of the most obvious benefits of installing a deck is that it increases your home’s value by adding more living space, curb appeal, and functionality. According to HomeAdvisor.com , building a new wood deck can cost between $4 to $20 per square foot depending on the quality of wood used, while building a new composite deck can cost between $8 to $28 per square foot depending on the brand and quality of composite used (dfsinstall.com). However, these costs can be recouped by up to 75% when you sell your home (deckmastersak.com), making it one of the most profitable home improvement projects.

A deck also enhances your home’s value by improving its appearance and design. A well-designed deck can complement your house’s architecture, style, and color scheme, creating a harmonious look that attracts potential buyers. A deck can also add character and charm to your home by incorporating features such as railings, stairs, benches, lighting, planters, pergolas, or fire pits. These features can make your deck more inviting, comfortable, and versatile for different purposes.

How Does a Deck Improve Your Lifestyle?

Another benefit of installing a deck is that it improves your lifestyle by providing you with more opportunities for outdoor activities, relaxation, and entertainment. A deck can serve as an extension of your indoor living space where you can enjoy fresh air, natural light, scenic views, and privacy. A deck can also serve as a gathering place for your family and friends where you can share special memories together.

A deck can improve your lifestyle by offering you various options for how you use it depending on your needs and preferences. For example,

• You can use your deck as an outdoor dining area where you can cook delicious meals on a grill or smoker, serve them on a table or bar, and enjoy them under an umbrella or canopy.
• You can use your deck as an outdoor lounge area where you can relax on comfortable chairs or sofas, read books or magazines, listen to music or podcasts, watch movies or shows on an outdoor TV or projector, or nap on hammocks or swings .
• You can use your deck as an outdoor recreation area where you can play games or sports with your kids or pets, exercise on mats or equipment, practice yoga or meditation, do crafts or hobbies, or grow plants or flowers .
• You can use your deck as an outdoor party area where you can host events such as birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, reunions, weddings, or graduations with decorations, catering, music, dancing, or fireworks.

What Are Some Environmental Benefits of Installing a Deck?

Installing a deck can also have some environmental benefits if you choose eco-friendly materials and practices. For example, you can choose wood materials that are certified by organizations such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), or Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) that ensure responsible forest management and conservation. You can choose composite materials that are made from recycled plastic and wood fibers that reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions. You can choose vinyl materials that are durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to rotting, warping, cracking, or fading.

You can install solar panels, LED lights, or rain barrels on your deck to save energy , water , and money. You can plant native plants, flowers, or herbs on your deck to attract pollinators, birds, or butterflies, enhance biodiversity, and improve air quality.