With summer starting off, has the idea of building a new outdoor living space been on your mind? A spacious wood or composite deck creates an especially inviting environment to hang out with family and friends on temperate summer evenings in Delaware.
Your deck can range from simple and sweet with some outdoor furniture and a grill, to extravagant and luxurious, surrounding a spa, hot tub, or pool. Fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and awnings are also optional features to help you create the ideal outdoor setting to enhance your home life.
How Long Does it Take to Build a Deck in Wilmington?
For professional Delaware deck builders, the average 12×24-foot deck takes about a week or less to construct. If you undertake the project without a professional team, you typically need at least one other person to help out, and constructing the deck may take up to three weeks, depending on your experience and skill level.
The duration of both planning and construction also depend on the complexity of the deck. If you’re constructing a larger-than-average size deck, installing a fire pit or hot tub, or building a cover for shade and privacy, then you should factor in additional time to complete the project as well as an increase in construction costs.
Related: How Much Does it Cost to Build a Deck in Delaware?
Do You Need a Permit to Build a Deck?
If you’re building a deck at your home near Wilmington, Delaware, you must first obtain a permit. The New Castle County Department of Land Use has other regulations concerning deck design and construction as well. For example, the bottom of the footers must be at least 32” deep in the ground and an uncovered deck that is elevated above ground level may project half the distance of the minimum required yard setback but no more than 15 feet.
One benefit of working with a professional deck builder for your project is gaining access to their industry knowledge and experience with the permitting process. They can tell you the necessary requirements pertaining to your deck and pull permits for you.
How to Build a Deck Step by Step?
Whether you’re constructing a raised, attached deck or a floating deck at your home in Delaware, the main processes are relatively the same. Here is a step-by-step look at what it takes to build a basic deck:
1. Planning and Design
The first step in building a deck takes place pre-construction. You must plan out the project, determine the placement and dimensions, and develop a design that works for your property in Delaware. You will also want to decide on any additional features that you want to include for your deck. It is important that you review the zoning laws in your county to ensure you’re adhering to local ordinances that can impact various aspects of the project. During this phase, you also must procure the appropriate permits and have the land cleared and prepared for use.
2. Laying Foundation, Installing Posts and Framing
The next step involves laying a foundation and installing the posts. The dig locations for the footers and posts should be measured and marked first. When installing posts, you can pour post footing using concrete forms or use premade footings. Next, your home remodeling team installs the ledger board and adds all flashing and waterproofing materials before moving on to framing.
3. Adding Railings, Stairs, and Decking
Finally, with foundation laid and the frame complete, you can install railing posts and lay down the deck boards. Attach the top and bottom rails to the posts and add balusters at the end. During this step, you also install the deck stairs, which require a concrete pad or footers. If your deck includes additional personalized features, they will be completed during this step as well.
Should You Hire a Professional Delaware Deck Builder?
While DIY deck-building projects are feasible, working with a professional contractor for some or all the steps reduces the duration of the project and increases the likelihood of a highly successful and satisfying outcome. Even the planning and permitting process is cumbersome and taxing if you’re unfamiliar with the system.
We use a combination of pressure-treated lumber and composite, vinyl, or PVC materials to build a comfortable, attractive deck that enables you to enhance and better enjoy your outdoor living space. Our team at Bromwell Construction wants you to be able to get outside and use your new, quality deck before summer has passed you by.
