Nothing is better than enjoying the warm summer months out on your deck – whether cooking up a BBQ, relaxing with a good book, or simply enjoying the view. If you desire a deck and are known to be DIY savvy, you may be tempted to implement your own deck design and installation. We are here to warn you that deck installation is no easy feat! To ensure you make the right choice for your home, we have provided a comparison of fundamental considerations between DIY and professional services, as well as common mistakes DIYers make!
DIY vs. Professional Deck Installation
#1: What’s the Price?
When it comes to deck installation, one of the first questions anyone asks is the price comparison. Unlike many other projects, deck installation is not cheaper to DIY. You still have to buy all the materials, typically at higher rates than what professionals can get in bulk. While you may save on hiring labor costs, you still have to spend the time doing it yourself – which is still labor that comes at a personal cost.
We’ve found that building a deck often takes homeowners far longer than they ever expected, with far more expenses than anticipated and errors that can add even more time and costs. In all, you’ll save time and money by hiring professionals rather than doing it yourself.
#2: What’s Needed for Skills, Tools, & Experience?
Let us ask you this: are you a skilled craftsman with years of experience and a garage full of tools? If the answer is no, deck installation is likely a challenge too great. Why DIYing is a wonderful act as a homeowner, there are limits to its success. Unlike painting a wall or tiling a backsplash, designing and building a deck requires you to adhere to local building regulations and safety requirements. In addition to that, the skillset required takes years of training, and the tools needed are expensive to buy.
By choosing a professional service, you get access to these tradesmen’s years of training and experience in specifically design and deck installation, plus their library of tools. On top of that, you can rest assured that your deck will be built in compliance with local building codes and safety regulations.
#3: How Much Time Will It Take?
Building a deck is more than nailing boards together; it is a complex series of steps that require extensive time. For example, you will need to:
- Determine a deck design that fits functionally and aesthetically into your space
- Obtain building permits and understand local building codes
- Choose and order the appropriate materials and tools
- Clear and set the foundation of the site
- Implement the deck installation
- Add appropriate deck railings
- Finishing touches
Homeowners who attempt to learn and implement all these steps on their own often take months to do so. However, professional services have streamlined systems in place to take care of the behind-the-scenes requirements and a whole crew of experts to implement the build. They can get it done in just a couple of weeks!
#4: What’s the Worth of Quality & Craftsmanship?
As mentioned above, when you DIY a deck installation, you start from scratch. However, when you hire professional services, you get an experienced and trained team who will provide you with a safe, functional, and beautiful deck with the utmost craftsmanship. Not only do you get higher quality results quicker, but they will guide you in choosing materials with the greatest longevity, tips for maintenance, and a warranty on the product. Overall, everything about your deck design and installation will be better.
10 DIY Deck Installation Common Mistakes
If, after reading the above, DIYing your deck installation still sounds feasible, we want to share with you ten common DIY mistakes homeowners make so that you don’t share the same fate.
- Not Obtaining Proper Permits: Skipping the process of obtaining necessary building permits leads to legal issues and potential fines.
- Ignoring Safety Codes: Overlooking local building codes and safety standards can result in a deck that is unsafe for use or does not pass inspection when it comes time to sell.
- Inadequate Planning: Failing to plan the layout and design thoroughly results in structural issues or a deck that doesn’t meet the homeowner’s needs.
- Poor Foundation: Not setting a proper foundation can cause the deck to be unstable and unsafe.
- Incorrect Material Selection: Choosing unsuitable materials for the climate or intended use can lead to premature deterioration.
- Improper Waterproofing: Failing to seal and waterproof the deck properly can cause water damage and rot.
- Spacing Issues: Incorrectly spacing joists and boards can lead to weak spots and potential collapse.
- Inadequate Railing Installation: Installing railings that are either too low or unstable can be a safety hazard.
- Mismatched Fasteners & Fixtures: Using the wrong types of screws or nails that may rust or are not strong enough for deck building.
- Overlooking Expansion and Contraction: Not accounting for the expansion and contraction of deck materials can lead to damage and misalignment over time.
BONUS MISTAKE: Rushing Construction! One of the most common DIY errors we see homeowners make is rushing the construction process. Whether they get impatient, lose steam, or don’t know the steps they are missing, rushed construction often leads to dangerous and costly mistakes that require them to redo parts of all of the project!
Trust in Simpson Decks as Your Local Deck Design and Installation Professionals
At the end of the day, the goal is to build a safe, functional, and beautiful deck that you and yours can enjoy for years to come. At Simpson Decks, we offer custom deck design and installation services to ensure you are decking a personalized design that exemplifies the appeal of your home and the desires of its residents.
Our deep understanding of local building requirements and environmental considerations allows us to streamline your project, executing the task with unmatched precision and minimal disruption to your life. Plus, our commitment to excellence is showcased in our choice of high-quality PVC decking, which will supply you years of deck durability with minimal upkeep.
If you are ready to start your deck design, contact us today for a deck installation quote!