If you want to build or expand your deck and/or patio, you should think about a few things first. The key is to make sure you have a plan for your deck home improvement. You want to make sure that you are going to be able to finish the project effectively, on budget and safely. You should have a timeline, the kinds of materials you need, and what you think the problems could be. It is a good piece that you can go back to for reference.

Remember that if you are building a new structure on your home, you are going to need some sort of permit from the city to do so. You also might need to have permission from the association of homeowners. You also may have to have your plan reviewed by a city engineer and you have to pay for it.

Ask yourself how you want the deck or the patio to work in your yard. If you want the deck to be attached to your house, you have to figure out where to take off your siding and properly bolt the deck to the house. This will make the structure much more stable and will make the whole thing look a lot better.

You also need to think carefully of the kind of wood you intend to use with your project. Redwood and also cedar are very popular. Pine can work as well depending on where you live. You will want to make sure that the wood has been treated before you start to install the deck. How big each piece of wood is will tell you how much strength the deck will have. Most decks are built using wood that is 2X4 or 2X6. You can use these but you can choose others too.

After you have built the deck, you will need to have it inspected by the city again to get a final approval. You should let the new lumber stand for a few days. After it has weathered a bit, then you can work on applying your stain. You can either use clear stain or a type of paint stain. Usually people use oil based but there are now more choices with water based stain too. The nice thing about water based stain is that you do not have to worry about breathing in chemicals or having the stain damage your lawn or shrubs. We find that water based stain works very well. Of course, you will need to be sure that you have several days of dry weather before you begin to stain your deck.

It is very important that you take the deck staining process very slowly and do not try to rush through it. Also try to apply as little stain as you can. You need to use thin coats of stain, if you do one thick coat, it is not going to last more than a year and then you will have to restain the deck all over again.

Accent Building Products carries a full like of home improvement products, including vinyl railing at for your deck. Click here for more information.

Accent Building Products carries a full like of home improvement products, including vinyl railing at http://www.accentbuildingproducts.com/railing.html for your deck.

Author Bio: Accent Building Products carries a full like of home improvement products, including vinyl railing at for your deck. Click here for more information.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: deck, house, home, home improvement, railing