A composite deck is an excellent addition to a home as a place to lounge or entertain guests. If you’re interested in starting a composite deck-building project, it’s a worthwhile endeavor. Here are some simple planning tips to ensure success.

1. Determining the purpose of the deck

Before planning how you’ll construct the deck, it’s a good idea to be clear on what you will use it for most of the time. It might seem clear to you what the deck will be for, but being deliberate will make it easier to determine different aspects of the deck itself.

When you know what you’re using the deck for most of the time, you can better plan how it looks, how big it is, what materials are the best for it, and so on. It will also determine how detailed and long it will take you to finish the project. The more you want out of your deck, the more work you will put into it to achieve that.

For example, a plain and straightforward deck will do if you want a deck to lounge there briefly and enjoy the sunshine and outdoors.

However, if you want it to be a place to entertain guests or do some other form of activity like cooking, dining, and the like, then there are more things that you have to tweak to make that happen.

Since you’re doing this yourself, making it as customized to your lifestyle as possible is a lot of work, but you’ll appreciate it in the end. That’s why you should deliberately determine what you want to use the deck before building it.

2. Creating a detailed plan

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Once you know the main things you want to do on the deck, it’s time to plan your construction project and the final look at it.

The key to clean work done for your composite decking project is precise measurements. Measuring and double-checking said measurements is vital to a result that looks clean, works right, and isn’t too much of a headache to put together.

It can be frustrating to feel like it’s time for assembly only for you to have to measure and remeasure again and again due to ill-fitting parts. If you want to avoid that, measuring tools will be your good friend in this project.

Your plan should determine your deck’s layout, size, and design. You should also plan the project’s steps to build it efficiently and in the correct order.

You can estimate how long this project will take, especially if you have experience constructing home projects.

3. Research the cost of composite decking materials

Once you’ve planned things out and figured out what you want the deck’s purpose to be most of the time, it’s time to take action. First, consider whether you can afford your dream composite deck. Therefore, you’ll need to look into material costs.

Composite decks can vary in material, so it’s a good idea to pick one and then determine their price, as that will vary per material and based on where you get these materials from.

The cost will also change depending on the size of the deck. Of course, the bigger it is, the more materials you’ll need. Don’t forget the other parts outside of the deck itself that you might need to get based on what you’re using the deck for.

It’s a good idea to shop around before committing to a large purchase of materials from one place. There might be a difference of a few dollars between one shop and the next, but given the volume of materials you might order, those can bulk up costs.

That’s why it’s a good idea to note all the materials you’ll need for the project, shop around, and compare pricing from one store to the next. Luckily, composite decking boards are usually much cheaper than wooden deck boards.

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4. Choose composite decking materials

You can usually divide your composite decking boards into solid and hollow.

A solid composite decking board is heavier and exceptionally durable. Given its durability, though, it is also more challenging to work with. Nonetheless, it’s great for ensuring the longevity of your deck, but it usually costs more than a hollow composite deck board.

On the other hand, hollow composite decking boards are lighter and more affordable. They’re also much easier to work with than a solid decking board. However, since they’re hollow, they won’t last as long, and they’re not the best choice if you’re expecting other heavier structures to add on top of your composite deck.

Nonetheless, both hollow and solid decking boards are good options for a deck, but consider your budget and your deck purpose when deciding between the two.

5. Obtaining necessary permits and approvals

Your plans are in place, and you’ve chosen your materials and sourced them accordingly. Before you hunker down and start construction, you should get the necessary permits and approvals for the project.

The more comprehensive and large your composite decking project, the more likely you will need pre-approval from the local authorities before constructing anything.

Based on the local regulations on composite decking in your area, you’d have to follow different rules and constraints. Therefore, you should be aware that you might have to modify your construction plans after notifying local authorities of your decking plans.

6. Building the deck

Your permits are in place, your plan is solid, your materials are ready and waiting, and even your elbows are greased. Well, there’s nothing else left to do but start building.

Start with the foundations before anything else. Consult your plan to ensure that you’re on the right track.

Don’t forget to have the right protective gear in place as you make your deck. You don’t want to get yourself in harm’s way as you’re making it.

Regarding protection, remember to have countermeasures in place for the debris, dust, and other debris around your home as you work on your project.

7. Schedule regular care and maintenance

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After constructing your deck, you should also schedule its care and maintenance.

While a composite deck requires less maintenance than a purely wooden one, that doesn’t mean you can leave it be.

It’s simple. All you need to do is ensure you clean it with warm water and your choice of cleaner, as well as watch out for any dings, scratches, and the like. 

8. Add lighting

Make sure to add lighting to your deck so you can still enjoy lounging around if you’re out there as the sun sets.

Light up critical areas of the deck, such as the door leading back into the house and the steps. Any seating areas can also use some light.

Conclusion

You’re now the proud owner of a composite deck you built from scratch. Pat yourself on the back, grab a drink, and admire your handiwork. Your composite deck should now be another beloved corner of your home that will last many years.