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Deck Planning Articles

Adding a deck to your home and backyard requires significant planning to ensure your deck meets the codes and standards required within your area. While it involves a hefty amount of planning, the end result is worth it, giving you a beautiful structure that you can enjoy for years to come.

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Deck planning involves more than just mapping out the aesthetics of the type and style of deck you want to build. It’s important to be sure that your deck plan meets local building codes, as well as the code requirements for decks in your area. Before you even consider breaking ground on your new deck, you’ll need to check with your local homeowner’s association (HOA) to see if they have any specific requirements for decks, as well as connect with local building offices in your area to be sure your new structure meets standards.

Working with a licensed contractor can also make the process much easier. They can help to guide you through the process of submitting your building plan to the proper authorities, as well as lend their expertise to the construction of your new deck.

If you’re in the early stages of planning your deck project, check out this collection of articles to give you pointers for finding and choosing a deck contractor, understanding property lines and easements, and how to obtain the proper permits, as well as making sure your deck meets all codes and requirements.

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close up picture of decking

Contracts

Contractor Problems? How to Communicate with Contractors and Handle Disputes

When working on a large construction project, there are bound to be bumps in the road. Learn how to handle disputes with a contractor with Decks.com.

close up picture of decking

Building Permits

Residential PSF Deck Requirements

For a residential deck, the code requires it be designed to support a minimum 40-psf live load. Learn more about how much to put on a deck psf at Decks.com.

close up picture of decking

Building Permits

Building A Deck Over A Septic Tank

Building a deck on or near a septic tank is not the best idea and can result in a damaged or punctured tank. Learn more about building near a septic tank at Decks.com.

close up picture of decking

Building Permits

The International Building Code Requirements for Decks

The International Building Code (IBC) regulates deck additions attached to commercial buildings. Learn how IBC requirements may affect your project at Decks.com.

close up picture of decking

Building Permits

How to Build a Deck in HOA Community

Some housing developments are a part of a Home Owners Associations (HOA) that requires you to receive permission from them before building a deck...

close up picture of decking

Building Permits

Property Lines & Easements

When building a deck, you should know if your property has easements or property line limitations which may limit where you can build. Learn more at Decks.com.

close up picture of decking

Building Permits

IRC Deck Code Requirements

Residential properties have certain code requirements that must be met before building a deck known as the IRC. Learn more about IRC building codes for decks at Decks.com!

Contractor Piece

How to Hire a Contractor

How to Find & Choose a Deck Contractor

Finding a good contractor to build your deck doesn't have to be hard. Learn how to find a contractor and what to expect when working with one at Decks.com.

Contractor Piece

Building Permits

Permits for Building a Deck: Why You Need One and How to Get It

This is an introduction to design. Start here to get some fresh ideas before designing your dream deck this year.

Deck Contractor Working

How to Hire a Contractor

Questions To Ask Your Deck Contractor

The quest to find the right contractor to complete your decking project can feel overwhelming and stressful. Learn more about what questions you should ask before hiring a contractor on decks.com

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All deck planning content
Contracts
Building Permits
How to Hire a Contractor
A Deck

Contracts

Contractor Problems? How to Communicate with Contractors and Handle Disputes

When working on a large construction project, there are bound to be bumps in the road. Learn how to handle disputes with a contractor with Decks.com.

A Deck

Building Permits

Residential PSF Deck Requirements

For a residential deck, the code requires it be designed to support a minimum 40-psf live load. Learn more about how much to put on a deck psf at Decks.com.

A Deck

Building Permits

Building A Deck Over A Septic Tank

Building a deck on or near a septic tank is not the best idea and can result in a damaged or punctured tank. Learn more about building near a septic tank at Decks.com.

A Deck

Building Permits

The International Building Code Requirements for Decks

The International Building Code (IBC) regulates deck additions attached to commercial buildings. Learn how IBC requirements may affect your project at Decks.com.

A Deck

Building Permits

How to Build a Deck in HOA Community

Some housing developments are a part of a Home Owners Associations (HOA) that requires you to receive permission from them before building a deck...

A Deck

Building Permits

Property Lines & Easements

When building a deck, you should know if your property has easements or property line limitations which may limit where you can build. Learn more at Decks.com.

Advertisement
Advertisement
A Deck

Building Permits

IRC Deck Code Requirements

Residential properties have certain code requirements that must be met before building a deck known as the IRC. Learn more about IRC building codes for decks at Decks.com!

Contractor Piece

How to Hire a Contractor

How to Find & Choose a Deck Contractor

Finding a good contractor to build your deck doesn't have to be hard. Learn how to find a contractor and what to expect when working with one at Decks.com.

Contractor Piece

Building Permits

Permits for Building a Deck: Why You Need One and How to Get It

This is an introduction to design. Start here to get some fresh ideas before designing your dream deck this year.

Deck Contractor Working

How to Hire a Contractor

Questions To Ask Your Deck Contractor

The quest to find the right contractor to complete your decking project can feel overwhelming and stressful. Learn more about what questions you should ask before hiring a contractor on decks.com

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Explore Articles by Topic

Footings

Footings

Information related to installing frost footings for decks

Framing

Framing

Learn structural framing methods

Decking

Decking

Learn about wood and composite decking materials

Stairs

Stairs

An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs

Railings

Railings

How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code

Features

Features

An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

Design

Design

The basics of deck design

Planning

Planning

Learn about permits and working with contractors

Porches and Patios

Porches & Patios

Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons

Ledger

Ledger

Proper attachment techniques

Care

Care

Maintain your deck to maintain your investment

Materials

Materials

An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights

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