Free deck plans, guides and instructions for everything from porches to pool decks.

You’ll find plenty of free deck plans online, including guides, instructions, equipment lists, and everything you need to build any kind of structure, from porches to pool decks. Designing and building your own deck is a great DIY project for anyone with a few basic carpentry skills, some eager helpers, and a free weekend or two.

If you feel confident enough to build the whole thing from scratch, the free deck plans and guides you can download from the net will probably provide you with all the information you need. If you’re a little less experienced, you can buy pre-fabricated kits, which come with all of the construction elements pre-cut and drilled, so you can’t go wrong.

Before you begin building.

Before you begin choosing your design and building your deck, there are a few things to take into consideration. It’s very important to check whether your local authorities require you to obtain planning permission for your structure, and to make sure your design complies with local building and safety codes. Don’t assume that the free deck plans you find online will necessarily be acceptable, as regulations vary from place to place. You’ll probably find your local planning authorities are a good source of information and advice on design and safety.

A good general principle to remember when choosing the basic design for your deck is “form follows function”. In other words, think about how you’re going to be using the deck. Will you be using it predominantly during the day, or at night? It’s important to think about the orientation of the deck with regard to the amount of direct sunlight and ventilation it will receive.

Do you envision entertaining large numbers of people in your outdoor space? If so, will the structure be large enough and sturdy enough to accommodate them, and what access will there be between the deck and, for example, the kitchen, or other outdoor areas such as the back garden or the patio?