Building a deck with your own hands using natural timber or composite decking can be challenging, but very rewarding.

If you’ve ever thought of building a deck, rotunda or porch using natural timber or composite decking, there’s never been a better time, with so many great resources and materials so readily available.

Anyone with basic carpentry skills and tools, and a few bright ideas, can build a sturdy, durable, outdoor space the family will love to use. Whether you choose to build with natural wood, or wood/plastic composite decking material, you’ll find that building a deck is probably simpler than you think.

It’s never been easier to find all the resources you need. Check out the articles on this site or do a quick search on the internet will turn up an absolute wealth of information, tips and advice, and complete instruction guides.

Building a deck is all in the planning.

The great advantage of doing it yourself is that you get to design the structure exactly the way you want it. If you need some ideas, there are plenty of free deck designs and plans you can download from the internet. Make sure your plan is structurally sound; if you’re in any doubt, consult a professional builder or architect.

Choosing your basic materials is an important step. Composite decking is made from a mixture of recycled timber and plastic, so it’s durable, resistant to weathering, insect attack, rotting and splintering, and never needs to be painted, but it has an amazingly natural look and texture. If you prefer the look and feel of real timber, and you don’t mind the extra maintenance, the natural material is also a very safe, environmentally friendly choice.

It’s essential that you get approval for the project from your local planning authority. Normally a hand drawn plan, and a detailed description of what you intend to do will be sufficient, but check with your own authority first.

For information on building materials, please read this article on: cedar vs composite decks

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