Getting started weatherproofing a deck doesn't take much either; it requires a minimum of materials and mostly some elbow grease. The process of sealing a deck for weatherproofing should be done at first, when it's built and then again periodically to make sure the wood continues to hold up.

Before starting the project, it's a good idea to gather all materials first. It's also very smart to check the weather. Getting started on a day that threatens rain might not be the best idea. If all checks out, get your materials and get going!

Materials that will be needed to get the job done include a dust mask, hose, safety glasses, pail of water and deck cleaner, belt sander or sandpaper, waterproofing staining sealer, paintbrush and broom. A paint sprayer can also be used to cut down on the time involved.

Once materials have been gathered, the first place to start is in fully cleaning the deck. Make sure to get all cracks and corners. As you go along, if any rough spots around found, use the sander or sandpaper to smooth them. Carefully remove left over sawdust with the broom. Don't forget to use the dust mask and safety glasses while sanding. Sawdust might not cause a huge problem with a minor exposure, but who wants to take that chance.

Make sure the deck is fully prepped before moving forward to sealing. Give it a chance to dry as well and be certain the surface areas are clean, smooth and ready to go. An extra once over doesn't hurt.

Now's the time to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the weatherproofing seal. If you intend to use paint after sealing, make sure what you use will work with a paint overcoat.

Use the paintbrush or sprayer to seal the deck. Take care to cover the entire deck. This means paying close attention to beams, railings and wall supports if they're present. Allow the deck to fully dry according to instructions.

If you've spent a weekend or two building a deck, the last thing you probably want to do is take more time waiting before you can enjoy it. But, making sure your handiwork stays around for many years of enjoyment is well worth the wait a sealing project present. It's just an extra few hours or a day at best that will ensure your deck stays as beautiful as the day it was completed.

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But with the number of choices available to make this dream a reality, it's hard to determine what the best route is for an individual homeowner. There are a number of routes that can be taken, some cost a little more than others, but they all provide some great recreational possibilities and open the window for enjoying a little more time outdoors. The most common backyard enhancements chosen by homeowners are decks, screen rooms and glass enclosed sunrooms. Here are some basic pros and cons of each:

Decks

Decks generally are simple wooden structures that enable a homeowner to bring their outdoors fun off the ground. By elevating the outdoor fun, a deck keeps some of the insects at bay and creates a "space" for playing, working and relaxing.

Decks are often much less expensive than the other two options and they're fairly simple to build, depending on chosen design. They can be partially or fully shaded, and even include railings and stairs, but they typically are not closed in with screen or glass. This means full protection from the elements on bad days isn't possible, but that's actually part of their charm.

Screen rooms

Think of these as a cross between a plain deck and a fully enclosed glass sunroom and that's about the right impression of these rooms. By offering walls and a roof, these rooms give a little more protection from the elements and bugs, but they are not meant to offer year-round use. They are typically cheaper than glass sunrooms and more expensive than a basic deck.

Sunrooms

When full glass goes into the walls and even roofs of these structures, eye-catching and beautiful is typically the result. These rooms are more expensive than their two similar counterparts, but with the right design they can be enjoyed year-round and even include heating and cooling. The advantage here is the year-round use. The disadvantages are the costs involved and the fact these rooms don't quite provide the open feel of a deck even if they give the illusion of it.

It's up to an individual homeowner or family to decide what works best for them. Any of the above choices create a fantastic space for relaxing, entertaining and even just taking in a backyard habitat.

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By incorporating a simple rafter roof onto a deck, the appearance of an actual room will take hold. Adding a roof to a deck can require special designs and permitting, but overall the project is a pretty easy undertaking.

A slat design is not a full roof, however, so if total coverage is wanted, this isn't the way to go. What a slat design will provide is the illusion of cover, the ability to block some of the rays and even a platform for growing some hanging vines that will, within a season or two, create nearly a full cover and add beauty to the room as well.

To further the illusion of an outdoor room that still offers a natural feel and blowing breezes, a railing and wall system can be added. The railings will assist in the supporting the rafter system and can also be used as a trellis.

For some people a deck is simply a place to put lawn chairs and a barbecue grill, keeping the bottoms off the hard ground. Others prefer to incorporate their decks into their version of a backyard paradise. For these people the inclusion of a rafter overhang, railings and partial walls adds to this objective. By providing a place for hanging vines to grow, the regular deck is transformed into a design element that blends into a yard's natural appearance and even enhances it greatly.

Others may prefer a more enclosed roof, which is certainly possible to construct. Be sure before moving forward with a design that you check into local building codes and pull any necessary permits. Depending on local laws and the complexity of the roof chosen, a contractor may be required to do the job. If a heavy roofing system is desired, it's also a good idea to enlist a designer to make the drawings. This will help ensure that whatever roof is constructed can handle the load and withstand snowstorms and other adverse weather conditions.

A deck can be a simple creation or it can be as complex and eye-catching as a homeowner desires. With a little imagination it can serve as a beautiful spot that ties the home to the outdoors that surround it while also providing a place for people to relax, unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.

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With the number of different style options from simplistic rectangles to elaborate multi-tier decks with rails and overhangs, picking the right deck for a backyard can be as difficult as finding the right furniture group for a living room.

The best place to start in deciding how a deck should be laid out is to determine actual needs. Budget, too, should come into play, but if the needs aren't met with the deck design that's chosen, any money spent will be wasted, so start first with the must-haves and then move on to the would like to haves if there's money available.

Determining what your deck will be used for is the best way to list out the priorities. If it's meant to frame a pool and connect it more readily to a home while creating a place for lounge chairs, tables and more, the deck likely will need to be a bit on the large side. The shape, too, will be determined somewhat by the pool, but not necessarily restricted by it.

If a deck will simply be used for small barbecues, the size can be pretty basic as can the amenities. A deck that's meant to serve a bridge between the outdoors and in can be of any size, but allowing space for some planters and other more natural features might need to be built in to the design.

Once uses are nailed down, examine the space available and determine a basic layout. Remember decks can be very simple or they can be elaborate showcases for a backyard, but even basic decks can have some gingerbread added to make them really stand out or even enhance features of the home or the natural surroundings.

Now's when budget comes into play. Price out your wants and start looking at add ons you might like to have. Railings, overhangs, multi-tiers and even trellises or partial enclosures come into play here.

As you rough out a sketch for your deck, remember a good deck serves a purpose but also adds architectural appeal onto a home, or at least can. Play off what you have and make it look better. Don't hide good features of your home, rather make its beauty stand out.

Dreaming up a good deck design only takes a little imagination. If you can't decide on your own, check with a contractor or designer for some help. With some input from you, it's likely they will be able to bring out the best in your yard while creating a wonderful place for outdoor enjoyment.

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Typical construction techniques are generally what's necessary for making a good deck, but for those who are new to handling tools, here are some generalized tips to ensure the deck you build comes out looking like a pro did this work:

* Make sure nails are driven at slight angles toward each other for maximum holding.

* Nail thinner boards to thicker boards.

* If toe-nailing, stagger nails so they pass each other.

* Buy galvanized metals to ensure they can withstand extreme weather conditions. This will be very important if you want your deck to stand up to more than a season or two.

* Use ring or spiral shank nails to help avoid warping of lumber.

* Drill pilot holes to reduce splitting of wood.

* Don't place nails no closer to the edge of a board than about half the board's thickness. If you must nail close to the edges, absolutely pre-drill holes.

* Resquare and trim ends of boards as necessary. Milled ends are not always square. This will be important to ensure the deck lines up correctly and looks good.

* If following a pre-written plan from a designer or do-it-yourself manual, follow it carefully. Stick to the plan.

* Inspect boards carefully for any damage before putting them in place.

* Follow proper safety measures and take your time in building. The goal is to create a great deck, not win a race. Good building takes patience and precision.

No matter the size of the deck you're building, the end product will be one you and your family or friends will enjoy. Good craftsmanship can result in a deck that will last for many years to come and stand up well to the test of time.

Poor choices in materials or a rushed job, however, can result in a deck that won't make it through a single season – depending on use and the weather. If good choices are made from the start, a simple project will remain that way and even a new do-it-yourselfer can create a finished deck that looks just like a pro created it.

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Before running out and buying lumber and nails, sit down and decide what the deck will be used for, how big it should be, if it needs to be elevated, if there are special considerations with the home and so on. All that's really needed to get started is a piece of paper, a pencil, a ruler and an imagination.

Start out by examining the area you'd like the deck built in. Take measurements of the desired size using a tape measure and jot these down. Now, check and see if any special considerations need to be included into the plan, such as stairs. Also, inspect the ground for any problems that might present themselves – uneven ground, trees or stumps that need to be moved and so on.

Once that's done, draw out a simple sketch of what you'd like the finished product to look like. Don't forget to include lumber measurements for the framing and any railings you might want. Since most decks involve fairly simple designs, even if stairs are included, measurements are the most important thing to be accurate on. If the deck needs to be elevated, don't forget to include the appropriate supports and framing to ensure the deck is stable and sturdy.

Although it can be a little awkward to get started, a deck project is one of the most simplistic you can undertake. It doesn't require a professional designer, unless the design is elaborate or codes require it. Do check with local authorities to see if you need a permit to add a deck onto your home. If that is required, make sure your sketch is legible, but don't worry about hiring a draftsperson to handle a basic job – the sketch should suffice. Do follow local codes and regulations though or the deck you build could end up getting you into trouble.

Decks can be quite extensive or very simple platforms for raising outside chairs and barbecue grills off the ground. Use your imagination and have fun and if you do require a professional design, you may still be able to handle the construction end on your own. Just make sure what's built is what you truly want.

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To provide maximum benefits for outdoor fun, a deck doesn't have to be an elaborate addition to a home either. Even a simple raised platform, if that's all that can be afforded or that's all a homeowner wants, still offers a whole laundry list of reasons for why it's a good idea. People who spend a lot of time outdoors, whether for eating meals, cooking them or entertaining enjoy the addition of a deck for a lot of reasons.

Although they don't provide the full protection from the elements a glass sunroom might or even the partial protection of a screen room, a deck is still a great choice for these reasons:

* Decks serve as a breaker between the home and a yard. They give a defined place for barbecuing, picnicking or even outdoor talking, sunbathing or relaxing. They can also serve as a transition between the outdoors and in, providing a nice design element into the mix – even in the smaller models.

* By slightly elevating the human action off the ground, a deck can help at least partially protect users from ground insects, such as ants. While these critters can still climb on board, the risk of stepping in a mound is removed.

* Decks can very much add to the appearance of a home's backyard and help with the creation of an outdoor getaway. They also serve well for planter gardeners who want a safer place closer to the main home to place their herbs or other plants.

* The simple act of keeping barbecue grills, chair legs and other outdoor furnishings off the ground and out of pooling water can help preserve their life. Grills, for example, can be covered, but that doesn't necessarily protect their legs.

Decks can range from very simple platforms to very elaborate structures, complete with overhanging roofs and railings. The size, shape and expense a homeowner chooses to go with is entirely a personal matter, but the basic benefits of a deck will be present no matter what. A small deck, too, can be added on in the future if the reason for going small is money and not space available.

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Simple roofs, awnings or overhangs can often serve well to reduce direct sunlight on those enjoying the outdoors on a deck and even create shade, which can reduce the temperature a few degrees.

While building a deck is generally an undertaking just about any do-it-yourself can accomplish without much difficulty, roofing can be a bit more tricky. Depending on the kind of roofing that's desired, a professional designer might be required. This is especially so when the roofing material is heavy and weight-bearing issues are brought into play. For those who live in northern climates where heavy snow storms might strike, it's especially important to understand what's necessary to make the roof withstand the elements, or it could come crashing down during the first big snow storm of the season.

Since roofs don't need to support people or furniture, they can be constructed using light materials that offer shade without requiring specialized design work. Simple, spaced slat boards or even tent materials can be added to a deck without the need of a pro to do the design work or even construction.

If a more complicated, and heavy, roof is desired, however, do enlist the aid of someone who is more knowledgeable. You will not only need to ensure the roof can withstand and its supports are adequate, but also it's necessary to ensure the deck itself can support the weight of the roof and not suffer damage.

When preparing to add an overhead structure to a deck, it's also important to check local building codes. Some jurisdictions may have very specific regulations for construction and may even require professional design and installation even for a deck cover.

Adding a roof is a great way to help make a deck useable in the hottest, brightest months. Offering a little protection from the elements, even a simple, lightweight cover can go along way toward making a deck a haven for a family. Just make sure safety requirements are met or exceeded and the job should result in a structure that's a focal point for outdoor fun.

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Before jumping in to creating a deck for your commercial property, it's a good idea to first examine local building codes. It's very likely a professional contractor will be needed to do the job or at least it might be desired.

If a contractor is needed, before you pick up the phone and try to hire one straight out of the book, your business will want to decide first what kind of a deck is desired. Just like a private homeowner looking to do a job, it's smart for you to create a scope of work statement that includes size, location and special features. Think of it as your RFP for having the deck project done. Of course, you'll want to make sure that all local codes are followed by the contractor as well and the Americans With Disabilities Act is taken into consideration in the design.

Before you start calling contractors for quotes, you may also want to decide what materials you'd like to use and you can even draw a rough sketch of what kind of deck you'd like to have.

With that done, it's time to start looking at contractors for the job. Put out your RFP and check out those businesses that reply. You'll want to look into the different contractors' backgrounds, check their licenses and insurance and even see if they have good track records in the field. Hiring a contractor for a deck job is just like picking your business other suppliers – price and quality must mesh for the contract to be awarded.

After you've received your bids, it's time to choose the best one to handle the job for your business. Be certain you're chosen the best one by weighing all the options and compare written proposals carefully.

Prior to setting a contractor loose to create the deck, make sure a contract has been signed on behalf of the business. Take care to read the fine print and make sure the business only pays a fair amount in the form of a deposit. Don't pay for all the work before it's completed, even if the contractor checks out with an impeccable background. A reasonable deposit is just that, a deposit.

A deck can provide a welcoming entry for a business and even help extend a waiting area or serve as a great dining area for a restaurant, but diving into the project without checking everything out, the contractor included, can mean a loss for the business. Be smart, do some homework and the deck that fits your business plans can become a reality.

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Getting started requires some preparation work, a good plan, a simple sketch and the right tools. Before turning dirt it's also a good idea to check with local authorities to make sure permits aren't needed and also make a quick call to the utility companies to make sure you're not interfering with any lines. Once those things are done, the key to getting a deck job done right can be found in the tools.

To create a solid deck that will last for many seasons, the following tools generally are needed from the start. It's best to make sure you have everything you need before you get going. After all, there's nothing worse than getting half way into a project and having to stop because a tool you need is missing.

For a basic deck, you'll need the following tools over and above wood, nails, sealer and any specialty items you might want:

Circular saw

Tape measure

Power drill or chargeable drill

Basic hammer

Chalk line and chalk

A good level

Combination square

Framing square

Hand saw

Other tools may be needed depending on the circumstances. Also, it's very important before you start building your deck to make sure the site is well prepared. This means leveling the ground where possible, removing obstructions and removing and/or killing grass and weeds. The better prepared your surface is before you start, the easier your project will be to bring to fruition once you get started building your deck.

In addition to basic tools, you'll also want to make sure you take necessary safety precautions. Keep tools away from small children and make sure your work area is well lighted. Also, it's a good idea to invest in a good pair of work gloves and safety glasses to make sure stray splinters don't sideline your building project. A dust mask might also be in order to protect your lungs from sawdust as you build.

A basic deck is a project most do-it-yourselfers can easily undertake, but making sure the right tools and safety equipment are lined up and ready to go can make the project go that much more smoothly. After all, the quicker the deck's done, the sooner you can enjoy it!

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