Deck Designs, Plans For Building Decks Better
You Can Do It! - It All Starts Here!

A Beautifully Designed And Built Deck All Start With An Idea...


Inspiring deck designs are made with a “dash” of technical know-how, skill and a “spoonful” of artistic creativity.

You're at the beginning of your first deck building journey...

Or you’re a veteran deck builder...

Looking for a few new construction techniques, creative design ideas or cutting edge products to save you time, money or beautify your deck.

Either way you have definitely found the right place to begin your deck building project.


Deck Builders! Here's What's Ahead

What you’ll find at Ideas-For-Deck-Designs.com – are tons of great "how-to-articles."


Virtually every aspect of how to build a deck is covered.

As well as lots of pictures of decks, and real life stories that are sure to help you create and build great deck designs and ideas for your home or client.

You'll learn how to build decks that meet building code standards. But more importantly surpass your own standards and expectations!


My 20 Years of Experience - Plus The "Wisdom Of The Crowd"

I started my first deck construction company when I was a student.


Hundreds of decks later I want to share all this knowledge with you!

You won't be steered wrong. But don't rely on just my opinion. Take advantage of...

The Wisdom of The Crowd


You'll love our deck building forums and the comments on technical topics from homeowners and builders who have faced building and design challenges.

There are things you may not find anywhere else. Two heads really are better than one.

The Right Place To Learn How To Build A Deck

Explore many of the deck building projects I have built for clients across the country.

Learn to design decks that suit your home, and landscape from basic wood decks, hot tub decks, above ground pool decks, maintenance free vinyl decks, and composite decks to rooftop decks.

Hear one on one interviews of inventors of the newest and coolest deck building products in the industry in The Innovators podcast series.



Design And Plan First, Then Build

Multi level above ground pool deck and hot tub spaThere is a lot here, including a deck builders data base, and it grows everyday.

Read from our library of articles on all aspects of deck construction and related building products. OK, let's get going...

Familiarize yourself with all the deck materials available from composite decking, vinyl decking, wood decking, to railing systems.

Joist Span Table ThumbOr even power tools that will make your job easier. Consider design options like deck post lighting for accents.

Check out the deck joist span, beam span, and decking span tables before you start planning and building your deck.

Other Deck Building Topics From Our Library

Building code issues for backyard decks

Building Code Issues...

Deck Building Code Requirements and Deck Building Tips. What does the building code say about backyard deck railings, building decks with stairways, building deck stringers, stair treads, foundations? More...

Hot tubs with decks and planning ideas

Hot Tub Decks...

Hot Tub Decks Turn Homes Into Spas. Build a hot tub into your deck easily! Building hot tub decks is easier than it looks and I have built many different styles. See hot tub deck designs and turn your deck into a spa. Full how-to stories and pictures. More...

Deck ideas like post lighting, sectional ballusters for railing and more...

Deck Enhancements...

Great deck ideas for your building project. Simple ideas deck owners can apply like sectional railing balusters, post lighting, planters and more finish off your deck? We have lots of ideas deck owners never expected would look so good! More...

Deck plans

Deck Plans...

Deck Plans to Build Your Deck! Deck Plans Reviewed. Plan first, then build. Great deck plans to build great decks! Proper planning ensures success before you build your deck. These plans are detailed, and look great! More...

Metal deck railing with stainless steel stiles

Metal Railings...

Metal Deck Railings Come Alive With Stainless Steel Stiles and Components. Metal railings are looking better and better as stainless steel gains its rightful place in the deck building market. Learn about different deck rail design possibilities! More...

Exotic hard woods are excellent decking materials

Decking Materials...

Wood Decking Material Options are Impressive. Exotic woods are perfect deck materials that are far more durable than common decking material. Decks built with these materials can be truly maintenance free - environmentally friendly. More...

Deck design software

Deck Design Software...

Never Considered Deck Design Software? Good software makes creating deck designs fun! Confused about deck design software choices? Check our review of design software before you build your deck. More...

Deck construction software

Construction Software...

Construction Software for Contractors or Do-it-Yourselfers. Construction software makes calculations, estimates and building code issues for homes, decks, buildings - a breeze! More...

Deck bench

Deck Benches...

Build Deck Benches That Look Great! For beautiful deck designs consider building benches as the perfect finish to any deck. Great info on how to build deck benches for your deck. More...

Cedar deck planter

Building Planters...

Build A Deck Planter For Decks - Planter Designs Tips - Build In An Afternoon. A deck planter brings color and life to any deck. Build beautiful deck planters. See our plans on how to build a simple planter and make your deck look better. More...

Deck Stairs

Deck Stairs...

Build Deck Stairs That Last and Won't Rot. Deck stairs layout and best locations... Stairs for decks are easy to build with a few key stair building tips to guide you. Learn to build stairs that look good, reduce maintenance and won't rot. More...

Wood deck railing

Metal Railings...

Deck Railing Designs. Compare. Build and Install Your Own Deck Railings. See why railings beautify your home. Choose from wood deck railings, aluminum, vinyl, glass, and wrought iron section inserts. Also learn how to properly design wood rail systems that won't rot away. More...

Outdoor fireplace built with cultured stone and gas fireplace

Outdoor Fireplaces...

Build a Fireplace Outdoors - Learn to frame and build a fireplace structure outdoors which can be covered with brick or stone. It's a great deck design idea. More...

Pergolas

Pergolas...

Pergolas Decks - Pergolas finish a deck perfectly. Get design ideas to build your own pergola. More...

Outdoor deck furniture

Deck Furniture...

Deck Furniture - Outdoor Furniture For Decks and Patios. Learn what furniture materials last longest outdoors for tables, chairs, benches and more. More...

Lighting for decks can be set into the floor or from post tops

Deck Lighting...

Deck Lighting - Make Backyard Decks Look Beautiful with Lights. Compare deck lighting ideas and options to illuminate your backyard deck. There is deck lighting for style and function. More...

Learning How to Build a Deck Has Never Been Easier

Outdoor fireplace on a deck with seating area
An outdoor seating are with fireplace
Autumn on a deck with an Adirondack chair

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Home - Ideas For Deck Designs

Titan Wood Post Anchor
Titan Wood Post Anchor

Coolest Deck Contest

See the previous winners:
2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008



Planswift

The Innovators Podcast Interviews

Richard speaks with some of the leading minds in the building products industry.

Testimonials - Titan Post Anchor

"Great product, I don't know how I would have done what I wanted to do on the deck any better. It works great, very sturdy. Thanks!"

More...


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