Deck Designs, Ideas and Deck Building Resources From a Pro - At Your Fingertips

Your editor of Ideas-For-Deck-Designs.com Creating great deck designs can be done by any do-it-yourselfer with a little inspiration - especially with insider tips from a professional deck builder with real deck building experience.

I started my first deck construction company in 1987 while still in school and in 1990 was a recipient of the Ontario Department of Trade and Development award for top start up enterprises.

Deck Builders! Here's What's Ahead

I am going to share with you all the insider tips and tricks of the trade. Things I have learned from literally the ground up - from digging post holes to final deck designs, ideas and railing touches.

You'll find tons of building tips and great deck ideas so you can design and build a backyard deck that adds real value to your home. And if you have specific questions about building or products just Ask The Pro and I'll do my best to help you out.

Tap Into Over 20 Years of Building Experience

Roof top vinyl deck over boat house at the lake You can explore many of the deck building projects I have built for clients across the country.

See how I came up with deck designs that suited their home, and landscape from basic wood decks, hot tub decks, above ground pool decks, maintenance free vinyl decks, and composite decks to rooftop decks.

By the time you are done exploring, you will have the confidence you need to design and build a deck on your own.

Here's What's Ahead For Aspiring Deck Builders

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

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

For starters, why not familiarize yourself with all the deck materials available from composite decking, vinyl decking, wood decking, to railing systems or even power tools that will make your job easier. Consider design options like deck post lighting for accents.

Deck joist span tables Then be sure to check out the deck joist span, beam span, and decking span tables before you start planning and building your deck. And for ideas to create deck designs and plans of your own, stir your imagination by checking out the gallery of pictures of decks I have have built across the country.

The Right Place to Learn How to Build a Deck

	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 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 design ideas and turn your deck into a spa. Full how-to stories and pictures. More...

	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 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 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...
	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...
	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... Construction Software for Contractors or Do-it-Yourselfers. Construction software makes calculations, estimates and building code issues for homes, decks, buildings - a breeze! More...
	Build Deck Benches That Look Great! Deck designs and ideas for deck benches. Building deck benches is the perfect finish to any deck. Great info on how to build deck benches for your deck. More...
	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...
	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...
	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...
	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 Decks - Pergolas finish a deck perfectly. Get design ideas to build your own pergola. More...
	Deck Furniture - Outdoor Furniture For Decks and Patios. Learn what furniture materials last longest outdoors for tables, chairs, benches and more. More...
	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...

Here Are Some Other Popular Articles

Your Resource for Building Decks - Designs and other Deck Building Info. Learn About Building Decks From a Contractor-Your resource for designing and learning to build decks.

Deck Building Project Tips - A Deck Building Project from start to finish. Steps of deck building explained. See site layout, framing, decking, stairs, deck railings and building tips for wood decks from start to finish.

Creating Great Deck Designs. Design tips to build decks that look great. Here is how I approach the design of any new deck.

Estimate Deck Materials. Create an Organized Material List to Build Your Deck.
Get a handle on what deck materials you will need. Accurately calculate concrete, joists and other materials for your deck construction project.

Deck Components Defined. Learn Deck Building Lingo. Get to know what all the deck components are and other deck construction lingo.

Vinyl Decks Look Great. Which Vinyl Decking Is Right For Your Deck? Find out here and learn about maintenance free vinyl decks. Should you use vinyl flooring or composite deck boards? Find out what's best for your deck. See pictures and stories about building vinyl decks for your own ideas.

Wood Decks Explained. Follow the design phase of several different decks and clients.Learn To Build Wood Decks From Start to Finish. How are wood decks designed, planned and built? See pictures and stories about building decks.

Deck Beam Span Table. How Far Can Beams Span? Know Before You Build A Deck. A deck beam can only span so far. Know exactly how far. Use this beam span table to help you when building decks.

How Far Can Your Decking Span? No Idea? Decking Span Table Here.
Backyard decks have to be built strong. Learn the correct decking span for your deck to eliminate bounce.

Deck Joist Span Table. Check the maximum joist span before building your deck.
Learn how to properly space deck joists. Check maximum deck joist span first before you build your deck. Be smart. Build safe.

Deck Post Size. What size of post to support your deck? Find out here. Your Deck is supported by posts and beams. Know what deck post size is right for your deck before you build.