Thinking About a New Deck?
So, you're picturing a brand-new deck, huh? Maybe your backyard's just crying out for a spot to kick back, or your old one's looking a bit rough after too many snowy Golden winters. It's a fantastic project, really — adds a ton of value to your home and gives you a sweet outdoor living space. But before you start sketching plans, let's get real about what goes into building one. We'll talk about what you, as a homeowner, can realistically tackle yourself, and when it's smart to bring in someone like us at Golden Deck & Pergola.
Before You Even Start Digging
This stage? It's probably the most important, and honestly, it's where a lot of folks stumble. You can definitely handle some of this yourself, but whatever you do, don't skimp on the details.
- Permits, Permits, Permits: This isn't just a suggestion; it's the law. The City of Golden has specific rules for deck construction — things like setback requirements, how ledger boards attach, and railing heights. You can grab the permit application and even some standard deck plans right from their website. Reading through these is an absolute must. Seriously, don't try to sneak around it; inspectors will find out, and it'll just cost you more time and money in the long run.
- Design & Plans: You can totally sketch out your dream deck. Think about its size, shape, stairs, railings, and what materials you want. Are you leaning towards composite or wood? Ground-level or elevated? If you're going for a simple, standard design, you might even be able to adapt one of the city's pre-approved plans. But if you're dreaming of something custom, multi-level, or perhaps attached to a tricky part of your house, that's when a professional designer or contractor (like us, for instance) really earns their keep. We can draw up plans that meet code and make sure everything's structurally sound.
- Material Selection: Researching materials is a good DIY job. Take a look at different wood types (cedar, redwood, pressure-treated) versus composite options. Consider how much maintenance they need, the cost, and how long they'll last. Remember, we get some pretty intense sun up here, so UV resistance is a big deal.
- Call Before You Dig: Seriously, dial 811. Every single time. There are utility lines buried all over the place, especially in older neighborhoods, you know, like those around the School of Mines. You really don't want to hit a gas line or an electrical conduit. It's free, it's easy, and it prevents a massive headache (or something much worse).
During Construction: Where DIY Gets Tricky
Okay, so you've got your permits, your plans, and all your materials. Now comes the actual building part. This is where the line between doing it yourself and hiring a pro can get a little fuzzy, depending on your skills and what tools you have.
- Footings & Posts: Digging the footings for your deck posts is hard work, no doubt, but most homeowners can handle it. Just make sure you dig deep enough (below the frost line, which is usually 30 inches here in Golden) and make them wide enough. Pouring concrete can be messy, but again, a determined DIYer can definitely do it. Setting the posts perfectly plumb and square is critical; if they're off, well, your whole deck will be off.
- Framing: This is where I'd say most homeowners hit their limit. Cutting joists, beams, and ledger boards accurately, making sure the spacing is just right, and getting everything perfectly level and square takes experience. The entire structural integrity of your deck depends on this framing. If you're not super confident with complex cuts, heavy lifting, and precise measurements, this is absolutely a job for a professional. We've seen too many wobbly decks that started with good intentions but, unfortunately, poor framing.
- Decking & Railings: Laying the deck boards can be a pretty satisfying DIY task. It's repetitive, sure, but you need to pay attention to spacing, the type of fasteners you use, and staggering the seams. Railings are a bit more involved because they have to meet specific safety codes (like height and how far apart the balusters are). You can definitely install pre-made railing kits, but for custom railings or really intricate designs, it's probably best to leave that to someone who does it all the time.
After the Build: Maintenance & Enjoyment
Once that last board is down and the final inspection passes, it's time to kick back and enjoy your new deck! This part is all you.
- Cleaning & Sealing: If you went with wood, you'll need to clean and seal or stain it regularly. This protects it from our intense sun and those freeze-thaw cycles. Composite decks are lower maintenance, but they still need an occasional cleaning to keep mildew and grime from building up.
- Inspections: Do a quick visual check every year. Look for loose boards, wobbly railings, or any signs of rot or insect damage, especially where the deck attaches to your house. Catching small issues early can save you big money down the road, believe me.
Building a deck is a big project, yes, but it's incredibly rewarding. Don't be afraid to tackle parts of it yourself, especially the planning and those finishing touches. But for the heavy lifting and the truly critical structural components, don't hesitate to call in a professional. We're here to help make your Golden backyard dreams a reality, whether you need us for the whole shebang or just the tricky bits.