5 Common Deck-Building Mistakes to Avoid

Building a deck is a great way to expand your outdoor living space and create a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy the good weather. And while the idea of building your own deck may sound exciting, it doesn’t come without its own set of challenges.

If this is your first time building a deck, one area that you need to pay special attention to is the mistakes that you can make and doing your best to avoid making them. That way, you’ll not only build a deck that’s functional and beautiful, but also one that’s safe, durable, and inexpensive to maintain.

To help you avoid as many mistakes as possible, in this article, we’re going to share the five most common mistakes that people make when building their decks and what you can do to avoid them.

The Importance of a Well-Built Deck

Your deck area is more than just an extension of your home. It’s the perfect place where you can relax, entertain guests during the summer, and create unforgettable memories with your friends and family.

When a deck is built well, it will not only look beautiful and last you for many years to come, but it will positively impact the value of your home, which is always nice should you decide to sell in the future.

Why Avoiding Mistakes Matters

Every mistake that you make during the building process will, in one way or another, impact the final outcome of your deck. An error such as using the wrong materials or overlooking proper drainage can lead to long-term problems such as increased maintenance costs, structural instability, and safety hazards.

Granted, it is difficult to not make any mistakes at all, especially if you’re building the deck yourself and this is your first time taking on a project like this. However, being aware of common pitfalls and taking steps to mitigate them can make a significant difference in the final result.

With that said, here are the most common mistakes people make when building a deck and what you can do to avoid them:

1. Inadequate Planning and Design

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when building a deck is diving into the project without a comprehensive plan and design of the deck that you want to build.

Skipping Detailed Plans

When you don’t have an exact blueprint to follow, it’s incredibly easy to overlook critical aspects such as load-bearing capacity, the type and amount of materials you’ll need, or even getting the measurements right.

Ignoring Local Building Codes

Not every deck requires planning permission, but there are some that do. Unfortunately, many people who build out a deck on their property don’t do any research and often end up violating local building codes or regulations. 

If you fail to adhere to local building regulations, the local government may fine you, stop you from building your deck, or ask you to completely dismantle it.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Take your time to draft a detailed plan of your deck, including measurements, materials, and other structural details
• Work with a professional or use a trusted design software to ensure accuracy
• Research the local rules and regulations regarding decks and make sure you have all the permits necessary before you begin

2. Using the Wrong Materials

Using the wrong materials is another common mistake among DIYers and contractors alike. Making this mistake will not only impact the deck’s aesthetics but also compromise its durability, safety, and long-term value.

Choosing Low-Quality Wood

While choosing low-quality wood may save you money upfront, the wood will deteriorate a lot quicker and can warp, crack, or rot prematurely, leading to costly repairs or even requiring you to rebuild certain aspects of the deck entirely.

If you’re on a budget, instead of opting for low-quality wood, it’s often a better idea to opt for cheap composite decking instead.

Ignoring Material Maintenance Needs

Every material is different and requires a unique approach when it comes to maintenance. One common mistake that people make is practicing general maintenance while ignoring the exact maintenance needs of the specific material their deck is made from.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Invest in high-quality wood or opt for more affordable composite materials
• Research the pros and cons of each material you’re considering, including its longevity and maintenance requirements

3. Poor Foundation and Footing Installation

Another common mistake among people who build a deck on their property is not using the right approach to laying out a solid foundation.

Shallow or Improperly Placed Footings

A poor foundation or using improper footing installation techniques can lead to uneven decking, wobbling, and in more extreme cases, a collapse.

Failing to Account for Soil Conditions

Different soil types require different footing techniques. For instance, clay soil may need deeper footings to prevent shifting while sandy soil may require wider footings to distribute the weight and prevent sinking.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Determine your soil type to ensure you use the right type of footings
• Ensure that your footings are deep and wide enough to provide adequate stability
• If you’re ever in doubt regarding the foundation of your deck, we recommend that you seek the help of a professional

4. Incorrect Fastening and Screwing Techniques

Using improper fastening and screwing techniques is another common mistake that can compromise the structural integrity of your deck. Over time, this can lead to loose boards, wobbling, or even collapse.

Using the Wrong Fasteners

Securing your deck with the wrong fasteners can compromise the structural integrity of your deck. To give you an example, over time, nails can loosen, whereas using screws will not, offering better long-term stability.

Not Pre-Drilling Holes

One very common mistake that can damage the aesthetics and structural integrity of your deck is not pre-drilling holes before inserting the screws. This is especially true when using composite materials or certain types of wood, which are more susceptible to cracks.

If you plan on using composite materials for your deck, make sure to read our guide to installing a composite deck. It’ll show you everything you need to know for a smooth installation process.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• To prevent rust and corrosion, use weather-resistant fasteners made of stainless steel or coated screws
• Make sure to always follow manufacturer’s instructions where possible
• Pre-drill holes where needed to achieve a secure and professional finish

5. Overlooking Proper Drainage

The UK is notorious for its rainy weather, making proper drainage an essential factor to consider during the construction of your decking. Unfortunately, not many DIYers think about proper drainage until they notice the pooling of water, at which point it’s too late.

Building Without Sufficient Drainage

When your deck doesn’t have adequate drainage, you’ll begin to notice the pooling of water, which within itself can make the deck unusable during a rainy day. Over time, however, the materials that the deck is made out of may begin to deteriorate, resulting in structural damage and instability.

Ignoring the Slope of the Deck

Every deck, whether it’s made out of wood, composite materials, or any other material, should be constructed with a slight slope. Incorporating a slope is one of the easiest ways to direct water away from the deck, yet it’s often completely forgotten about.

How to Avoid This Mistake

• Build out your deck at a slope of 1-2% away from the property to direct water away
• Use spacers or under-deck drainage solutions to keep water from accumulating on the deck
• Regularly inspect the deck for water damage

Final Thoughts

Building a deck on your property is a great idea. Unfortunately, many people underestimate what it takes to build a high-quality deck and end up making a lot of costly mistakes along the way.

Hopefully, after reading this article, you now have a better understanding of some of the most common mistakes that people make so you can avoid them when building your own deck.