Deck Building In Charlotte

Extend your living space outdoors

Deck Builders in Charlotte

Are you looking for a deck builder in Charlotte? Count on GPS Home Concepts. If you are looking for a way to add beauty and function to your backyard, or a great way to increase your home’s value, you should consider building a deck. Our team of trained professionals can provide you with a complimentary consultation, walk you through all of your options, and provide you with a custom estimate.

New decks are a great way to increase aesthetic appeal and expand your entertainment space. If you love to throw parties, a deck is a great solution to become the most social family in the neighborhood while keeping the party mess outside.

Building a Deck Tips

Building a deck is a demanding job and requires careful planning. Our team takes extensive precautions when on-site, including wearing hearing and eye protection, using a dust mask, using GFCI-protected power cords when operating power tools outdoors, and using manufacturer-approved hardware and fasteners on all wood products.

We’ve gone and outlined our steps below on how we build decks. If you’d like a complimentary consultation for your project, please give us a call (704) 261-3051!

How to Build a Deck

Planning your Deck

You need to consider several things: Does your deck require permits? Before you dig, have you checked for utility lines? How will the climates affect your deck space? What type of deck boards would you like?

Digging Holes for Posts

Mark the locations of the corners for your new deck. Lay out the perimeter for the deck using batter boards and mason’s line. Square the corners. Mark hole locations using spray paint. Use a post hole digger to dig holes for the piers/footing. Place concrete tubing forms into the holes. Center the tubes, and use a long level to have all the piers the same height. Backfill the holes around the tubing forms padding the soil down.

Pouring Concrete and Placing Post Anchors

Mix ready-mix concrete bags in a wheelbarrow. Pour the concrete into the tubing form and place the post anchor bolt into the center of each footer before the cement hardens. Allow time for the concrete to cure. Once cured, set post bases over each anchor bolt.

Attach Posts or beams for Post Base

Set the posts in the post base and attach with the appropriate nails/screws. Attach the beam to the post bases. Check beam alignment.

Attach Rim Joists and Angle Brackets

Attach the rim joists to the posts to create the perimeter of the deck. Secure the joists. Cut the posts flush to the top of the rim joist.

Attach Inner Joists to Beam Faces

Lay out the joist spacing on opposing rim joists. Install joist hangers. Cut joists to the appropriate length.

Install Boards and Add Fasteners to Joists

Start against the house and move outward. Drive fasteners through each board into the center of each joist.

Trim Decking Boards in a Straight Line

Once the boards are in place, it’s time to trim the ends. Use a measuring tape and chalk lines to draw a line at the end. Use a circular saw to cut along the line. Use a router or a sander to ease the edges.

The Benefits of a Deck

Expand Your Entertaining Space

From birthday parties to barbecues to dinner parties, a new deck is a great reason to invite friends and family over. It expands your entertainment space to a great indoor and outdoor combo.

Avoid Extensive Renovations

New decks can be completed in a timely manner, and since construction takes place outdoors, you are minimally impacted.

Increase Home Value

Home buyers are always looking for a great indoor & outdoor living space. By building a deck, you boost your home’s curb appeal, helping to increase the overall home value.

Enjoy a High Return on Your Investment

Building a deck is less expensive than homeowners believe. It is more cost effective than other home improvement projects, like a kitchen remodel, and still offers years of enjoyment. Even if you customize your deck, a durable, high-quality addition will offer a significant return on investment.

Improve Aesthetic Appeal

A beautiful, well built-deck will turn your plain backyard into a head-turning attraction. You have endless finish and stain options to choose from and you can create added storage space to keep clutter out of sight.

Customize For Your Lifestyle

Deck design options are endless. You can build a dual-level deck for separate seating or to be a reading nook. You can add an outdoor kitchen or an integrated fire pit. Water foundations, pools, gardens, flat-screen TVs, etc. Whatever you can imagine, we can help you design your perfect outdoor space.

Common Deck Building Questions

How do I build a deck?

Planning your Deck

You need to consider several things: Does your deck require permits? Before you dig, have you checked for utility lines? How will the climates affect your deck space? What type of deck boards would you like?

Digging Holes for Posts

Mark the locations of the corners for your new deck. Lay out the perimeter for the deck using batter boards and mason’s line. Square the corners. Mark hole locations using spray paint. Use a post hole digger to dig holes for the piers/footing. Place concrete tubing forms into the holes. Center the tubes, and use a long level to have all the piers the same height. Backfill the holes around the tubing forms padding the soil down.

Pouring Concrete and Placing Post Anchors

Mix ready-mix concrete bags in a wheelbarrow. Pour the concrete into the tubing form and place the post anchor bolt into the center of each footer before the cement hardens. Allow time for the concrete to cure. Once cured, set post bases over each anchor bolt.

Attach Posts or beams for Post Base

Set the posts in the post base and attach with the appropriate nails/screws. Attach the beam to the post bases. Check beam alignment.

Attach Rim Joists and Angle Brackets

Attach the rim joists to the posts to create the perimeter of the deck. Secure the joists. Cut the posts flush to the top of the rim joist.

Attach Inner Joists to Beam Faces

Lay out the joist spacing on opposing rim joists. Install joist hangers. Cut joists to the appropriate length.

Install Boards and Add Fasteners to Joists

Start against the house and move outward. Drive fasteners through each board into the center of each joist.

Trim Decking Boards in a Straight Line

Once the boards are in place, it’s time to trim the endsUse a measuring tape and chalk lines to draw a line at the end. Use a circular saw to cut along the line. Use a router or a sander to ease the edges.

How much does it cost to build a deck?

The average cost of building a deck is about $35 per square foot. A low-cost deck built with basic materials costs about $35 per square foot, while a high-end composite deck costs $55-75 per square foot. Total project costs will also depend on how much customization you put into your deck.

How do I build a deck around a pool?

Use cost-effective materials such as treated wood, or bamboo. You’ll want to build the deck in sections. You might even want to consider using sand or rocks around your pool. Textured surfaces with low-heat retention are great for pool areas for their non-slip capabilities and for their long exposure to direct sunlight. Composite decking will help prevent algae from growing.

Do you need a permit to build a deck?

In most cases, you need a permit to build a deck. Most decks require a permit because of their size and construction requirements. A permit will ensure you comply with local regulations.