How To Measure A Deck – Detailed Guide

Many people dream of having a new deck where they can relax in the afternoons, enjoy dinners with friends, or celebrate birthday parties and holidays. However, building a deck involves a lot of time and effort, especially if it’s a DIY project.

Another essential feature to consider is the amount of materials required for this project. But, don’t worry, if you are new to this, then we are going to help you organize everything and create an open-air extension of your living room.

Make a plan

Creating a simple sketch and its connection to your home should be the first step. On top of that, you can add in some notes and essential measurements as you design the outdoor space and plan the first phase of construction.

Locate the access points

Measure all the access points, such as doors, windows, landings, and stairs. When constructing a deck, make sure to leave plenty of space to move around them, since they are high traffic areas.

Consider setbacks

A setback involves a set of regulations which determine how far the new structure must be built from your legal property line.

This feedback can significantly affect the size of your deck, as well as the shape and height. Therefore, make sure to get the necessary information before you start with construction.

Pace it out

With this simple hack, you can measure your deck in 20 minutes. While you can get a tape measure, it will take you some time to finish everything, and provide you unnecessary accuracy. An average pace should be approximately 2.5 feet.

The next thing should be to estimate the deck area. In this case, you are looking for the number of paces squared, which later you can covert in square feet.

The easiest way to measure the surface is to divide it into rectangles. For instance, the length in paces is multiplied by the width in paces, to determine the square paces for that specific rectangle. In the end, you add up all the rectangles and have the complete square paceage of your deck.

Mark the utility lines

Before you start with digging, make sure to mark the utilities, such as sewer, gas, or water. You can call 811 and request the services of utility locators, to avoid further damage. The professional will mark the underground lines, free of charge.

Knowing where the lines are, can assist you in the excavation process, especially if you want to install an outdoor kitchen or a gas fireplace on your deck.

Hire an expert

For people who aren’t skilled with DIY projects, it’s best to hire an expert who can help you complete the projects. Sometimes it’s better to pay the extra money, instead of ruining your deck.

A professional will provide the necessary equipment as well as materials. Since he knows the suppliers, you may even get a discount and save some cash. So, before engaging in this process, be aware of your abilities, and whether you are skilled enough to finish everything.