Adding to your outdoor space is a great way to appreciate the nature around you more. An outdoor deck is the perfect addition to your home. It’s multipurpose, and you can use it all year round. Whether you want to extend your entertainment space, add an area for the hot tub, or create a reading nook, building a durable deck is essential to your family’s and your home’s safety.

We provided a few tips to extend the structure’s life to ensure you get the most out of your deck.

Keep reading for tips for building a deck that will last a lifetime.

A Strong Foundation Is Key

After you design the layout of your deck, you can begin the long-awaited building process. However, you must ensure your foundation is perfect before creating your structure. Having a strong foundation will ensure your entire deck is maintained. If not, it could lead to structural failure, which is hazardous to your family’s safety.

You may need a professional to come and level out your yard to ensure your foundation is secure enough to begin building. Remember that this journey is not a race; avoid the fast approach to avoid structural catastrophe.

Your Quality of Wood Matters

Using high-quality wood is another tip to ensure your deck lasts a lifetime. Building with low-grade wood will increase your chances of getting wood rot, which is a threat to the structure of your deck. Choosing lumber that is thick enough for your deck is essential. Most woodworkers recommend cedar or redwood for outdoor decks.

Hidden Fasteners Are the Way To Go

Skip the visible screws and nails and consider a smoother finish with hidden woodworking fasteners and connectors. The appearance of your deck will improve significantly when you use fasteners that don’t detract from the aesthetics. Although hidden, they’re just as strong, if not stronger, than their counterparts. Hidden fasteners are a popular choice among architects, woodworkers, and contractors.

Remember To Leave Room for Water

You may think it best to fasten wooden boards tightly when building a deck. However, leaving 1/8th of an inch between each board is best to allow water to escape. Leaving a small space will prevent wood rot and mold from accumulating underneath the surface, whether from heavy rain or people coming in and out of the hot tub.

Build a deck that will last a lifetime with our tips! Our team at Knapp is always searching for innovative ways to improve your woodworking experience. Achieve a seamless look with our biscuit connectors and hidden fasteners. If you’re interested in building wooden structures with easy-to-use fasteners, check out our inventory of connectors and fasteners!