Free Deck Plans

A variety of free deck plans are available online to help do-it-yourselfers not only build but design their dream deck with the help of online interactive deck designers.

Deck plans don't have to cost you a lot of money.

Backyard decks are a popular home improvement option. With today's innovations, accessories and decorative accents, decks add extra usable space to your home's living area. Backyard decks are perfect for a wide range of expansive living activities including:

• Evening dinner parties
• Sunbathing
• Family barbeques
• Reading
• Gardening
• Close supervision of kids and pets

Before starting the construction or even choosing the plans for your backyard deck, visit your local building inspector's office and check to see if a building permit and/or inspection is required. You may be surprised to learn you do need both, because decks are considered permanent structures, which means they are part of the building when taking setback regulations into account.

Other items to take into consideration as you select your deck plans are:

• Setback regulations (distance of buildings from property lines)
• Regional building codes

If you don't follow the proper procedures, you could be forced to tear down you deck if it doesn't pass inspection, so be aware of local and state codes and follow them.

When deciding to add a deck to your home, whether it’s a backyard deck, pool deck or even a deck for under your shed, you can find a variety of sites online that offer free deck plans along with directions on how to construct the deck. This saves you the time and money necessary to draw up plans or have a contractor do the work.

DeckPlans.com offers a variety of deck sizes, shapes, and configurations. They not only provide basic designs, but also make available information on how to modify deck plans to suit your needs. Their free deck designs are based on an economical deck-building method called the Floating Foundation Deck System. This Do-It-Yourselfer deck plan is designed to be completed in one day as the floating foundation system distributes the weight on top of the soil and eliminates frost footings and cement mixing.

Their free deck plans include:

• Printable architectural plans
• Printable material list
• National average cost estimator
• Step-by-step instructions

TimerTech.com provides plans for low-maintenance, custom-designed decks. They offer an interactive deck designer tool that makes it easy to choose deck:

• Shape
• Size
• Deck color
• Additions of levels, stairs and railings

HotSpring.com offers a free 3D interactive design tool to help create your dream deck. This tool can also be used to build a patio, and most designs include a hot tub. Customization allows for individualized selections including:

• Variety of wood
• Stairs
• Railings
• Spa options

Once you've made your choices, the finished specs are available in a downloadable PDF file accompanied by a materials list and 3D plan.

Once you find the right plans, if you want to do the work yourself, it's just as important to have the proper tools to do the job. Here is a basic list to help you prepare for your deck-building project:

• Chalk line
• Circular saw
• Combination square
• Framing square
• Hammer
• Hand saw
• Level
• Power drill
• Tape measure

When building your deck, choose a plan that incorporates everything you want. Don't take short cuts that will leave you disappointed just to save time or money. Remember this is a permanent structure and an extension to your home. You'll want it to be a usable, functional addition. Choose a deck plan that not only looks good, but works with your lifestyle.

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