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Basic Deck Build

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4K views 17 replies 8 participants last post by  robertcdf 
#1 ·
I'm planning to build a patio deck on the back of mobile home. The area is not large and it should be pretty basic to build. I'm also planning to install a sliding door that leads out to it where a window currently is.

Can anybody point me in the directions of some basic how to books with the latest construction techniques in order to help me get started on the planning of this project?

Also, for a basic deck build is there any design software you would recommend?

Lastly, where can I go to compare different building material options? I live near the sea and I'm worried about rot.

Thanks.
 
#5 ·
I agree.
In the time it would take someone to build this for you, you would not have had time to figure how to build it.
Your going to need a permit for this, I would strongly suggest not using a sliding glass door. Air leaks, roller maintaince ect. Go with a french door or a reguler door.
The roof for this is going to have to be built so it goes as high as possible on the roof you have now in order to get the needed slope and still have a high enough outside wall for a door to fit in the wall.
What do you think your budget is going to be?
 
#6 ·
Well when I first looked into having a contractor do it I was given ballpark estimates of 5k which is not worth it to me. I'd like to spend as little as possible. Its just a mobile home but it has a great ocean view I'd like to take advantage of.

I have no problem with a regular door since it would be cheaper that way. I have friends who are knowledgeable should could help.

What's the cheapest way to do this?
 
#7 ·
Now you have lost my interest, look over some of the thousands of post on here where people insisted on doing it cheap and fast and there back wanting to know how to fix it.
Build it cheap, use under sized materails, cheap shingles and it's going to leak and fail.
Just the materails will be about $2000.00 or more if you install a roof, door and windows.
 
#11 · (Edited)
I went back and reread your post add about $500.00 for a slab.
The concrete company is going to hit you with a small delivery charge.
And no it can not be done with just bags of concrete and have it come out anywhere near right.
Plus it would take 111 40 Lb bags.
http://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/howmuch/calculator.htm
 
#12 · (Edited)
tr7111 said:
Right I expected it would cost that much for the materials alone. I was hoping to save money by doing it myself though. Is it really futile to try to get good plans drawn up and do it myself? Were only talking like 10 square feet with no stairs
2 feet by 5 feet? That's not even big enough for the door to open.
That one quote was $500 a square foot. A little high.
I think you mean 10x10 feet, which is 100 square feet.
 
#13 ·
Well I have to disagree with some posters about the difficulty level of building a small deck.

As long as you have a good set of plans that will show you most aspects of building the thing I don't see why you or anyone else could not do it.

You may not even need a permit or railing depending on your location.

But even if you do not need permitting you should build it so it is safe, PM me if you wish.

Andy.
 
#16 ·
Here is a Deck Code you can build to: http://www.awc.org/Publications/DCA/DCA6/DCA6-09.pdf



Private messaging is discouraged here as others cannot benefit from it. Feel free to ask any questions here as we all were beginners once, though some quickly forget. We are all here to help you DIY. Ask away!

Gary
 
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