DIYer looking to attempt a deck extension... tips welcome!

Hi All!

I'm a amateur interior DIYer who has a remodeled 5 rooms in my house (to the studs, wiring, insulation, carpentry, drywall & mud, sand & paint, trim, etc)

This year I'm going to attempt my first exterior project: a deck extension in my back yard. I would love to get some suggestions and advice from seasoned pros like yourselves. I'm specifically looking for design ideas and also any points to keep in mind as a first time deck builder. For example, what are common mistakes amateurs make so I can avoid them myself.

Here are 3 pics of the current deck.




My initial idea was to do a tiered extension and I've drawn up some rough plans. I want to remove the existing floor boards on the top level and have everything be TREX. I'm not sure what to do for railings.


Any feedback would be much appreciated!

-Sam

 

Biggest mistakes they make are not educating themselves before starting, not having a solid foundation, not building to code, not getting permits and not having inspections, where required.

Best starting point is to Google and download the AWC DCA6 prescriptive deck guide. Familiarize yourself with those methods and you will be on the right track.

 

From the pictures I'd suggest scrapping the idea of expanding and just start new. Anything you do will be compromised by the current design, and it doesn't appear it's too new, too large that it's going to make a significant contribution.

Also, don't go cheap, think composite decking materials. Yes it's a cost up, but in the long term it will save you money and hundreds of hours of maintenance. No replacing boards, no staining, no sanding.

I'm on year 13, maybe 14 with my full composite deck, an annual spring clean up and it still looks like new..\

 

Do you think I can reuse the 3 footings?

My thought was to strip down the existing deck floor boards, railings, and steps, but keep the footings, joists, and stringers.

 

Hmmm, maybe, but as noted going new requires plans and inspections. Could you prove they meet current code?

 

Just a follow up, I ended up finding a carpenter to help me design and build this. I was a bit over-ambitious.

 

Nothing wrong with that. Post some pictures when completed.