The difference between good and great is often found in the details. As you begin to dream about a backyard deck, spend a little time thinking about how you will use your outdoor space. Adding features later can be costly and difficult, so now’s the perfect time to plan!

For example, inexpensive flashing tape can protect the integrity of the wood in your deck, but is impossible to add after the deck boards are laid. Lighting can improve your deck’s aesthetic and make it safer at night, but can cost more if wiring isn’t added during construction.

Building a deck is a smart investment with a high return. You can recoup about 80% of the cost of building a new wood deck, during resale, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report.  

To help you make the most of your investment, we’ve created this handy planning checklist:

1. Build a deck for your life

Ask yourself and your family a few questions during the planning stage:

• Do you have a big family and need plenty of room for seating or would you prefer a cozy backyard deck?
• Do you love sitting in the sunshine or prefer the shade?
• Will you use the space for entertaining or as a solitary retreat?
• Will you cook or watch television in your outdoor living space?
• Do you enjoy sealing the wood each year or would no-maintenance composite decking materials be a better match for your lifestyle?
• What is your budget?

Understanding how you will use your deck will help you plan for how big it will be, what amenities you might need, and what are non-negotiables. 

2. Create an aesthetic you’ll love

Now’s the time to explore all materials, colors and textures. Natural wood can be beautiful, but must be regularly maintained to prevent warping, cracking and splintering. Composite decking, often made from recycled plastics, may cost a bit more up front, but never needs to be sealed or stained. You can stain or paint wood many colors, as well as choose from a wide range of composite colors. 

Today’s railings offer many choices, including those with metal or stone details or clear glass or plexiglass panels. What materials will best complement your home and the environment around it?

3. Make the deck last

Research shows that the deck substructure can begin to split, rot and decay in as little as 8-10 years. That’s why you need a non-skid, self-adhesive deck flashing tape that shields the tops of joists, rim joists, beams and the ledger board. Applied during construction, flashing tape is like wax on a car or polyurethane on your hardwoods, protecting against costly future water damage. 

For an average size deck, measuring 12’ x 24’, you should be able to buy all the materials you need for less than $100.

4. Create more living space

If you’ve ever wanted to extend your outdoor living space, consider adding an under-deck ceiling to your two-story deck. To begin, you’ll want to be sure to install an under-deck drainage system to pull away the water that comes through your decking. For more information, visit this installation page and view these installation videos on YouTube . 

Once you’ve created a dry space, you can install a ceiling that allows you to also add a host of other fun features such as fans, an outdoor kitchen, a hot tub, entertainment system or lights.

5. Light up the night

Lights add safety and beauty to any deck. Whether you want permanent wired lights or a string of party lights, lights are an easy add-on.  In fact, you don’t necessarily need to be an electrician to install lights on your deck. You may be one YouTube video away from a beautifully lit deck. 

6. Build space to grow

Another simple DIY project that will help you add beauty and utility to your deck are planter boxes. Family Handyman offers a number of designs you can build in a day or less. Be sure to provide good drainage in the planter by filling with rocks and drilling holes in the bottom. Waterproof any wood used in the planter to prevent damage over time. Be sure not to set the planter flat on your decking boards without proper drainage. 

7. Create more entertaining space.

Today, it’s easier than ever to add an outdoor kitchen or entertainment system to your deck with weather-proof appliances. For warmer days, make sure there are beautiful but utilitarian ceiling fans. For colder days, install an outdoor fireplace. The possibilities for outdoor living are limitless.  

8. Curate a comfortable space

Think ahead about how much sunlight your deck will get in a day. Do you want some shade for reading books or relaxing in a hammock? Add on a roof or awning or build out the space under your deck. You can even build a screened-in porch to keep out unwanted insects and creatures. 

9. Tuck away some storage

For those who like to garden, swim in the backyard pool or do almost anything outdoors, one of the biggest challenges is where to store all of the equipment. With an under-deck drainage system, you can create dry, usable storage space under any two-story deck. Enclose it completely or partially, build in shelving or racks for hanging up bikes and kayaks.

HomeAdvisor estimates that the average cost of building a 200-500 square foot deck is about $7,000. Make the most of your investment with a little up-front planning!