Deck Planning Checklist: What I Tell Homeowners Before Building a Deck
- Jun 15
- 6 min read
Building a deck seems simple at first.
Most homeowners start with a rough size, a few inspiration photos, and an idea of where they want it located. Then the questions start.
How big should it be?
What material should we use?
Do we need stairs?
Should we add a roof?
What type of railing looks best?
Over the years, I've found that the most successful deck projects aren't necessarily the biggest or the most expensive. They're the ones where homeowners take the time to think through how they'll actually use the space.
This checklist is designed to help you do exactly that.
The Biggest Mistake I See Homeowners Make
One of the most common things I hear years after a project is:
"I wish we had just done it the way we originally wanted."
A deck lasts a long time. Most homeowners use it for years and often decades.
When people compromise on the size, layout, stairs, roof structure, or features they really wanted just to save money, they often end up wishing they had spent a little more to get exactly what they wanted in the first place.
I've rarely heard someone say they regret building the deck they truly wanted. I hear the opposite all the time. Think long term. Design the deck for how you want to use it five years from now, not just what seems reasonable today.
Project Goals
Why are you considering a new deck?
More outdoor living space
Outdoor dining
Entertaining guests
Better backyard access
Pool access
Outdoor cooking
Improved appearance
Replacing an aging deck
Creating a gathering space
Increasing home value
What doesn't work about your current deck or outdoor space?
What would make the biggest improvement to how you use your backyard?
Deck Layout & Design
Before choosing materials, think about how you'll actually use the space.
Large gathering areas
Dedicated dining area
Lounge area
Hot tub area
Pool deck
Wraparound deck
Covered deck
Screened-in area
Privacy considerations
Built-in features
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is building a deck that's just large enough instead of designing a deck that actually functions. A grill, table, chairs, coolers, and people take up more space than most homeowners initially realize.
Stairs Matter More Than You Think
If there's one feature homeowners consistently tell me they wish they had upgraded, it's the stairs.
Wider stairs
Full-width stairs
Multiple stair locations
Landing areas
Better access to the yard
Wide stairs don't just look better. They make the deck feel larger, more inviting, and easier to use.
A staircase shouldn't feel like an afterthought.
Decking Materials
There are many decking materials available today.
Mahogany decking
Ipe decking
Cedar decking
Pressure-treated decking
Low-maintenance decking
My personal preference has always been wood. In Southern Maine, a properly built wood deck can last a very long time when maintained appropriately. Mahogany and Ipe remain two of my favorite decking materials because of their durability, stability, appearance, and long-term performance. Many homeowners are attracted to low-maintenance products because they're marketed as maintenance-free. In reality, no deck is maintenance-free. Everything exposed to the weather requires cleaning, care, and periodic upkeep. One thing homeowners should consider is not just how a deck looks when it's finished, but how it will look five, ten, or fifteen years later. In my experience, many low-maintenance decking products can look fantastic when they're first installed. However, as the years pass and the material expands, contracts, and moves through seasonal temperature changes, gaps, joints, miters, and seams often become more noticeable. Even when installed correctly, it's common to see areas that no longer look as crisp and consistent as they did on day one. Wood behaves differently. It requires maintenance, but it can also be renewed. It can be cleaned, sanded, refinished, and restored. A well-built hardwood deck often develops character over time rather than simply showing its age. The most important thing is understanding the tradeoffs. Some homeowners prioritize lower maintenance. Others prioritize appearance, craftsmanship, repairability, and long-term aesthetics. Neither approach is right for everyone, but it's worth considering how the deck will look years from now, not just when construction is complete.
Railings
The best railings often disappear.
Wood railing
Cable railing
Metal railing
Glass railing
Horizontal railing
Drink rail
One of the characteristics of a high-end deck is preserving the view whenever possible. In many situations, simpler and more open railing systems create a cleaner finished appearance than heavier railing designs.
Shade & Weather Protection
This is one of the most overlooked decisions during the planning stage.
Pergola
Covered roof structure
Screened-in area
Retractable awning
Privacy wall
A deck with a roof often gets used significantly more than a deck without one.
Think about how often you'll use the space during light rain, intense summer sun, or cooler evenings.
Outdoor Living Features
Outdoor dining area
Grill station
Outdoor kitchen
Bar seating
Fire pit area
Fireplace
Television area
Outdoor speakers
Beverage station
Think about what happens when friends and family visit.
Where does everyone gather?
Where does food get prepared?
Where does everyone sit?
Design around those activities first.
Lighting
Good lighting changes how a deck feels after sunset.
Post cap lighting
Stair lighting
Railing lighting
Accent lighting
Pathway lighting
Landscape lighting
Lighting is one of those features homeowners rarely prioritize initially and often end up loving once the project is complete.
Storage
Storage is often overlooked until after construction.
Storage under deck
Dry storage area
Built-in storage benches
Furniture storage
Grill accessory storage
Pool equipment storage
Gardening tool storage
A little planning here can make the space significantly more functional.
Building for Maine Weather
National deck articles rarely discuss the realities of building in Maine. Snow loads, ice, freeze-thaw cycles, moisture, and long winters all affect how a deck performs over time. A properly designed deck should account for these conditions from the beginning. In my opinion, stronger framing and thoughtful structural design are never wasted investments. Nobody complains that their deck was built too solid.
Finishes & Style
Overall style:
Modern
Traditional
Coastal
Farmhouse
Craftsman
Rustic
Design inspiration:
Pinterest boards
Houzz ideas
Magazine photos
Saved project photos
The more examples you save, the easier it becomes to identify patterns in what you actually like.
If I Were Building My Own Deck
If budget wasn't a factor, I wouldn't focus on building the biggest deck possible. I'd focus on building the best outdoor living space possible.
I'd start with wide-plank Ipe or mahogany decking, installed with precision-plugged fasteners using contrasting wood plugs that become part of the character of the deck rather than something hidden.
The structure itself would be overbuilt, with heavy framing designed not just to meet requirements, but to remain solid and stable for decades through Maine's snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, and changing seasons.
The stairs would be wide enough to feel welcoming rather than functional. Not an afterthought attached to the deck, but a feature that naturally connects the house to the yard. Ideally, the staircase would span a significant portion of the deck, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The railing system would be designed to preserve views whenever possible, allowing the landscape to remain the focal point rather than the railing itself.
Most importantly, it would include a roof structure designed to keep rain off the deck while still allowing plenty of natural light underneath. A covered deck simply gets used more often. It extends the season, creates shade during the summer, and allows you to enjoy the space even when the weather isn't perfect.
Every detail would be intentional. The proportions would feel right. The materials would complement the architecture of the home while incorporating subtle touches that add character and individuality.
I appreciate details that reveal craftsmanship rather than hide it completely. Contrasting wood plugs in hardwood decking are a good example. They create a subtle visual rhythm throughout the deck and add a custom quality that can't be achieved with purely production-style construction.
The decking, stairs, railings, framing, and roof structure would all work together as a single cohesive design rather than feeling like separate pieces added over time.
The goal wouldn't be to build a deck.
The goal would be to create an outdoor living space that feels like a natural extension of the home and a place people genuinely want to spend time in for decades to come.
A Great Place to Start
Start collecting photos.
Save the decks you like.
Save the stair designs you like.
Save the railings you like.
Save the roof structures you like.
Most homeowners discover what they truly want by looking at examples and identifying the features that stand out to them. The best deck projects aren't defined by square footage or materials.
They're defined by how well they fit the people who use them.
