DIY vs Professional Deck Installation

Outdoor living spaces like patios, gazebos, and of course decks, have always been popular. That popularity has been spiking even more lately. Maybe it’s because everyone got a sudden burst of motivation. Maybe it’s all the DIYers who came out of their shells during the pandemic when they didn’t have anything else to do. Regardless of the reason, decks are popping up left and right. Hopefully every deck installation will go smoothly, whether it’s a DIY deck or professionally done. If you’re prepping your own deck project, there’s a laundry list of things you should consider before breaking out the hammers and nails.

Should you do it yourself or hire the professionals? There are pros and cons to each route, ranging from efficiency to safety, so let’s take a look at them all.

DIY Deck Installation

Plenty of people have a knack for home projects, whether it’s fixing a leak in the bathroom or replacing a doorknob. Some of those home projects are more ambitious than others—you know where we’re going with this; if you’re considering building a whole deck rather than hiring professionals, there are a few things to do. In addition to acquiring all the proper permits, here’s what you need to be aware of.

• Cost: This is one of the most appealing aspects of DIY deck building. Since the cost of building a deck isn’t low no matter what you do, the prospect of saving a substantial amount on labor costs can be enticing. However, there are plenty of pitfalls that may cause you to regret that decision to save a little up-front money (more on those later).
• Personal Satisfaction: Some people love keeping their hands busy, and one of the best ways to do that is to have projects to work on! The unique sense of accomplishment that you feel when completing a project on your own is difficult to top, and sitting on your completed deck after you’ve hammered the final nail is a rewarding experience.
• Flexibility: Want complete control over every aspect of your deck installation—from material selection to timelines? A DIY deck may be right up your alley. Work at your own pace and adjust the design as you see fit.
• Timeline: This whole project is a big task, and having one or two people work on it rather than a crew requires a big time commitment. When you factor in your other responsibilities—work, family, routine chores, etc.—it will probably be a while before you can relax on your new finished deck.
• Skill Level: There’s a certain level of expertise required with an undertaking like this. If you don’t have the necessary experience or tools, you may find yourself getting overwhelmed. When frustration runs high, more things are likely to go wrong, so the more complicated projects will be better left to experts.
• Risk of Mistakes: Speaking of skill level, a DIY deck will generally suffer from more mistakes than a professionally built one. These mistakes could be minor things, like a slightly crooked nail or two. But many mistakes could post serious risk either during or after construction—just take a look at this study on DIY project injuries. One issue many DIYers don’t consider is the foundation of their home. With a professional at the helm, the ground can be properly evaluated, and projects can be adjusted to account for potential foundation concerns.

Professional Deck Installation

If you want to be certain your deck is of the highest quality, consider hiring the professionals. This route has plenty of benefits, and the drawbacks aren’t as severe as those of DIY installations.

• Expertise: Hiring the pros means you’ll be relying on skilled individuals who have several years of experience—meaning plenty of similar projects under their belts. They’re familiar with local building codes, best practices, and safety standards. They may also have partnerships with suppliers that you can take advantage of.
• Quality of Work: A professional deck is likely going to last longer and be more durable than a DIY project. The experts have the tools, knowledge, and experience to build complex designs, meaning the end product will be of the highest possible quality.
• Efficiency: If you want your deck done quickly and efficiently, this is the best option. When there’s a whole team of pros behind your project, expect it to be ready for relaxation and barbecues in just a few weeks.
• Higher Cost: There’s no way around it—the cost associated with professional work is going to be higher… at least in the short term. Labor expenses can add up, especially if your project is complicated or utilizes specialized materials and tools. But the quality of work that comes out of it will be worth that price tag.
• Less Personal Involvement: If you’re not the one swinging the hammers and hauling the lumber, it means you’ve relinquished some degree of control over to someone else. You still have input on the design and materials, but the day-to-day decisions and the work itself is in the hands of the workers. This may not sound ideal, but open lines of communication can go a long way. Keeping in touch with your hired team will help ensure your vision is realized (as long as it’s up to safety standards).
• Possible Scheduling Delays: It would be nice if the contractors responsible for your deck installation could focus solely on you from start to finish, but they’re likely handling multiple projects at once. Due to this as well as potential supply hurdles, timelines could be extended. That said, any good professional builder will be operating at 100% while they’re on-site. Additionally, the project will be done more quickly than DIY work even if there are supply challenges.

Key Factors to Consider

There are a few things you should stay on top of throughout the whole project, and they could be a big factor in your decision to hire professionals or go the DIY route. So, let’s go over them now.

• Budget: Financial flexibility is a major factor in this process. You simply can’t spend money you don’t have, so assess your budget and determine an absolute maximum dollar amount. Divide this amount between labor costs versus materials.
• Timeline: How quickly do you need this deck completed? If you have a barbecue planned two months out, you should hire the pros. If the barbecue isn’t until next year, you have time to do it yourself (and props for planning so far in advance).
• Complexity: The materials you choose, as well as your deck’s design, can have a big influence on your decision. If you’re building a standard deck, DIY may be a viable option. If you have complicated plans for it, consider professional work.
• Personal Skills: Put pride behind you and be honest with yourself about your construction skills. Are you really up to the task? If not, don’t hesitate to hire professional contractors. It could be the difference between a safe, sturdy deck and a catastrophe during or after construction.

Time to Build Your Deck!

Both DIY and professional decks have advantages and drawbacks. DIY decks can offer cost savings and flexibility, while expert work offers faster turnaround and a lower risk of mistakes. Before you decide on one or the other, consider your budget, timeline, and personal skills, as well as the project’s complexity. Should you decide to hire the pros, every member of the Albaugh & Sons team is ready to build an expertly crafted outdoor living space for you. Get in touch today!