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The cost of building a deck ranges from $1,100 to $19,000, depending on the size, deck materials, and labor. Garden decking costs $7,500 on average, with materials costing about $8 to $15 per square foot. Composite decking costs $5,000 to $10,000 per square meter, with the price depending on your deck material options, the complexity of the project, size, and labor. Set a budget before posting a task to get the right price and find the best decking contractor in your area.

First, cover the ground with weed-control fabric. Then, add 40 to 50 mm of gravel on top. This prevents your deck from absorbing moisture. One other option is to place concrete pads on the ground, then have the deck sit on top of them. If you don't have the time or ability to do this yourself, feel free to include it in your task post and have a deck builder do it for you.

It is not advisable to caulk a deck because 1) the caulk won't stain to match the rest of your deck, and 2) caulk is not stable. Eventually, the caulk will break out and worsen the situation. Instead, it's best to sand around any cracks or voids, turn the boards over, or replace them entirely. When in doubt, consult a deck specialist or find a handyperson near you. 

In general, deck builders recommend using screws - particularly deck screws - when joining deck boards and deck railing. Screws are better at holding things together - they don't rust as easily and don't pop up eventually. Nails that rise or pop up are dangerous, so it's best to avoid using them. If you'd like to DIY your decking project, we suggest consulting with a decking contractor near you beforehand. They'll help you pick the best materials or even build the deck for you!

Injecting waterproof resin glue and using clamps can help fix up cracks in your deck. Deck builders may also recommend applying a sealer once a year to protect all the surfaces of your deck better. And while most builders don't advise using caulk to fill in gaps, some may be fine with applying colored caulk. To better weigh the options when it comes to repairing a cracked deck, consult a decking specialist near you.

It's not advisable to lay decking straight onto the soil as the wooden boards will absorb moisture. This can seriously damage your decking and ruin the vision you have for your home. Decking specialists recommend placing either concrete slabs or weed control fabric plus gravel on the area you want to build your deck. Only then can the contractor start laying down the boards.

Yes, decking boards should have gaps that are ⅛ to ¼ inch wide. These gaps allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the wood. Without the proper spacing between boards, your deck may get damaged. If you'd like to make sure that your deck will have an adequate gap width, consider hiring a top-rated decking specialist near you. Tap the "Post a task" button to get started.

High-quality deck boards come in different varieties: wood, aluminum, PVC, and composite decking. Wood is one of the most popular decking materials in the US. It comes in different options, such as hardwood, cedar, and pressure treated wood decking. Aluminum and PVC decking are alternative deck materials that are popular for their durability and low maintenance costs. For long-term performance and durability, composite decking is your best bet as deck boards. Talk to your Tasker to determine which decking material is best for your home.