While many homeowners attach a deck to their homes, you can also install freestanding detached decking. What are the advantages of detached decks?

1. Detached Decks Shouldn't Need Building Permits

If you install a regular deck, then your builder usually attaches one side of the decking to your home. This attachment helps support the deck and make it stable.

However, decks and the weight you put on them add to your home's structural load needs. You can't simply attach decking to a wall and assume that everything will be OK. Your builder has to make sure that your home can support the decking without getting damaged.

You usually need a building permit before you can install an attached deck because of the way it works. You might also need to have the build inspected at the end of the job to check it meets code.

You can usually build a detached deck without a building permit. These are free-standing structures that don't impact your property.

2. Detached Decks Can Go Anywhere in Your Yard

If you install an attached deck, then you have limits on where it can go. One side of the decking has to attach to part of your home.

Detached decking has more versatile placement options. You can put this decking just about anywhere in your yard. Your ground doesn't have to be flat or even in that good of a condition.

So, you could set up a deck around a pool. Or, you could create a seated area in a secluded part of your yard where you can relax and read.

You can even install a freestanding deck next to your home. Here, you position the deck next to your property but give it its own support rather than attaching it to the building. This deck looks like an attached deck but doesn't need a permit or extra structural work.

3. Detached Decks Can Be More Cost-Effective

Detached decks do sometimes cost more than attached decking. The attached decking doesn't need support on one side because it uses your home as support. This reduces build costs.

However, don't assume that detached decking is always more expensive. If you have to apply for permits and do structural work on your home before you install your deck, then your costs increase. You won't have these costs when you install a detached deck.

For more information about this, contact a local deck builder. 

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