Deck Building and Construction Tips

Deck Planning
Attractive, functional and durable decks require good planning. Since the deck is
an extension of your home, sufficient planning before you build will result in
you and your family getting the most enjoyment out of your deck.

How long will your deck last?
“Traffic”, or use, will affect its life span; but so will environmental factors
such as humidity, sun and wind. By investing in quality materials and sound
building practices you can extend the life of your deck and enhance the value
of your home.

Some Key Points to consider before building are:

What do you want to use the deck for?
How often will you use it?
What time of year?
How many people will use it?

How much privacy will you want?

What type of deck amenities will you include in your plans?
A spa, barbecue outlet, deck fire pit, outdoor heater, seated bar
or snack counter, are just a few of the myriad of options that we can implement.

Will it be in direct sunlight or in a shaded area?
Do you want to achieve more or less exposure to the sun, or a balance of sun and shade?
Where do the prevailing winds come from? Do you require a wind block?
How long do you want the deck to last?

Where will you locate the deck furniture?
Do you have sufficient room to walk around the furniture when
people are seated? This is often overlooked!
How much maintenance do you want to have on your deck installation?
Will your deck’s location be affected by a fence, landscaping, garden shed, or other
fixtures?

Local Building Codes
Review all local building codes and requirements in your planning.
Many localities require that you obtain a permit before you build.
All decks are a little different – if you are unsure about something –
do not be afraid to seek professional help from your local building supply
store or a professional deck contractor. For a small fee, a
professional contractor may be able to draw up your plans and
obtain any permits you may require.

Foundation

Slope the ground below your deck installation away from your home a
minimum of ¼” per foot so water will drain away from your foundation.

When building your deck in an area where the ground is subject to frost there
are two main types of foundations used:

• Pier Block to float your foundation
• Pour in place reinforced concrete footing
• Choose the method that is right for your application – do not mix the two.

Framing/Joists

Select straight boards to start your construction. Where possible, avoid using
boards with defects, such as mildew, rot, insect holes, warp and checks or splits
and wane that affect more than one edge or side. If some defects are unavoidable,
cut them out.

Place the joists crown up in your installation.

Use DeckZone^TM Joist Cap to cover all joists. The number one cause
of deck decay is the rot migration between the deck boards and the joists.
Sealers don’t reach this area so use preventive measures to prolong the life
of your joist structure.

Choose the correct fasteners and hardware for the desired life of your deck.
Stainless steel fasteners are more expensive initially, but will not rust out.
Galvanized or coated nails are better than untreated fasteners.

Blocking between joists contributes to a solid deck structure.

Decking

Choose the right material for you. Cedar, Redwood and pressure-treated pine
all look different when they are new. You can leave them in their natural
state or apply deck coatings to them. If you apply a coating use semi-transparent
deck stain. Solid color stains hide the wood grain and tend to show traffic wear
much sooner.

Today there are many types of composite deck boards available for your deck
surface. When designing your deck structure, consider the weight of the deck
boards you intend to use; as some composite boards are heavier than traditional
woods, and may require a stronger joist or beam structure.

If there will be an exit door from your home to your deck it is best
to plan for the deck elevation to be 4″ – 6″ below the level of the door.
This will help prevent rain, snow and wind blown debris from entering the home.

Stairs
The DeckZone^TM Stair Bracket simplifies the job of building
stairs to a low or mid level deck. These brackets replace the need for cutting
risers out of wood or using metal brackets that need to be painted. They require
no cutting and will not rot or rust, saving you time and money.

Plan your steps from the deck surface to grade. It isn’t always necessary to have
one run of steps. It may be desirable to plan for a landing half way up the stairs
so that you can approach your deck from another direction or fit the stairs into a
smaller area.

Decks are more functional and attractive with wider stairs. Especially on low
level decks, stairs up to 10’ wide are not uncommon. They can also be used for
seating during backyard family barbecues!

Railings
Be sure to follow local building codes. In most areas – decks closer than 20″ to
grade do not require a railing but you may still consider a partial railing if your
garden or some other obstacle is close by.

High level decks require a taller rail (usually 42″) from the deck surface than
lower level decks (36″).

Incorporating glass panel rails onto your deck will not only give you a better
view – they also serve as a windbreak. If you prefer more privacy and a simple
windbreak, consider smoke colored or reflective glass panels.

Accent & Safety Lighting
Check out the DeckZone^TM Solar Lighting – no wiring is required and
the deck lights automatically turn on at dusk; providing an attractive accent
lighting to your deck installation.

Where low voltage lighting is used – make sure that you hide all wiring from view,
below the deck, so as to give a proper finished look; as well as to provide
additional protection to the wiring. Use an exterior grade wire with the right
protective cover.

Auxiliary lights that shine on outdoor trees and shrubs also provide
welcome focal points and create a relaxed ambiance.

Lighting that illuminates your stair treads, or under seating areas, are
typical ways to add evening accents and make your deck safer!