Your home is your castle, and your playground. You want it to be a place where you can host events and functions. With summer fast approaching, you’re probably preparing for visits from your family and friends. One of the best ways to entertain guests is with a deck. A deck will provide you with an area to meet with visitors, while enjoying the beautiful weather.
Deck building can be a sometimes complex and hard process. Several things need to be considered, among them: What’s your budget? How big will this space be? What kind of materials will you use? Figuring out these issues early on will alleviate issues and complications before you’re in too far.
The design
Experts agree that if you are going to do the project yourself, it’s best to keep it simple. Consider your expertise when drafting the deck’s design. Don’t attempt to build a multi-level deck if you’ve never built one before. Consider hiring a contractor for more complex designs.
Water run-off from rain and snow will result as a result of the construction, especially on a slope, so think about problems that might arise, and construction complications, like excavation. Many materials absorb heat, so you’ll want to choose something that won’t make the area to walk on.
Materials
One of the best steps you can take is to buy pressure treated lumber. Purchasing regular 2x4s isn’t advised, as it rot, leaving you with a mess. While pressure treated lumber is a tad more costly, it will prevent replacement costs down the road. Take with you a tape measure when you go to purchase the lumber. You don’t want to disassemble your project just to cut off a few inches.
Along with the wood, you’ll need the right type of fasteners, depending on your local building codes. The wood and joints can weaken if the wrong fasteners are used.
Education
Once finished, your project will most likely need to be approved by a codes inspector. Educating yourself ahead of time on local building codes will save you the hassle of having to redo everything, as well fines or having to remove your hard work. Codes can specify everything from the size of posts to the types of fasteners.
The building
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Enlist the help of friends and family in building your deck. The process will go much faster and smoother if you have a couple of hands on deck (pardon the pun).
If you do decide to go it along, construct a simple jig to ensure the correct joist height. This jig will also come in handy when you’re ready to space the balusters. When you’re ready to begin assembling, remember to measure and mark the boards so you don’t make notching mistakes.
“Bark side up” is a saying to remember. Placing the side with the grow rings curving upward will allow for easier water runoff, and prevent cupping and checking. Another way, and one of the best tools, to protect your deck from wood rot is with a water repellent preservative.
The Deck Guys has everything you need to turn your backyard into an outdoor paradise that you’ll want to show off for decades to come.
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