About Deck Construction

How will the deck lay out in relation to the house?

Regarding deck construction, many factors will have to be considered and accommodated in the deck plan: the home's design, access in and out of the house (the project doubles in scope if a new door has to be put in), the space available outside, the grade of the yard (which impacts the deck's height) and existing trees or gardens.

How will it attach to the house?

Deck construction can build a free-standing deck. But for convenience most people want their decks attached to the house. That raises questions about how the siding will be cut away at the point of attachment and whether there's solid framing accessible at that point to properly support the deck.

Also, an attached deck will add to your tax assessment because it's considered additional living space. Detached decks do not increase taxes.

How many footings and posts will be needed and where will they be placed?

Footings and posts support the beams, which support the joists and the deck boards. The bigger the deck, the more footings you'll need. They should be 8 ft. apart or less.

What size beams will be needed?

There are formulas to determine the sizes based on the spans. But the general rule is that the more footings used on a given span the smaller the beams need to be, so maximizing the footings will minimize the beams and vice-versa.

What size joists will be needed at what spacing to span between beams?

Joist size can vary from 2x6 to 2x10, and the spacing can be 12", 16" or 24" on center. Again there are formulas to determine the sizes and the spacing, but the bigger the deck, the bigger the joists and the closer you'll need to space them for proper support.

Typically in deck construction, the most popular sizes for the deck boards are 2x4, 2x6 and 5/4x6. The most obvious difference is in the board width: 2x4's produce more seams in a deck surface than 2x6's. You'll need more 2x4's to cover a surface, but it ends up being about the same amount of wood overall and about the same price.

Building Permits

Most municipalities will require a building permit before you begin your deck construction, especially if it's to be attached to the house or it's more than 30 inches above the ground.

We cannot stress enough the importance of consulting with your local building department about any home improvement project - for your own safety and protection. Plus some homeowners insurance policies will not cover accidents involving construction that does not meet local codes.

There's a fee involved with most permit applications, but it's designed to cover the cost of a plan review before construction and the field inspections that'll be done after work begins.

Inspections help insure that you're installing materials safely and according to code. For example, in areas where frost footings are required, they'll probably want to inspect the depth of your footings before you fill them.

When choosing a deck material you have a large selection to choose from. You can go with anything from composite to treated wood or even recycled materials.

With all the new materials that are available, I am surprised to learn that wood is still the number one option of homeowners. You do need to understand that not all wood is equal and some is better for decking than others.

Some of the better choices for wood decking are teak, redwood or cedar. The teak is the most expensive, but will last forever without much maintenance. You can even go with a cheaper option like pine if you get it treated, but I would only consider this if you live where the weather is generally good (like San Diego for example).

Most wood (all but the teak) will need more maintenance than composite materials. Some of the better choices have the ability to withstand the elements quite nicely and will not be as hard to preserve. Exotic wood (like teak and epi) is good for outdoor use because it can resist rot better than any of the more common species.

Ship builders have been using this wood for a long time because of its unique properties. I have a rolling cart on my deck that my father made out of teak 50 years ago. I power-washed it last summer and it looks new.

Being able to afford teak is another issue, and the reason why most homeowners consider a cheaper option. Cedar and redwood both are readily available in most areas for much less money than teak.

Even though they may not be as durable they still are quite effective as decking material. If you are planning on using one of these, consider the look you prefer and the time needed for the recommended maintenance.

Composite decks will last a very long time without any maintenance, but in my opinion they do not have the look of a real wood deck. However, sometimes it is a balance between how much money you have, how much time, and how you want it to look.

Here are a few tips on how to make a unique and attractive deck.

Work with What You Have

Every property is somewhat different with respect to size and shape. The deck construction helps to give your home an extension of usuable space. The original structure of your home does not change and you get a brand new layout.

Be Creative

When building something from scratch, it is easier to be creative. You can make use of different types of wood, sizes and layouts. It's best to try and break up the deck space by function (if you have the space) - cooking, eating, lounging. Potted plants will always add to the ambiance.

Landscape architects, as well as people offerring remodeling services, can often have good ideas to enhance the deck construction you have in mind.

They can help you to use your ideas efficiently to get the maximum benefit. They also will give an estimate so you will know what it will cost you.

Don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions about deck construction by clicking here.

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