A deck is a significant investment for homeowners. Labor costs depend on the type of materials and how complicated the design is. Contact Mount Joy Company LLC for professional help.
Pro tip: It’s a good idea to make a gap measurement for boards and try to maintain that consistency. Otherwise, inconsistencies compound as you go. Also, consider utilizing hidden fasteners to avoid unsightly screw holes.
When building a deck, careful planning is essential to ensure the structure will stand up to weather and use while offering a comfortable outdoor space for dining or relaxing. Before construction begins, the site must be cleared of any obstructions, including weeds, shrubs, and other plants as well as rocks, roots, or other debris. It’s also important to check with local utilities before digging, as contractors will need access to gas and electrical lines for future repairs. These precautions will help keep workers and homeowners safe throughout the project.
Once the site is clear, it’s time to begin preparing the foundation for the deck. This process involves drawing out a rough sketch of the deck, marking the location of the footings, and clearing the area of any sod or other vegetation. If the deck will be built over a slope, the site will need to be graded for proper drainage.
A simple DIY deck can be built without any major excavation, but more elaborate designs may require the construction of a concrete footing or pier. If necessary, contractors will dig holes for these supports, which will need to be at least 6 feet deep.
Depending on the type of deck being constructed, it may be necessary to install railings for safety and aesthetics. If so, surface-mount posts will need to be positioned according to the blueprint and secured firmly in place using heavy-duty bolts or screws.
If stairs are part of the deck design, stringers will be installed, followed by stair treads and risers. Once the frame and railings are in place, the decking can be laid and anchored to the fasteners.
Tools and equipment needed for deck installation include a tape measure, level, circular saw, and carpenter’s square. Proper safety gear is also a must, as it includes gloves and eye protection. Building permits are also a must, as they will ensure the deck is up to code and legally constructed. Securing these permits can be a hassle, but the time spent is worth it to avoid fines and other legal complications down the road.
Footings
The footings you choose to build your deck upon are crucial for the stability and durability of the whole structure. In essence, a footing spreads the load of the deck support posts over a larger area of the soil, enabling it to adequately bear the weight and prevent the post from sinking into the ground and rotting.
The right type and depth of footing is determined by local building department codes and the soil conditions in your area. Typically, footings are cast or poured concrete pads placed below the frost line in direct contact with solid, compacted, strong soil. There are several different types of footings, including concrete piers and tubes, bell piers, screw piles, and more. Each offers advantages and disadvantages, so consult with a professional to determine what type of footings are best for your project.
Poured concrete footings are robust and good for large or elevated decks. They involve digging a hole and then mixing concrete on site, so they’re more time-consuming than other footing options. Concrete piers, on the other hand, are less labor-intensive and offer similar durability to a poured footing.
A popular option for smaller, free-standing decks is a buried post footing, which involves burying posts in the ground with concrete. However, this is not a great choice for long-term use. The soil can shift, and the concrete can crack, resulting in instability. Additionally, buried wood can be vulnerable to insects and rot.
When it comes to choosing the right footing for your deck, it’s important to consider your budget and personal preferences. If you are on a tight budget, consider a concrete block or slab footing. These are cheaper than a poured footing, but they also don’t offer as much durability. You may also want to consider a drilled pier, which requires drilling holes for the post and then driving them into the ground using a heavy drill.
Railings
A deck needs railings to be safe and in most cases is required by law. The exact rules can vary but most likely a deck that is 30 inches or higher off the ground must have railings.
There are a wide variety of railings available that can be customized to fit your personal style. From the materials to infill and top rail designs, the options are nearly endless.
The most common railing for a deck is made from pressure treated wood and has balusters that are spaced regularly about 3.5″ apart. These balusters can be made from wood or metal but usually are powder coated for a longer lifespan and easier maintenance.
Another popular option is aluminum railing. It is a low-maintenance material that can stand up to harsh weather and won’t rust. Typically paired with a composite or PVC deck, aluminum railings have a sleek modern look that pairs well with many types of homes.
If you are interested in a more unique look, you can also consider glass railings. This is a more contemporary style that can be very eye catching and will pair well with a deck that overlooks a body of water. This style of railing is a bit more expensive and could have some restrictions due to local ordinances.
Steel railings aren’t a common choice for home decks because they are very susceptible to rust. They are quite heavy and can be challenging to work with on a do-it-yourself project.
Choosing the right railing for your deck should be done in consideration of safety, budget and how the finished product will look in your yard. You may want to talk with a professional to make sure you are choosing the best option for your specific home and situation. It’s also important to think about if you will be putting your home on the market in the future and how this might affect the appeal of your deck. There are a variety of regulations that can be enforced by your city or municipality regarding the height and design of your deck so make sure you’re aware of these guidelines before starting your project.
Decking
Your deck is nearly complete, but it needs a few final touches before it’s ready for you to enjoy. First, you’ll need to choose the decking material. Most people go with wood because it’s aesthetically pleasing and inexpensive, though composites are becoming increasingly popular due to their low maintenance costs. You’ll also need to choose a wood preservative and follow manufacturer instructions for surface preparation and application.
Before you start installing the decking, plan the layout of the boards and determine where the joists will be. Make sure you’ve taken into account the slope of the ground and the direction of any drainage issues. Also, check with your city planning department to see if you need a building permit and what other regulations you’ll have to adhere to when working on your deck.
The joists are the backbone of your deck. They provide the support for your deck flooring and are typically spaced 16″ on center. To increase the strength of your deck frame, you should install blocking in a zigzag pattern between each joist. This provides additional support for the deck and prevents the joists from sagging over time.
When you’re ready to start installing the decking, square up a starter plank parallel to a wall and use it as a guide. This will help ensure that all future boards are properly aligned and positioned. You should also set up a workstation that helps ease your workload, such as a folding sawhorse. This way, you can easily check the positioning of each board and snub out any gaps or butt joints as you work.
Once the joists are in place, you can install surface fasteners. Most people go with screws rather than nails, because they are easier to remove later if the need arises. However, you can also opt for a hidden fastener system that conceals the head of each screw under the surface of the deck board.
When it comes to exotic woods, such as ipe and mahogany, be careful when cutting and drilling. These types of lumber are notoriously difficult to work with. Using a drill with carbide tips can improve the experience, but even then, you’ll need to take your time and be patient. In addition, you should always end seal the ends of each deck board right after cutting. Failure to do so may void any manufacturers’ warranties on the product.