Deck Construction
Latest Deck Construction Articles
-
Structural
Diagonal Brace Tips
Diagonal braces are used to keep your building project square and structurally solid. Without bracing, walls or decks can collapse since there isn't any lateral stability. Be sure to check your building codes for diagonal brace requirements.
read more... -
Deck Construction
Flashing a Deck
Installing a deck flashing properly is critical to keep water from getting behind the ledger board. The deck flashing needs to overlap the deck ledger board much like shingles overlap. Follow these tips when installing flashing on your deck. read more... -
Deck Construction
Concrete Pier Construction Tips
Concrete piers can support lots of weight when you are building your deck. The type of soil you have can affect the size and depth of the piers. In most areas, frost heave will be a consideration. Proper deck footing will keep your deck solid and safe. read more... -
Deck Construction
Joist Hangers
When building a deck and using joist hangers, be sure to use the proper nails. Many joist support systems, or truss hangers, recommend nails or fasteners that are approved for their hangers. If the joist hangers your carpenter used are approved for use with the newer ACQ treated lumber, you should have nothing to worry about.
read more... -
Deck Construction
Deck Piers
When building a deck, it is important to have solid deck piers that don't move with frost action. You can support wooden deck posts with deck piers in any number of ways. A concrete deck pier can provide a stable platform for your deck posts.
read more... -
Deck Construction
Redwood Decking
Redwood makes a great wood decking material. Not only is redwood gorgeous, it's naturally rot resistant. Redwood deck boards are available with a very unique profile. The redwood decking is crowned so that water runs off. Special care is needed when cleaning a redwood deck. read more... -
Deck Construction
Porch Decking
Porch decking needs to be prepared and installed properly to get a lasting porch. Composite porch decking is not always the best porch decking material. Wood can make a great long-lasting front porch decking.
read more... -
Deck Construction
Decking Boards
There are many choices for decking boards - composite decking boards, plastic deck board, natural wood. Are there really maintenance free deck boards? Research the various decking board choices before making your final selection. read more... -
Deck Construction
Composite Deck
There are many factors to consider when selecting composite decking. Not all composite decks are made the same. Some newer composite deck materials contain recycled materials. Not all composite decking have the same density and strength.
read more... -
Deck Construction
Build Deck
With warmer weather arriving, your next project might be to build a deck. Be sure to start with a good deck design and deck plans. When building a deck, one of the most important factors is the connection of the deck ledger board to the house. The desk builder has to be sure the deck is safely secured to the house and prevents leaks. read more... -
Deck Construction
Deck Railing
Your deck railing can fail if your deck construction was not done in the proper order. When building a deck, the deck railings should be painted prior to construction.
read more... -
Deck Construction
Building A Deck
There are many methods for building a deck. Deck construction, especially attaching deck beams to wooden posts, must consider the amount of weight that will be supported by those posts. The wrong method is just asking for a deck collapse. Your deck plans should include notching the wooden support posts. A proper deck design will increase deck safety. read more... -
Deck Construction
How to Build a Deck
How to build a deck is a popular question asked by many young homeowners. A deck is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Building a wood deck is often easier than working with masonry materials. It is also easy to build a level deck on a sloping surface. You can't say that about outdoor patios made from concrete, brick or stone. Check that your deck plans meet local zoning codes.
read more... -
Deck Construction
Deck Flashing
Deck flashing is an extremely important component of a deck. The type of metal used for the deck flashing should be the same type as the metals used in the preservatives found in the wood decking. read more...
-
Deck Construction
Deck Railing Post
The deck post railing and the way it connects to the deck and adjacent stairs is very critical. If it is not done properly, it can be dangerous. Over time the deck posts can wobble and become very unsafe. There are several ways to install railing posts that will be secure for many years. read more... -
Deck Construction
Connecting a Deck to a House
Joist hangers and ledger boards will connect your deck to you home. This is the best solution. The free standing deck will not cause leaks at the house and will not collapse due to rot. Connecting the deck to columns or posts correctly is critical. Racking forces will collapse your deck if this is not done in an approved manner. read more... -
Deck Construction
Composite Decking
Composite decking is very attractive but not all composite decking materials are the same. As you start to analyze composite decking prices when you actually touch and feel composite wood decking samples, be sure you ask very pointed questions about what the manufacturer includes in the composite decking to prevent wood rot. Be very careful as some salespeople are armed with the
wrong information! read more... -
Deck Construction
Deck Piers and Footings
Decks that need piers or footings must have them installed below the frost line. This will keep the piers from heaving up out of the ground from the strength of the freeze. Reinforcing steel will help keep the piers from cracking. read more... -
Deck Construction
Deck Support Columns
Steel beams or columns will supply more support to a taller deck than wood can. These columns are easy to work with and connect simply under the deck. Making connections to the concrete piers is also an easy task. Painting the steel before installation will help with rust prevention. read more... -
Deck Construction
Decking Materials - Synthetic
Decks don't have to be made of wood only. You can find many types of alternative decking material. Virgin vinyl, recycled plastic, plastic resin mixed with wood fibers and aluminum. Sealing many of these materials is not necessary. Read this column to see the pros and cons. read more...
