A perfectly designed deck can easily transform your boring outdoor living space into a delightful area for all your cozy family times and outdoor adventures. A beautifully designed deck is the perfect spot for you and your family’s relaxation and entertainment. But building a deck can be hard for someone who has no expertise in the industry. This is why our team of expert designers and builders at Reliable Brothers Remodeling & Construction has created this detailed deck-building and designing guide for you.
From Wood To Wow: Key Considerations For Deck Designs That Shine:
Before you start your next deck-building project, it is crucial to map out all your design ideas to avoid costly deck-building mistakes. From exploring your space to refining your ideas, a lot goes into this process.
Here are the top three design-related considerations that every homeowner must consider before beginning their deck-building journey:
a. Second-story vs ground-level: Choosing the deck of your dreams:
The height of your deck design matters a lot. This is why you should first choose between ground-level and second-story decks. While second-story decks can offer you great potential for shaded seating areas and usable space underneath them, they need a lot of construction materials.
On the other hand, ground-level decks can be made with fewer materials and at a low cost, as they don’t include steps and handrails, but they can be the home for mold/mildew without enclosed under-deck spacing.
b. Picking the right size for elegance in every beam:
The second factor that you must consider is the size of your deck. To figure out the right size for your deck-building project, brainstorm the exact use you’ll be getting out of your deck space. Knowing whether you’ll use it for dining, entertaining, or simply relaxing can save you from spending on the wrong size.
c. Turning spaces into places with the right deck positions:
Most homeowners place their decks behind their homes without a second thought, when in fact, you should consider their use before deciding on their position. For example, a dining deck should be in a shaded region; similarly, a deck for sunbathing should be in a full-sun area.
6 Steps For A DIY Deck Built To Last:
If you have been searching deck-building guides and haven’t come across one that is easy to understand and includes all the minor details for a simple deck-building project, you’re in the right place.
Let’s see our 6-step guide to a successful deck-building project for your home:
a. Getting ready for a deck crafted with precision:
The first thing you need to do is to outline your deck design with string and stakes. Make sure that the diagonal measurements match if your deck design is rectangular or square. Create a level workspace by removing any weeds or grass. Next, check if the ledger board position is in alignment with the joist height. Lastly, refer to your plans and building codes to mark your footing locations.
b. Installing a ledger designed to impress:
In this step, you need to make sure your ledger has a watertight connection with the house. To do this, remove the siding where the ledger will get attached to the house. This is generally 2×10 or 2×12. Next, metal flashing will be tucked under the remaining siding and extended to block water. Finally, some caulk will be leveraged to seal any bolts or screws used for tightening the ledger.
c. High-quality footing with excellent post-installation:
Pour concrete into holes dug as per code specifications. You will need to set 4×4 or 6×6 posts by either using tube forms and metal post anchors or placing them in the wet concrete directly. Trim the posts to the right height after installation; this will keep the deck stable.
d. Support beams that redefine outdoor living:
The fourth step for successful deck building is joist attachment, where you attach them on one end with joist hangers and let them rest on the other through a beam supported by posts. Install horizontal beams (usually a sandwiched pair of 2 x 10s) via metal saddles. Small decks need one, whereas larger ones need multiple beams.
e. Joists for the highlight of your yard:
Follow your building code to install joists by spacing them 12″ or 16″ apart. Then add rim joists to build the outer frame. Utilize stainless steel or galvanized fasteners in this step. Remember that small decks need 2×6 joists, whereas heavy ones call for 2×10 or 2×12 joists.
f. Laying the decking that combines comfort and style:
Now you have to attach the decking board, which is usually made of 1 x 4 or 1 x 6 lumber or fabricated decking boards with round edges, through nails driven into each joist. Many homeowners also go for synthetic decking boards as they are long-lasting. For best results, let the lumber dry out and the dry wood age slightly before applying any stain or paint.
| Pro tip: You can also use blind nailing for this step which can let you attach the decking boards without violating the face of the boards with screws or nails. |
Conclusion:
Deck building and design can redefine your outdoor living space, making it a haven of comfort and joy for you and your family. But DIYing it without the right industry knowledge and expertise could lead to serious safety and health consequences that will surely impact your budget.
FAQs:
What is the basic construction of a deck?
A basic deck is only one step high and has no railing.
How wide are the deck stairs?
They are usually 36″ wide.
How do you prepare the ground for a deck?
You can do this by clearing away any plants and weeds as well as digging almost 50 mm deep.
What material is used for a deck?
The most common choices are PVC, vinyl, and pressure-treated wood.
What size are deck joists?
Common deck joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8, and 2-by-10.
