Building A Deck That Lasts

Building A Deck That Lasts

By:


When homeowners build a deck onto their home they are most likely doing so with the intention to enjoy it as a living space for years to come. Here are ten tips on how to build a deck that will last throughout the years.

Foundations

Clearly by the definition of the word, the foundation of a deck is exactly that, the foundation. Proper foundation and foundation support is absolutely critical to building a deck that lasts through the years. Depending on the area of the country in which you live, and the soil conditions upon which you will be building your deck, the type of foundation you will need may differ. For instance, cold climate areas like the north and North West require deeper foundation footings that reach below the frost line, to ensure a properly stable footing for deck posts. Without proper footings, the deck may shift, making it unstable and diminishing its structural integrity.

Support

To build a deck that lasts, it is important to pay attention to the support posts that hold up the deck. The posts need to be the proper size and material for the deck they are supporting. Concrete should be poured between the foundation footings and support posts in order to provide a solid base. Always remember that the more support posts under a deck, the more stable it will be.

Attachment

The location where the deck meets the house is an important thing to pay attention to ensure longevity for your deck. Use proper techniques in attaching the deck to the house to keep the deck from pulling away from the house. The ledger board, which is the piece of lumber used to attach the deck to the home, should be attached with flashing behind it to keep moisture from seeping into the home at this location. Make sure the ledger is perfectly centered and securely nailed into the floor joist of the home.

Fasteners

Use the proper fasteners to connect joists and posts, so that these elements dont shift and become a problem in the stability of your deck.

Joists

Deck joists are the horizontal support beams that run from edge to edge of the deck, supplying the horizontal support to hold the flooring of the deck. Because these joists hold the floor of the deck, the size and placement of these joists will determine whether your deck feels solid or springy when walking across it. The narrower the joist lumber is, the closer together you should place your joists. Choose joist lumber very carefully. Do not choose any pieces that arent perfectly straight.

Joist Support

Even support needs to be supported, so whats holding up your joists? In a large deck, a crossbeam is usually installed to add additional support for the load. For small decks, this isnt usually necessary, although it can provide support to increase the lifetime of your deck. Blocking between joists can also strengthen the entire floor structure, which will also add more stability and reliability.

Lumber

The selection for the lumber used in the flooring of the deck will definitely make a big difference in how long your deck will last. There are three primary types of lumber to choose from when it comes to decking. These are pressure treated pine, red cedar, and redwood. All three are excellent choices for decking, as they are all very strong, solid woods, each offering a different finish for your deck.

Weatherproof

Although the decking woods listed above are better equipped for weather than other lumber, it is still important to preserve your deck with a weather protector in order to maintain their condition. Apply a wood stain or sealant every couple of years to maintain protection from sun and water.

Vinyl

Although natural wood decks are the most commonly built, natural wood is no longer the only option in decking materials. Vinyl materials have been introduced to the market and are becoming an increasing trend in recent deck construction. Vinyl materials are virtually maintenance free, with a clean look and prefinished materials.

Composite

Another choice in building materials is composite decking. Composite decking is a very dense mixture of wood and vinyl, giving it a more natural look than vinyl, but maintaining the virtually maintenance free nature of vinyl. Composite deck components are bolted together and make a very durable and sturdy structure.

Whether you build your deck from natural wood or prefinished manufactured materials, we all have the same goal; to enjoy our outdoor deck for years to come. The structure under the deck is the most vital section of construction and with a properly built foundation, frame and joists, your deck will serve your outdoor leisure needs for years to come.

About the Author:

About Garuda-Decks:

Garuda Custom Decks, Inc. provides custom design and construction for various yard projects such as screen porches, decks, arbors, gazebos and more. Based in Cary, NC, they serve the Triangle area of North Carolina. They aim to provide hassle-free solutions for yard construction with a focus on quality design, materials, construction, price and service. For more information, visit http://www.Garuda-Decks.com

Contact-

http://www.Garuda-Decks.com

marketing@garuda-decks.com



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


Tags: , , , ,

|

Loading...
Related....
Videos...

Recent Home-Improvement Articles

Comments

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!

Loading

Site Navigation:

Copyright 2005-2011 ArticleSnatch, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.