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How to get Started Building your Deck
In my previous article, "planning for a new deck," I outlined the
steps for planning for a new deck. This article moves on to the next
step in deck building. You probably have your building permit,
material list and deck plans ready. Material list help is
usually available at your local lumber supply whereby they will make
up a a material list for you. Most lumber yards will
also arrange for delivery of said materials or you can pick them up.
The first place to start, is to set some posts for your deck
to rest on. Were some live in the Northeast, we have to deal with
the frost and free
cycle of winter. When I received my building permit, the code
officer made sure to point out that all posts must be secured in
country at least 36 inches below the surface of the ground. This
will ensure that when the ground freezes the posts of the deck
will not heave. Check with your local zoning office to find out what
your specifications are for setting posts.
Renting a post hole
digger makes setting the posts much easier, especially if you live
in an area with a lot of playing or a lot of stone in your soil. I
was able to dig a half a dozen holes in less than an hour. Digging
the same number of holes my hand would've taken me at least half a
day so the few dollars I spent on the post hole digger rental was
well worth it.
Next, a port some
stoning concrete makes into the holes and set the posts. My plan
called for 4x4 posts. Your plans may be different. After the posts
were in and let the concrete cure according to the directions on the
package. I then nailed 2 x 2 joists to the side of the House and
around the perimeter of the deck. I used metal choice hangers to
hang all the internal joists. You can also tell nailed them but
metal choice hangers are stronger and easier to use than trying to
toenail large lumber.
There are lots of
different types of taking you can use on top of your deck. I choose
simple pressure treated lumber. To attach the deck boards to
the joists you can use either nails or screws. If you use nails,
make sure you use special spiral nails. These help prevent nails
from popping. Deck screws are preferable as they are stronger but
they are much more expensive than nails when laying out the decking,
it is easier to let the deck boards run long and trim them
down later once the entire deck surface is finished. When all
the deck boards or laid, simply take a circular saw, and cut
all the ends off the deck.
For a finished look,
attach a skirt board to the exposed edges of the decking and over
the rim joists. The last thing to do, if needed, would be to add
railing, and or steps. However, these basics should get you
started.
See next article on Decks.
Considerations in Deck
Designing Save time and money with these important tips for
your consideration.
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