Durability: Concrete footings poured below frost line, rot-resistant materials, and precise joist spacing help prevent rotting. Style: Hidden fasteners, matching decking and railing colors, and a properly attached ledger board complement your home.
Value: A well-built deck raises resale value by up to 75%. It also reduces maintenance costs and protects against weathering. Contact Deck Builders Lexington KY for professional help.
Foundation: The key to a solid deck is a strong foundation, and digging several feet below-grade is usually required. Piers—usually concrete blocks—are set into the ground to support the framing of the deck. They may be set on grade, or they may rest on a footing below-grade that’s poured in place. For the latter method, it’s crucial to get a permit and follow local codes to ensure that the piers are built correctly.
Joists and beams: These hefty framing members (usually 4x or 6x stock) are installed horizontally to support the deck framing. They are attached to the posts with joist hangers or, in some cases, they are pinned to the ledger board with metal joist bolts. Joists are spaced every 12 or 16 inches, and rim joists are added to the outer perimeter of the deck to help with stability.
Custom lighting: Adding lighting to the deck increases safety and adds ambiance. Outdoor kitchen: Including a designated area with countertops for cooking and food preparation can make your deck a favorite spot for entertaining. Water features: Adding water elements like fountains or waterfalls can add a relaxing, tranquil ambiance. Wind exposure: Considering prevailing winds helps you position deck features to shield furniture and other materials from damage during strong weather. Drainage: Efficient drainage systems and slopes are essential to prevent pooling and potential water damage. Freeze-thaw cycle: Designing a deck that can withstand seasonal temperature fluctuations is critical for longevity.
Materials
Building a deck requires a variety of materials. Traditional wood options like cedar and redwood are rot and insect resistant but require regular upkeep for beauty and durability. More economical choices include pressure-treated lumber and a newer generation of preservatives that are more environmentally friendly and have lower arsenic levels than the older CCA preservatives used in the past.
Raised decks typically require footings and posts that are anchored in concrete to ensure stability. In addition, the contractor may need to install proper joist spacing and construction techniques for the substructure of the deck. It’s important to use quality wood, and be sure to anchor the footings in concrete deep enough for the climate you live in.
Composite decking is a modern option for a low-maintenance, durable deck. While it isn’t as durable as a hardwood deck, it performs well and does not require staining or sealing. A professional deck builder will use high-quality power tools and specialized jigs designed to work with composite materials without chipping or splitting.
Deck lighting is an easy way to make your deck a gathering place for family and friends. Add a built-in bar to facilitate serving drinks and food and a dedicated space for games like cornhole or cards to transform your deck into the ultimate entertaining spot. Then, complete the outdoor deck by adding a sound system and music to enhance the entertainment experience and create an inviting atmosphere for guests.
Framing
During the framing phase, a professional deck builder brings the initial design to life, providing structural integrity and code compliance as well as thoughtful utility placement. This ensures that the deck can be modified to accommodate future additions and enhancements, allowing you to enjoy your investment for years to come.
The first step in preparing for the framing process is to determine the deck’s perimeter dimensions. This gives homeowners the lengths they’ll need for the ledger board (which attaches to the house) and the joists. Homeowners may choose to make their deck proportional to the house or use standard joist lengths for consistency and efficiency.
A joist is the horizontal beam that supports the deck’s boards. Most homeowners choose a 16-inch on center (OC) spacing, which means they’ll need to divide the deck’s width by 12 or 16 to know how many joists their project will require. This is done to account for the length the joists will span, including any overhangs and steps.
After nailing the ledger board, the joists are laid out. Start by taking a 2×8 and using a speed square to make a straight mark close to one end. Then, cut the 2×8 and nail it to the side of the perpendicular rim joist. Once all the joists are laid out, nail the outside face of the rim beam to the side of the ledger board. This will be the crow’s foot and create the outer edge of your deck.
The posts that support the deck are usually made from pressure-treated southern yellow pine, though 4×4 and 6×6 square posts are also available. The type and size of post depends on the deck’s load requirements, design, and location, as well as local building codes and soil conditions. Regardless of the type and size of post, homeowners should invest in high-quality fasteners to minimize future maintenance and repairs.
Layout
Once the foundation is in place, it’s time to lay out the principle structure of the deck. This will involve constructing a frame and laying down decking. A basic plan will outline the shape of the deck using stakes and string lines, with a measurement reference to indicate post placements. The number of posts will depend on the size of joists and the span rating. Joists should be placed spaced according to the plan and set in concrete footings that are at least four feet deep (and sometimes more, depending on your climate). Blocking may be added between joists for support.
The next step will be to install rim and ledger boards, which will serve as the base of the principal framing. The joists will be anchored to the ledger boards with metal joist hangers, and the other end will rest on one or more of the beams. The joists should be spaced at 12 or 16 inches. Parting boards, which run perpendicular to the decking, can be used to add visual appeal and eliminate the need for butting of boards when spanning long lengths.
Before installing the joists and beams, it’s important to review the local residential building codes to determine the lumber sizes needed for structural components, as well as decking boards. For example, a common measure for joists is 5/4-inch thickness, but the actual dimensions will vary depending on the way dimensional lumber is cut, dried and shaped.
It’s also a good idea to make a detailed site and framing plan before beginning the project. This will show the location of piers, posts and beams, as well as the dimensions of railings or other structures attached to the deck. This can save time and money, as you’ll be able to work around obstacles, like dryer vents, rather than moving them out of the way.
Assembly
Before beginning to build a deck, it’s important to consult the building codes in your area. Some cities have set-back requirements that determine how close to your property lines you can build a deck, while others may require certain heights or dimensions for railings and stairs. Some even require that you obtain a permit before beginning any work. You should also check with your local zoning board to learn whether your community has any restrictions on deck construction.
The first step in the deck construction process is to install the ledger board, which will support and anchor the side of your deck that attaches to your house. You’ll need to carefully mark the location for this board, which will be attached with screws or nails, and remove any siding that lies above it. You should also tuck flashing under this board to prevent water from getting behind the framing.
Once the ledger is in place, you’ll need to install footings and support beams. These are essentially concrete columns that will hold the rest of your deck frame. Make sure that your footings are at least four feet deep to ensure they’re below the winter frost line in your region.
When installing the joists that will form the framework on which surface decking will lie, it’s a good idea to use rim joist hangers, as these will help keep the joists in place without notching them. It’s also a good idea to disperse the end-joints as much as possible, which will help minimize structural deflection.
Once your joists are in place, you can install the decking. You should be sure to keep the boards cool before fastening them, and use top-down or hidden clip fasteners to avoid gapping.