What Wood to Use and How to Go About Building Decking
In Architecture a deck is any flat surface that much like a floor but generally constructed outdoor. It is often elevated from the ground and connected to a building. In the world of DIY, a deck is a weekend project that needs to be done to serve as an outdoor extension of the living spaces inside.
A deck is a very popular home extension because it is easy to do and would not cost much. A dedicated DIY-er with average carpentry skills can construct his own deck. Building a deck can take on simple or elaborate designs. The important thing is that the deck should more or less be congruent to the rest of the main structure that it is attached to.
Wood is the usual material used for decking. The lumber should be pressure treated to avoid rot and decay. Some of the most common wood used are cedar, redwood, fir and pine. There are decks that use concrete posts for support but wooden posts are the usual.
When planning on building a deck you should have the design of the deck, intended location of the deck, materials, and tools if you will do it yourself. There are a lot of deck designs available online but if you have the flair for designing, then go ahead and design your own deck.
Before you start your construction make sure you ask the local authority if you would need planning permission. Outdoor extension does not usually merit a planning permit but there are instances where permits are necessary. To be sure, check the local codes.
Local building regulations may specify the size of lumber that you should use. If you are using wooden posts, the accepted sizes are 4"X4" or 6"X6". The post size depends on the projected size of the deck. The rest of the structural lumber frames may be from 2 "X 6" to 2"x 12". Note that a 2"x10" lumber is not as in but more like 1.5" x 9.5".
Decking Site Preparation
Measure the area that the deck will occupy. Mark the ground with stakes so you'll know where the deck will be. If your deck is a rectangle, measure diagonally from one corner to another to both ways to make sure that the rectangle is true. You would not want a lopsided and unequal deck area. If there is grass on the designated area use a shovel to remove any grass or weeds from your working space. If you have time you can dispense of the grass by laying down newspaper then mulch on the grass. This will save you the effort of shovelling out the grass then adding mulch to stop any grass or weed from growing. Level the ground by using a water level. It is important to start off a quite level ground for the concrete piers.
Secure the Decking Header board
Mark out where the header board should be bolted to your house. The header board is the ledger that is attached to the house to support that end of the deck. The ledger or header board is bolted to the side of the house from where you want the deck to abut. The level of the header should be the same as that of the joists.
Deck Piers
Now that the support at the house end are secured (header board) measure out the location of the pier on the other side of the proposed deck. Place the prefabricated piers at the corners that you marked during the site preparation. You may line the deck piers in 2 rows -one row at the outer end and one row in the middle of the deck area. Make sure the rows of piers are straight by snapping a line and using a plumb.
Deck Frame and Floor Joists and Flooring
After making sure that all your piers are straight, build a frame around the piers ending at the header board. Use 2"x6" boards as frames and nail or bolt them together. Lay 2"x 4" floor joists perpendicular to the piers. Space the joists at 30 t0 40 centimetres on centre. They should lay flat inside the deck pier slots. Secure the ends of the boards to the deck frame with wood screws.
After setting the joists, nail or screw 2"x6"planks across the joists. You can experiment with the layout forming different patterned planks. However, if you are new to decking, then better be safe by doing simple plank layout.
The height of the deck from the ground depends on the design. You can choose to have the deck directly set inches or three feet from the ground. There are ready-built deck stairs in the market ready to attach.
Other Types of Decking
A deck can be built for other reasons aside from a living room extension. You can build a deck for a pool. It is still best to use stained and treated wood for a pool deck especially if you're in the temperate zone. Concrete or tile decking is not conducive to frost.
If you don't have a pool, a hot tub or a Jacuzzi will do for your deck. The tub or Jacuzzi should be so placed that it's hidden from view from neighbours and traffic. It would be a nice touch to add wooden benches around the tub or Jacuzzi.
If you have the finances, you can opt to have an architect design a formal deck complete with pergolas or adjoining gazebo. This type of decking is highly intricate and time-consuming that it's best to have a professional do such work.
Some deck designs have an outdoor kitchen and grill fitted. The deck would truly function as an extension of the living and dining areas. There are decks that have trellises and nooks for a more comfortable and relaxing feel.
More young families are opting to have play decks for their children. The decks are fitted with rubber matting for added protection.
Building decking in your home would definitely be a good addition and investment.
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