Building Your Own Wooden Decking
A deck is a very useful and beautiful addition to your home. Aside from increasing the value of your property a deck would also function as an extension of your living area. It would serve as the main point for your outdoor activities. In planning the design of your deck there are some pointers that you need to consider.
- What's the function of the wooden deck? Will the deck be an extension of your living or dining area or both? Do you intend the space for your children's play area? If so, you need to consider safe-proof design and materials. Do you entertain a lot and intend to use the wooden deck for intimate gathering of friends? If so, you need to integrate built-in seating and a large enough area to accommodate other furniture. You should also provide lighting for night time use. If the deck is for your own personal use, then consider building a wooden deck that has a nook close to the house for you to read a book.
- Where do you intend to attach the deck? The location and size of your deck depends on the area of your lot and the orientation of your house. If you have a very small lot and the available space is really small, you can still build a wooden deck. If your lot is quite big you can opt to integrate a patio or walkway to your deck to present a real cohesive landscape to your property.
Consider the climate in your area. Generally building a deck on the north side would is ideal as it's the coolest. If you enjoy the sun, consider building a deck facing south or west. Of course, the orientation and placement of the wooden deck depends on the orientation of your house too. If what's located in the north part of your house is the garage, then it would be impractical and quite daft for you to build a wooden deck in that area.
Consider outside noise, traffic, unwanted views, and privacy when building your deck. You might want to add a Jacuzzi or hot tub and these aspects are important.
- What's the size of your deck? The size is not a limiting factor. You can build any size of wooden deck that you want as long as it is proportional to your house and lot. The wooden deck design should also conform to the Building laws and regulations of your locality. If you are unsure as to the size of your deck, try staking out the corners of your intended deck so as to give you a real sense of the size. Too small or too big? Adjust the stakes. It is best to size your deck in increments of 2 or 4 feet as these are standard lumber lengths.
- Local Building Codes. Before you finalize the location of your deck, check with the local zoning law first. There are restrictions and consideration when building any structure and a wooden deck is no exemption. Ask it you need to secure permits. If so, then you would need to produce building plans for approval. If your house is within a private subdivision, then you might have to check with the concerned party if your wooden deck design conforms to their rules.
Building Your Wooden Deck
Building your wooden deck could be easy or hard. The easy way is to get a qualified contractor to do the job. The contractor could also provide you with the floor plans and secure the necessary building permit for the project. Remember to get at the least 2 to 3 quotes from different contractor.
If you choose to build the wooden deck the hard way, that means you have chosen to be a DIY. If this is the case here is general step by step way to build your wooden deck. Make sure you have the necessary tools and materials for your deck. You can hire a master carpenter to do check out your plan so he can do the list of your materials.
- Prepare the area- Make sure the area is clean and level. Stake out the area with wooden pegs. Tie strings on the pegs and put battens to mark the area. It is best to make the area a few inches deep and at least 2 inches wider than the intended deck
- Header Board - Attach the header board securely to the house wall at the height indicated on the plan.
- Install the posts - Dig holes according to specification. If the plan calls for depth of 150mm (6 inches) then do so. If the intended wooden deck is load bearing (Jacuzzi on deck!) then deeper holes are required. Place gravel on the holes first or set the post with concrete.
- Fix the beams - Once the posts are secured, measure and level the height of the deck before you hammer in the beams. Make sure that the finished flooring of the deck is at least 2 inches lower than the adjoining interior of the house it is attached to. You would not want deck flooring higher than your living area.
- Fix the joists - Connect the joists to the main house with hangers. Layout the joists across the beams in the direction opposite to the direction you intend the floor planks to go. Space joists at 300 mm on centre then nail them securely on the beams. Layout the wooden planks for flooring securing them with nails.
- Railings - Once you have the deck flooring installed, you can buy ready-made railings to attach to your deck. Thinks of other accessories like built-in seats for the deck. There are ready-kits for this too.
- Stairs - Decide what kind of stair you like. If the deck leads out to a garden, you might want the stairs integrated to a walkway. To make things easier for you, you can just buy a ready-kit for your stairs.
Add the necessary lighting fixtures. Note that the needed electrical wiring is best laid out before finalizing the floor planks. Buy the deck furniture that would do with your design. Add some flowers. Enjoy your deck!
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