A safe and long-lasting deck starts with proper framing. A reputable contractor will provide detailed drawings of your new deck before starting construction.
Traditional decks are attached to a house using ledger boards and require permits and adherence to specific building codes. It’s important to use weather-resistant structural hardware to attach the ledger board. Contact Deck Builders Baltimore for professional help.
If your deck is going to be sturdy and long-lasting, it has to be built on a solid foundation. Depending on the design and local building codes, this may require concrete footings or piers. Either way, this is a critical step in the process that requires precision and attention to detail.
Start by removing large debris like rocks, sticks and leaves from the site. Make sure there are no services under the ground, such as pipes, cables and sewage, before starting work. You can contact your local utility providers to have them survey the area for free or for a small fee.
Once the site is clear, you can start preparing it for deck installation by outlining the shape of your new deck and removing any sod. You’ll need to mark the positions of the piers and footings, dig holes for them, and prep the foundation. This includes using the right tools and materials, such as landscaping fabric for weed control and gravel to aid in drainage.
Ensure the holes are deep enough to prevent frost heave, which can cause the deck to shift or even fall over time. It’s recommended that the hole be 4 or 5 feet deep. If you’re building in a cold region, you should use a post-hole digger or auger for a faster, easier and safer method.
You’ll also need the right tools and materials, including a tape measure, level, hammer and nail gun or drill, circular saw and jigsaw for cutting lumber, carpenter’s square and chalk line to mark measurements and straight lines, and safety equipment like gloves, goggles and a hard hat. The joist hangers and anchors, which are metal hardware pieces that secure the joists to the beams and ledger board, should be stainless steel for durability.
Design
When creating a deck design, consider all the different factors that will influence your project. These include the budget, structural requirements, electrical needs, and the aesthetic of your space. Having an understanding of these elements can help you avoid costly mistakes during the installation process.
Before starting construction, you should check with your local utility companies to see what pipes, wires, and other lines are underground. They can also tell you if any excavation is required to build your deck. This pre-work can affect the time frame of your project, cost, and final outcome.
The location of your deck is a crucial factor to consider. A well-chosen site allows your deck to seamlessly integrate with your backyard landscape and home. It can also make it easier to access your yard and house from the deck. You can also add stairways to connect your deck with the yard or house. Using this deck stair calculator can help you determine the risers and treads needed for your project.
Deck support posts are essential for the stability of your deck and help keep it safe. These posts can be made from weather and insect-resistant wood or concrete. They can be left exposed or covered with a low-maintenance sleeve.
Joist blocking, also known as bridging, is a block that’s installed between the joists. This helps to distribute the weight evenly across the joists and prevents a single joist from bowing up or down, causing a hump on the surface of your deck.
Another important consideration is the type of structural hardware used to fasten the joists, ledger boards, and balusters. Only approved hardware should be used to ensure safety and longevity. A contractor can manage this for you and ensure your project complies with local regulations.
Materials
A thorough deck installation requires a variety of materials. Some of the most important are the support beams, which must be made of sturdy and durable wood. The most commonly used material for this purpose is pressure-treated wood, which has been treated with preservatives to resist rot and insect infestation and to increase its strength and durability. However, pressure-treated wood is more susceptible to splintering and warping than natural lumber, and it requires annual maintenance.
Other materials needed include lag screws, which are large wood screws that are often used to fasten a ledger board to a house or other structure, and through bolts, which are similar to lag screws but can be driven into multiple layers of materials. A hammer that does not mar wood — ideally a rubberwood mallet — is useful for nailing the joist hangers, deck boards and other components into place.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a power drill and a circular saw with appropriate blades for your specific project. A drill with different lengths of drill bits allows you to make precise holes for screws, and a saw with blades that are suited to cutting composite materials helps ensure smooth, clean cuts.
A power mixer can be a huge time saver when mixing concrete for footings, especially when working with large quantities. It allows you to mix concrete more thoroughly than a hand-held drill and reduces the need for additional trips to and from your tool shed. Also, consider investing in a set of specialized screws designed for composite materials, which help prevent damage from splitting and cracking that can occur with standard screw heads.
Permits and Approvals
It is very important that you check with your city or town zoning laws to determine what permits are needed. If you build a deck without a permit and someone falls through the railing or off the deck, you could be sued for huge sums of money. It is also possible that you will need to have a building inspector visit the construction site, which means you will need the proper drawings for the project.
For example, you will need a drawing of the deck with dimensions, spacings and locations of the posts and beams as well as an elevation plan of the entire deck. You will also need a construction description and a material list for the deck. You may also need to submit a survey and property boundaries. The zoning department will use the site plan to make sure that the deck is located within the required setbacks from your house and any other structures. They will also verify that the location is not in an easement or a floodplain.
If you are building a freestanding deck that is not attached to the home, you may not need a permit. However, you should check with your homeowners association as they may have their own rules on this matter.
The reason why you need a permit is to make sure that the deck meets minimum safety standards for your family and guests. If you don’t get a permit, you may need to tear down the deck and redo it later. Also, your local government may impose hefty fines on you and your contractor if you don’t follow the permit process. This is why you should always hire a professional to build your deck for you.
Installation
Before beginning the deck construction process, choose a builder you trust to get the job done. You can learn more about builders by looking up their websites, social media, and online reviews. It’s also a good idea to ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, make sure to compare quotes to find the best deal and ensure the builder is licensed and insured.
Once the foundation is built, it’s time to install your deck boards. To ensure a smooth installation, it is important to follow the decking manufacturer’s instructions for the substructure and board layout. It is also recommended to use hidden fasteners, as they are less likely to damage the boards and allow for a clean finish.
When installing a deck, be sure to consider the view from the deck and make it a focal point of your outdoor living space. This means ensuring the deck posts do not jut out in front of the house and block the view. It is also a good idea to plant trees and shrubs around the deck to enhance its beauty and ensure it feels like an integral part of your home’s landscape.
Finally, don’t forget to add details like railings and lighting, as they can play a big role in the overall look of your deck. We offer a wide range of options, from traditional wooden railing to sleek composite and stainless steel designs that are both functional and stylish.
Building a deck is an exciting project that will enhance your home and provide a great place to enjoy the outdoors. With careful planning and expert advice, the process of constructing your deck can be a manageable and enjoyable experience that you’ll love for years to come.
