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Posted on April 1, 2006 by Alphonso Sirtle.. | Posted under Landscaping Gardening
A Deck Builders Guide To Building The Perfect Deck
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Lets start by laying out the steps you need to follow: 1. Deck PlanningWhen your deck is done you want it to not only be functional but too look great and that takes planning. Take your time plan it our right and you and your family will enjoy it for years to come. 2. Make it lastHow long your deck will last will depend a great deal on how much traffic it sees as well as the elements Mother Nature sends your way. When you choose quality materials and follow good building practices you do your part to extend the life of the deck and increase the value of your home so dont take short cuts make it last. 3. Things To ConsiderAt first glance the entire deck idea may seem quite simple but you should ask yourself these very important questions to ensure you build the perfect deck for your needs. Start by asking what you want the deck for and how often will it be used? Will you use it all year round? How many people will you have on the deck at one time? Are you looking for privacy from your deck? What type of amenities are you going to put on your deck? BBQ? Spa? You have lots of options. Will your deck be in the direct sun or in a shaded area? Will it be sheltered from the wind? What type of deck furniture will you be buying and how much floor space are you going to have once the furniture is on the deck? You will also have to consider what type of maintenance you are willing to put up with and how long you want your deck to last. Both of these questions will play an integral role in what materials you choose to build your deck. 4. Building CodesYou will need to check with your local district to discover what building code requirements are in affect. You may even be required to purchase a permit before you start your building project. 5. Get Professional HelpEvery deck is just a little different and so if you are not quite sure about something it pays to ask a professional contractor who can help you draw up your plans and even help you pull the permits. And for minimum services they wont charge you much at all. 6. Quality FoundationYou want to make sure the ground beneath your deck slopes away from your home by at least per foot. This will ensure that water drains away from the foundation. If you are building where frost is an issue then you have two different foundation choices. You can use a pier block which will float your foundation or you can pour reinforced concrete footings. Choose one or the other but dont mix them. 7. Frames About The Author: Alphonso has been working in the home remodeling industry for last 5 years. Take advantage of his experience and written material on deck ideas at his website at http://www.improve-home.com |
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