Utilizing various tips to build the perfect deck can be extremely beneficial for you in terms of saving time and saving energy as well as, lowering the costs. These tips are backed up by experienced people in the industry and are proven to work, making them the perfect tools for the perfect decking.
So without further ado, let’s find out some of the tips on how to build the perfect decking.
source:hoffmanestates.org
Page Contents
The Most Important, The Permit
The perfect deck needs to be built legally. That means you should first study your local building codes and get a permit. Since your deck is an extension of your home, it needs to be well within the lines of your property. Height and total size is a factor that you always need to take into consideration and make sure it’s well within the city limits. Furthermore, a legally built deck will not interfere in the future if you wish to sell your house.
source:hoffmanestates.org
The Materials
When we think about the most common and traditional materials for decking, we often get referred to wood. Namely, wood, eighter treated or naturally weather, is the perfect choice of material for your deck. It needs to be water resistant and insect resistant as termites can always cause a problem to it. With warranties of up to 20 years, composite decking is the go-to material type for any deck, according to experts at IpeWoods.com
source:84lumber.com
A Solid Base is Your Starting Point
We’ve discussed the legal side and we’ve discussed the materials, now it’s time to discuss the building process. Having a solid base for your deck is your starting point. A general rule of thumb is considered to build your deck at least 4 to 5 feet below ground level, this is very important as the ground below will not freeze and heave. Grab a shovel, and start digging at the appropriate, and allowed length. Once you’ve dug your hole, start filling it with concrete. One thing to understand is that if the soil around your hole is clay, then problems can occur in the future during raining season. But if the soil type is bedrock, then you’re a shoe-in for a stable deck.
source:bunnings.com.au
Floating Deck Blocks is Also an Option
If you don’t fancy digging holes and screwing piles, then a great and solid base for your deck can be deck blocks. Deck blocks don’t go below the frost line and they sit directly on the ground. This makes them more susceptible to movement, but if the ground where you’re planning on building your deck is consistent, then you got no problems what so ever. Floating deck blocks may require more in terms of maintenance, but they save a ton of money on materials and extra costs. Since the deck is an extension to your home, and not directly attached to it, a bit of movement won’t do any harm to you or your home.
source:84lumber.com
Board Spacing
It’s very important to properly space the boards of your deck apart. Since weather and time will make your boards move, a general rule of thumb is to make the spacing of the boards at least 1/8 inches. For this task, you can use the help of spacers, which are specifically designed for this purpose, but you can also use other methods of measurement such as screws.
