Decks

Decks are flat surfaces that are attached to a building and are usually raised from the ground. They are commonly located in the backyard and are often used as patio space. Depending on personal preferences, decks can be built with or without a roof and can be constructed in various different shapes and sizes.

Strategies

Depending on your construction skills, you may decide to either build the deck on your own or hire a contractor.  If you plan on constructing the deck on your own, be sure to do all the required planning and measuring beforehand. This will give you a good idea of a realistic size as well as the amount of materials that will be required. It is also important to check with local building codes as certain jurisdictions will require you to abide by specific regulations. Failure to do your research beforehand could result in you having to scrap the project and start all over again.

Before you begin to construct the deck, it is important to decide what type of foundation you would like to use. Concrete footings are usually a popular choice for larger decks that are expected to support more weight.

Finally, when purchasing your materials, be sure to purchase lumber that is pressure treated. Buying regular wood can cause your deck to rot after only a few years.

Key Information

Building a deck on your own will require a lot of time. It is important to ensure that it is built properly and that short cuts that will compromise the overall quality are avoided.

After carefully taking measurements and planning your foundation, be sure that the ground is levelled. Carefully remove any grass or weeds from the desired area before construction begins.

Another helpful tip is to lay the boards down so that the bark on the board is facing out. This will help with water drainage, and will prevent the boards from rotting down the road.

Once the deck has been built, the best way to preserve it is to apply a deck finish once the construction is complete. Various sealers and stains are available on the market to penetrate the wood and protect it from harsh weather conditions. Failure to apply a wood protector can cause the boards to crack or rot.

Essential Tools

When you are planning the deck, be sure to have measuring tape and a carpenter’s square handy so that you can accurately measure the deck space.  You will also need to have a shovel, a wrench and a hammer. These can be found at any hardware store such as Lowes.

Since the project will require a lot of sawing, be sure to have a good saw handy. Many professionals prefer circular saws to the standard type because they offer a more precise and accurate cut. Dewalt is an industry leader in power tools that has a wide selection of lightweight circular saws.

Another essential tool to have is a wheelbarrow. Hardware stores such as your local Home Depot offer a wide variety of wheelbarrows in different sizes. Having a good wheelbarrow handy will be helpful when you begin to mix the concrete for the foundation.

Another important tool that you will need is a good drill. The right drill will depend on personal preferences. However some individuals find electric drills tend to split the wood because of the higher intensity power. If you are finding this is the case, try a cordless drill such as the types found at Rona.