Let me be frank from the start. Building a deck is quite a large job that can't possibly be covered correctly in one small editorial. So what i propose to do here is to just cover some of the fundamentals to get you started on the correct path. Laying the decking boards is the simplest and the most fulfilling part. But there is a lot to take into account.
Let us start at the beginning. How is the decking going to be supported? You will definitely need to make use of concrete footings along with a framework of wooden joists resting on them if you require it to last. I have built a great number of decks in my time and to be honest I sort of guessed at what I ought to do at the start, it cost me dearly at the time. So do not go making the same blooper I did. You must make certain that you start with a solid support structure. There might also be building regulations to consider. Lay a plan out making sure that the spacing of your concrete supports for the joists will support the decking boards. If the joists are too far apart it could possibly lead to what we call “sagging” when people walk on it.
The materials you are going to use should also be a major factor. More often than not decking will be subjected to the weather (most of them are) so the choice of material is crucial. The pieces of your deck that is not going to be visible do not need not be as aesthetically pleasing as the decking and railings. But, keep in mind you have got to at this stage of the job use weather resistant timber. Quite often people will use pressure treated timber for the supporting structure. This sort of wood is chemically treated to resist such things like bad weather, rot and insects. In my opinion this is the best pick.
Naturally you can use the same pressure treated lumber for the actual deck surface if you want to. It does not prevent you from painting it a nice colour. I have done just this many times. It looks good and it lasts a long time. There are other options that you may like to think about. There is what the stores call 'composite decking' or what I call fake lumber. The advantage of fake lumber is that it lasts eternally. I also think that it in point of fact looks good as well. Another option for you to think on is to use a lumber that is naturally resistant to weather such as cedar, or IPE. There are endless possibilities these days. You must also take in to consideration the cost. This can vary greatly based on what lumber you decide to run with. All I can say here is, as you design your decking area, pick the best option for your budget. Remember the look and availability of the material is also significant.
Finally the fasteners. Traditionally decking would have merely been nailed together. This technique does still work. But, you absolutely must ensure that that the nails are galvanized so that they will be capable of holding up against the bad weather. Obviously nails are faster to use but they will leave small holes in the decking boards. Regrettably, over a period of time they do tend to pop out. This is in all probability the main reason why many people prefer to use screws for securing the boards down. Screws have the benefit of holding the decking together more firmly and can easily be removed should a repair be required. Again you must make sure that the screws that you are using are for outdoor use. The drawback of using screws is that they are a lot more time consuming during the fitting up process. They also leave bigger, more visible holes in your decking.
Hopefully by now you will be getting some concept of what you need to think about when planning your decking. It certainly isn't what I would call a minor undertaking. Think things through before you start. Once you have come up with a plan you will be surprised at just how fast your project moves along. It will almost definitely run smoother and turn out better if you get the planning stage sorted out.
Author Resource:
Here is yet another small project that I have put together to help all you readers out there intall wooden decking. This article will point you in the right direction to get that perfect decking that you have been thinking of putting in your garden.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/rss.jpg "XML Feed For RSS")