Azek Deck Boards – This article, “How to Build Your Own Deck”, is for your homeowner or handyman who needs help creating a wood deck. As a professional contractor, I have built lots of decks in the last thirty years, so I know each of the “tricks with the trade” which I’ll be sharing together with you in the following article. After reading it, you will be aware a little more about how exactly to build your own deck. The first and most significant step when building your own deck would be to check with your local building authority to determine if you have to have a building permit. There’s nothing more embarrassing or frustrating than starting patio decking project, only to be stopped halfway through with the City or County want . permit was required. It’s greater to learn before you start to build your deck.
In many areas, you only have to have a building permit to create patio decking whether it exceeds 30″ high. Some jurisdictions probably have other criteria, so it will be best to look at the requirements for the specific geographic area. Another important thing to think about if you start to build your own deck would be to keep your pier pads BELOW the frost line.Most books and plans don’t discuss this and I’m unsure why. What can be a frost line? In colder climates, just like the Northern States, the bottom can freeze down a number of inches or several feet, depending how low the normal temperature goes. When the bottom freezes, it “heaves” or rises, then settles back off if it thaws. If your pier pads are over the frost line, your deck will heave up then drop. This could happen repeatedly during the winter months. This down and up movement could cause warping, twisting, which enable it to damage your deck, as time passes. This can loosen boards and split structural members. Ask any local building department just what the frost line is for the area.
Once your pier pads are poured, the next thing when studying how to build your own deck would be to frame the floor. This usually starts while using posts and beams. The maximum height of the deck needs to be the thickness of the decking below the entranceway which leads in your deck. In other words, should you be using 1-1/2″ thick decking, your floor joists have to be 1-3/4″ to 2″ below the entranceway sill. Here’s another tip to be aware of. Your deck level needs to be 1/2″ using your door sill or even a full 7″ step. Never build your deck 2″ or 3″ using your door sill. It will trip everyone up who uses it. People are widely-used to either no step or even a full step.
Once laying your floor joists, always position the crown up. The crown can be a natural bow for most boards. Some won’t have a bow, so that they can go in any event. Crowning your floor joists can make your deck more even and it from sagging later. After the floor framing is complete, it’s time to lay the decking. Here’s another trick the pros use to improve the looks of patio decking. If no railing will be installed, overhang occasions boards about 1″ along all edges. This really makes your deck look professionally built.
Usually space your deck planks, but not excessive. A lots of beginners space their deck boards more than they must. Most decking is “green” and therefore it is not thoroughly dried if you get it delivered. The boards will most likely shrink after they’re installed, so don’t go crazy and space them 1/2″! You’ll end up with huge gaps! I usually use a 16d nail being a spacer. This has always been plenty. Installing the railing could be the last step when studying how to build your own deck. There are many types of railing, so I won’t really go in to the installation, as each kind of rail has a different procedure. I will probably be writing other articles specialized in railing, so be searching for those. I hope this short tutorial on how to build your own deck has helped you and taught you some crucial sides when building patio decking yourself. Just take it one step in a time, so you’ll do fine. Good luck!