How to Build a Quality Deck

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Building a deck can be a great way to enhance the beauty of your home. However, it’s important to follow certain guidelines to ensure a high-quality project. These guidelines can help you minimize waste, save time, and improve your quality.

Typical hardwood species have movement of up to 8%. This movement is caused by changes in moisture content.

Cost

A deck’s cost depends on the material, design and construction. Stairs and railings add to the bill. A roof, if desired, is another significant expense. Other costs can include lighting, ($8 to $30 per fixture) and a privacy screen, ($100 to $200).

The cost of wood decking ranges from $2 – $6 per square foot for pressure treated pine (a domestic wood that is chemically treated to withstand weather damage and rot) up to $15 – $25 per square foot for exotic woods like ipe (pronounced ee-pay), an extremely dense South American hardwood prized for its durability, which can be stain-treated but does not require it to maintain its beauty. Homeowners must also consider the upfront and annual maintenance cost for their chosen deck wood.

Durability

In a deck, the main area of concern for durability is the hardware that connects the structure to the house. Lag screws, nuts, fasteners, and steel connectors can rust over time if they don’t receive regular care. Galvanized nails and hardware can also corrode.

Decking must also withstand the elements and normal wear and tear. It’s important to protect against termites, which can damage wood and joists. If termites do get into the deck, professional extermination is needed to remove them.

While not as durable as composite, a wood deck can last upwards of 40 years if it is well-maintained. Cedar, redwood, and other homegrown woods are sturdier than softwood, but they still require treatment to resist the weather and wood-boring insects. They also require staining and re-sealing. Cedar and other natural woods are pitch- and resin-free, making them better able to accept stains, bleaches, and colors than synthetic products. They can still scuff and scratch, though, so it is essential to use a good quality product.

Maintenance

Decks require regular maintenance to avoid mold, mildew, rot, and other structural problems. Regular cleaning removes organic debris and allows you to identify areas that need repair. Cleaning should include sweeping, vacuuming, and rinsing the surface with a pressure washer. Grease, food, and drink spills should be cleaned immediately to prevent permanent staining. Keep plants trimmed away from the deck to prevent moisture and to allow for air movement. Inspect and clean gutters, downspouts, and soffit vents to keep water away from the deck. Ensure that deck posts are secured to the ledger board with proper fasteners. If not, a weak deck may pull away from the house and fall. Certain types of wood, such as redwoods and cypress, act as a natural repellent for termites and other pests.

Inspect joists for rot and make sure that they are securely fastened to the beam and the ledger board with joist hangers. Check the deck foundation to see if there are any leaks and to ensure that it is properly supported by footings or, where frost heave is not a concern, by piers.

Appearance

Homeowners can improve the appearance of a deck by using a wood stain to give it a richer look. Using oxalic acid is effective in removing iron stains and brown-black tannins from cedar or redwood decking. This compound is also used in many commercial deck brighteners. However, it is not effective in removing mildew from decks.

When deciding on decking materials, homeowners should consider how much time they want to spend maintaining it. Natural wood requires more maintenance than composite materials, and may need resealing every year.

Decks can be a great place to relax, entertain, cook, and stargaze. They can also help increase the value of your home and are a beautiful addition to any property. But they can also be expensive. To reduce the cost of a deck, try to avoid complex patterns that require a lot of cutting. Instead, choose simple designs that can be built quickly. Also, use small pieces of lumber whenever possible.



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