In my previous article, "planning for a new deck," I outlined
the steps for planning for a new deck. This article takes the
process one step further. We'll look at how to get started
actually building your deck. By this time, I will assume that
you have your building permit in hand, a good set of plans, and
a materials list. If you don't have a material list, simply take
your plan to your nearest home center or building supply store
and have them create one for you. Most lumber yards can actually
arrange for delivery of all your materials at one time including
all the nails and screws are you will need. This can be quite
handy on large projects or if you don't own a truck or a
trailer. The lumber yard will bring all the parts and pieces you
will need to build your new deck. The first place to start, is
to set some posts for your deck to rest on. Were I live in the
Northeast, we have to deal with the frost and free cycle of
winter. When I received my building permit, the code officer
made sure to point out that all posts must be secured in country
at least 36 inches below the surface of the ground. This will
ensure that when the ground freezes the posts of the deck will
not heave. Check with your local zoning office to find out what
your specifications are for setting posts. Renting a post hole
digger makes setting the posts much easier, especially if you
live in an area with a lot of playing or a lot of stone in your
soil. I was able to dig a half a dozen holes in less than an
hour. Digging the same number of holes my hand would've taken me
at least half a day so the few dollars I spent on the post hole
digger rental was well worth it. Next, a port some stoning
concrete makes into the holes and set the posts. My plan called
for 4x4 posts. Your plans may be different. After the posts were
in and let the concrete cure according to the directions on the
package. I then nailed 2 x 2 joists to the side of the House and
around the perimeter of the deck. I used metal choice hangers to
hang all the internal joists. You can also tell nailed them but
metal choice hangers are stronger and easier to use than trying
to toenail large lumber. There are lots of different types of
taking you can use on top of your deck. I choose simple pressure
treated lumber. To attach the deck boards to the joists you can
use either nails or screws. If you use nails, make sure you use
special spiral nails. These help prevent nails from popping.
Deck screws are preferable as they are stronger but they are
much more expensive than nails when laying out the decking, it
is easier to let the deck boards run long and trim them down
later once the entire deck surface is finished. When all the
deck boards or laid, simply take a circular saw, and cut all the
ends off the deck. For a finished look, attach a skirt board to
the exposed edges of the decking and over the rim joists. The
last thing to do, if needed, would be to add railing, and or
steps. However, these basics should get you started.
About the author:
Dean Novosat is an avid do-it-yourselfer and remodeler. He
writes for
http://build-decks-patios.com,
"http://for-gadget-guys.com"> http://for-gadget-guys.com,
http://gov-auction-advisor.com and
"http://www.the-kitchen-designer.com">
http://www.the-kitchen-designer.com.
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