When a person decides he or she wants to take on a project they don't do everyday, like building a deck, they know if they can gain some knowledge from someone who is experienced, the project will go smoother and faster. This article is written for just such a person. As a contractor with over 35 years construction experience, I've learned many tricks, tips, and shortcuts that make building a deck a snap.
Below is a compilation of random tips for making your deck-building experience go smoother and faster.
Always build from a set of plans. Even a simple deck can become a nightmare without a good set of building plans. As a novice, you're liable to forget important steps during construction which will require you to go back and redo tasks. This can be very frustrating, not to mention a waste of time and materials. Even if you just sketch out the basic design yourself on a sheet of notebook paper, you'll be much more likely to encounter fewer problems. Of course, ordering plans from a professional source is even better. With these you'll get very detailed drawings, accurate material lists, and detailed step-by-step instructions. This method costs a little more, but is well worth the small expense. Pour concrete pier pads instead of using precast pads. When placing the pier pads for your deck supports, don't buy those precast concrete pier pads. A better way is to dig a hole about 12" deep and 16" in diameter. Then mix a couple bags of concrete mix in a wheelbarrow, and pour it in the hole. Level out the top with a short wooden stick and place a post base into the wet concrete.This is better for several reasons. First, the appearance of your deck will be much nice with the pier pads buried. Secondly, your pads will be below the frost line, thereby reducing the chance of heaving during the winter months, and finally, it's difficult to get the ground smooth and level enough for precast pier pads to sit firmly without "rocking". Avoid the expense of railing by lowering your deck. The building codes in most American cities require railing on a deck if that deck is 30" or higher above the ground. If you prefer to have railing, that's no problem. But if you prefer not to have railing, and would rather not spend the money on railing, here's a little trick you might try. Let's say that if you build your deck level with the door coming from your home, the deck ends up being 36" above the ground. Railing would be required. But if you built your deck 7" below the door sill, the deck would be 29" above ground, thereby not requiring railing. You just saved yourself hundreds of dollars and hours or labor. Patio Lighting Tips Give Your Outdoor Deck or Backyard Retreat a Facelift Cedar Decking Ideas: Bring Spring Break to Your Home Decking Patio Blinds: A Great Enhancement For Your Patio
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