Home Remodeling Advice

You can build a deck with only a few dozen deck screws, lag screws, galvanized nails, bolts, joists, posts, braces, flashing, concrete bags, gravel, stain, thinner, drill, level, plumb bob, hammer, measuring tape, and a few other things. You can’t learn how to build a deck in one page, but these tips will make it so your deck can last longer, be stronger, and give you the end result you want.

Tip #1
You should get a good design program to help you plan your deck. Programs like this are very good at helping you visualize the results of your hard work. They also make supply lists, measurements, design alternatives, and sometimes even building codes.

Tip #2
The next step after making careful plans is to choose and buy the supplies and tools that you will need. For the wood; cedar, pressure treated 2 x 4′s or 2 x 6′s and 4 x 4′s of pine, or redwood are all good choices. A new alternative is a composite that looks and feels like real wood, especially from a few feet away. These will last longer then regular wood, since they don’t need to be painted or stained every few years. They also are less likely to warp.

Tip #3
Unless you have the proper tools, don’t try to build the foundation yourself. If doing it yourself, you will have to make good concrete pier holes and pour concrete. Next, you will need to add perfectly vertical anchors. If you don’t have the capabilities to do this, you need call for professional help.

Tip #4
Building codes are also an important factor. It determines the distance between support piers. Most lumber comes in 8 ft. or 12 ft. pieces, so making the distance that much or lower will make it easier to do.

Tip #5
Ledger boards lay against the house and support the beams under the walking surface in most designs. If they are placed correctly, they can work well. If you have metal flashing, it can warp with temperature changes. You have to seal the flashing to prevent water entering, which is a tricky step that requires care and skill. Move the ledger board slightly away from the wall with metal washers. This can eliminate the need to remove siding and prevent moisture and mold build-up.

Tip #6
Whenever possible, use screws and bolts instead of nails. Stain doesn’t stick to nails well and the nails then become exposed and rust. They are also more prone to becoming loose. Screws will also rust, but they stay tight a lot longer. Using screws saves you time and money, and with a good power screwdriver attachment to your handheld grill, you can easily place them.

Whichever way you choose to build your deck, remember to take your time. Your hard work will pay off and you will have the deck that you envisioned.

deck building tips

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