Cherie Garst

Cut an equal number of approximately 4-in.-long pieces of 1×4. Number 2 grade 5/4 x 6 cedar decking will inevitably have flaws you’ll want to hide, cut off, or in rare cases, reject. It should overhang by at least 1/4 in., so that gives you 3/4 in. Land Grading — if you have different elevations in your yard, you may be required to level them out before building. Composite deck boards often come with hidden fasteners, which create a cleaner look. The deck shown here features a pressure-treated floor frame that’s supported by a ledger board and concrete piers, and topped with 5/4-inch decking. And because the deck is only a one step high, no railing was required. Now just follow Tom’s tips and build your own backyard oasis. The post layout depends on the size of the beams, local building codes and your deck design. Top-down fasteners offer both visible and hidden options. Note that there are a few key differences between installing composite decking vs wood (which we’ll cover later on). When attaching wood decking, drill pilot holes at the ends of the boards. Most decks higher than 30 inches from the ground require railings to meet building codes. These can vary in design and material, with the most common being pressure-treated wood. Cable handrails are popular right now but are more expensive than pressure-treated wood. Consider the type of outdoor furniture you want on your deck. Knowing where you plan to put eating areas and lounging areas will inform your placement of lighting, awnings and other built-in features. The slope of the grade, any existing vegetation and views can all impact the design of your deck and where you build it. 1 Prep hardboard spacer and add glue.2 Complete the spacer. Work with a TimberTech pro for a build that transforms your outdoor living space. Once you choose the decking line and fastener combination for your project, you’re ready to calculate how much decking you’ll need for your project. Ensuring properdeck joist spacing, making sure joists are level and in plane with one another and across the tops. For example, decking near the main access should be free of unsightly gaps or butt joints. With wood, the main access area is the place to be the most selective about grain and any imperfections that wouldn’t be noticed elsewhere. Avoid having to end with a thin strip of decking somewhere—see the sidebar for tips on building in a fudge factor. When ordering decking, allow for about 10% waste and error—15% if you are installing the planks at a 45-degree angle. Have the material delivered well before you need it so you have recourse in case of a mistake in color or type. Still, looking for a little guidance before you start constructing your own composite deck? Check out these other handy resources to make sure you’re covering all your bases — before installing those deck boards. In the event you loved this information and you wish to receive more info about https://anaheimpoliceassociation.org/budget-friendly-deck-installation-ideas/ please visit our own web page. Once you've finalized your breaker boards, you'll have your finished composite decking design in place. Take a final review of the structure and make sure all fasteners are properly installed, flush with the boards, and the whole deck is stable. It's important to already have your deck design and your specific decking material chosen before you begin building your substructure. There are different installation methods for the decking boards based on the design. Similarly, cold environments could cause wood to contract and even crack. Installing your decking at a 45-degree angle is a popular style for decks. This can be done to reduce decking seams or just for appearance. If you are dreaming of building a new deck, but your location doesn’t leave a lot of room for a large project, consider a ground deck. Because they are built low to the ground, the wood should be sealed to protect against moisture and outdoor elements. A deck can provide your home's outdoor space with a comfortable, inviting area for relaxing and entertaining.