How to Build a Deck

Lining up the grain with the decking, push a plug into the hole.<img style="max-width:420px;float:left;padding:10px 10px 10px 0px;border:0px;" alt="Tarot card #19 - The Sun - Daily Vector Art adobe illustrator blue cards child contrast daily art deck flat design horse illustration orange patterns sun sunflowers tarot texture vector vector illustration yellow" /> Give the glue time to dry and then sand the plug flush with a random-orbital sander. As you work, before you reposition yourself as you make the long cut, always pull the blade backward and let the blade come to a full stop. When you restart, let the saw get up to full speed before pushing it into the wood. For pressure-treated decking, the boards can be secured with no gap. Given their high moisture content—you’ll notice as you heft one—the gap will open as the wood dries to yield a 1/8-in. Choose TimberTech Advanced PVC decking with top-down fasteners. However, more severe issues that affect your deck’s structural integrity, such as any rot in the ledger or posts, will likely warrant a full deck replacement. ✓ Have proper joist spacing and blocking, with all members level and in plane across the tops. Temporary supports cut from scrap 2 x 4 lumber and placed on edge set the bottom rails at the correct height. Explore the tips below to get the insight you need for your composite deck build. For more info in regards to boulderbop.com`s statement on its official blog look into our web-page. The deck railings consist of 2 x 4 top and bottom rails attached to the back of the posts, a 5/4 x 6 rail cap and 2 x 2 balusters. Continue securing the decking to the joists with screws along the entire board. Line up the anchor with the hole in the joist and attach it to the bracing with screws. Building a deck with pressure treated wood is a common way to make sure your new outdoor space withstands the elements. Wood gives the deck a natural appeal, and you can tailor the look with a wide range of exterior stains. Watch our wood deck construction project from start to finish or see step-by-step instructions for each part of the project below. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box regarding color. You can even have the spindles be a different color than the posts and rails. Another option, and the one I prefer, is a hooked bracket system, which requires the use of boards grooved along both edges. Most manufacturers offer grooved boards, but you also cut your own grooves with a table saw. To limit changes in length, cut your TimberTech deck boards right before installation. If your deck substructure is in good condition, you can consider a resurfacing job, where you maintain your substructure and only replace your existing deck boards. However, you’ll need to ensure your substructure is healthy enough to last for the long haul with a thorough deck inspection. Installing composite decking requires your deck have a properly installed substructure for lasting structural integrity. Rotten wood won’t work as a base and will likely require demolition before anything else. Never risk the structural integrity of a new deck—it’s not worth the time, energy, or money. If you build a new foundation, you’ll need to start from scratch. Cortex screws are hidden by material-matched plugs for a fastener-free surface. ­­If you live in a cold or four-seasons climate, be sure to usefrost-proof footingsto set your posts in. Space available – Your deck should optimize the space around it and create a seamless transition from home to yard. Before moving on to the next step, make sure the alignment and measurements are accurate. If you find they’re off, fixing them before moving on is important. Composite decking is another option that’s grown in popularity. It’s low-maintenance and comes in a variety of different styles.<img style="max-width:400px;float:left;padding:10px 10px 10px 0px;border:0px;" alt="Trawa pitch deck visualizations, illustrations | ochi.design climate tech graphic design illustration pitch deck presentation startup visualization" /> It’s made from a mixture of wood and recycled plastics, making it more durable over the years.