subject: Putting a Deck Together On Your Own [print this page] Putting a Deck Together On Your Own Putting a Deck Together On Your Own
You know that your house will be greatly improved if it has a deck. It is a big project, but it is manageable. Just take your time, do things right, and things will turn out the way you planned. Here are a few essentials to get you started.
The First Step is an Excellent Plan
The planning of your deck is the first and most valuable step you should take. Stop by the town's building inspection department and discover what you need for a permit, and the code requirements. Also contact the local utilities and discover where their underground conduits are located. You need to tell them about the dimensions of the deck, the material you will be using, its location, and how long the process should take. The building inspector will let you know what requirements are needed, where problems might arise, and what fees must be met. It is valuable to include time for regular inspections by the building department in your estimated completion time as well.
Evaluate What You Need Carefully
Once everything has met with approval, begin by measuring out the foundation of your deck. No matter what shape you want, the foundation should be square to promote stability. It is crucial, therefore to make certain all the angles are at 90 degrees, and the beams and supports are level. Start by measuring out the vertical and horizontal position of each of the corners, and be sure everything is level. Once the outside framework is complete, the next step is to follow the plan and protect the house with a ledger. The ledger provides a stable way for the deck to be attached to your house.
Use Beams, Supports, and Joists to Complete the Deck Framework
After that, the next thing to do is position the footings and vertical posts where needed. Remember, this is providing support for your deck, so make sure to measure everything precisely. After those are in place, use joists, your level, and the horizontal beams to complete the frame for your deck. Remember, this deck is required to support you, your family, friends, and any other furniture you could have out there, and meet the building code requirements for your town.
Position the Decking
After that, the next thing to do is finalize the surface of the deck by nailing down the deck boards. It is valuable that each board is level and not warped, so make certain to double check each one as you place them. Also, if things such as railings, gates, or steps are necessary for access, this is time to make those additions. In the end, you should spend about two to three weeks to finish the deck. The best tip is to follow the plan, measure carefully, and take your time.
