The art of deck building

A deck is the most important aspect of a building. It enhances the beauty of a house. Many are interested in deck construction but aren’t clear on how to go about it. They’ve seen hundreds of examples of decks on other people’s landscapes and the idea of having an attractive “outdoor living space” at their disposal is appealing. Here are some tips to consider.

For beginners to get started a project as complex as this one, it pays to visit the hardware store that can be a great source of free information. But to ask intelligent questions, you need some knowledge of the subject, including the terminology. You also need an introduction to basic problem solving in deck construction.

Make sure to buy materials that you’ll need for this project. These include: flashing, caulking compound, pre-mixed concrete, gravel or crushed stone, cinder blocks, post caps, post bases, seismic ties, joist hangers, and cardboard tube concrete forms. If you must use nails, go for stainless steel or HDG nails (either ring-shank nails or spiral-groove for better holding power). But it is preferable to use deck screws, joist hanger nails, HDG bolts or lag screws, and washers.

You’ll also need a shovel, carpenter’s level, carpenter’s square, plumb bob, wheelbarrow (for mixing concrete), caulking gun, drill, wrench (to tighten lag screws), hammer, circular saw, tape measure, safety eyewear, and scrap lumber for bracing.

Before you begin with your deck design (let alone deck construction), check local zoning ordinances. Depending on where you live, you may be surprised to learn just how restrictive zoning can be.

You should talk with your local building inspector, too, to comply with building codes in your area. Usually you’ll need to file for a building permit. Don’t look at your chat with the building inspector as all bad, though. For here’s another chance to pose some intelligent questions about deck building and get some free answers from someone with a wealth of information on the subject.

Upon finishing your deck design plans and assembling the necessary tools and supplies, step one of construction begins. Prepare the site. This step is necessary if you’ll be building the deck over an area that is currently grass-covered.

One of the biggest challenges in deck building will be encountered at this point in the project: making the house-end and the opposite end of the deck the same height. This is the time to apply the do-it-yourself carpenter’s golden rule: play around with it first as much as possible to get the right alignment before cutting anything or securing anything. Remember that you only have one chance to get it right.

For award-winning deck designs, great gazebos and well-crafted conservatories, visit Cleveland construction leader Patios Cleveland.