If you want to increase your outdoor living space, you can do so easily with a deck. It’s also an attractive investment that can add to your home’s value if you decide to sell it. Before you begin construction, verify that your existing deck is structurally sound and safe to extend. Check the ledger board for rotting and cracking and make sure all posts under the deck are in good condition.
Preparation
Before you add a deck to your existing home, you need to make sure that your house is structurally sound and ready for a new addition. Check for any loose wood or rotted wood and ensure that the ledger board (the framing material that attaches your deck to the house) is in good shape with no holes or rust. You will also need to verify that the piers you will use to support your deck are set at the proper height, according to your deck plans and local building code requirements. Then, mark where you will need to install the footings beneath these piers for the foundation of your new deck. Using batter boards and mason’s string lines, lay out the location of the piers. These will transfer the weight of the deck to the ground and provide a solid foundation for your new deck.
Design
When designing your deck, think about how it will fit in with your home’s existing architecture. It should serve as a foil for your exterior design and harmonize with the windows and doors along the plane. The size, shape and level of your deck will depend on your family’s needs. If your kids want to play soccer, for example, you may need more space than if you just want a place to sit and enjoy the outdoors.
Materials
The materials needed to build a deck will depend on the size and type of the deck. Your budget will also be a major factor in choosing the type of materials to use. Pressure-treated lumber is a common material for building a deck. It is affordable and easy to find. It’s a good choice because it’s permeated with chemicals that deter insects, inhibit mold and mildew, and protect the wood from rot. Cedar is another commonly used type of wood for decks. This natural wood gradually weathers into a soft gray tone over time.
Installation
The first step in installing a deck is to build the frame. This typically consists of one or more header joists parallel to the house and two outer rim joists perpendicular to it. Next, install posts or beams. They are used to support and anchor the ledger board, which forms part of the framework of the deck. To make sure the posts are level, attach them to the foundation with metal strapping hardware or composite shims. Then, install the deck joists to the posts. The joists should be placed every 12, 16 or 24 inches, depending on your plans.
Professional deck installers like Vinyl Professionals, Inc. know how to handle all the different angles and unique details that come with each property they examine. Let them bring you a customized installation that fits your home perfectly today!