A deck is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with the conveniences of the indoors.
Decks can be simple wood platforms or more elaborate outdoor facilities with utility outlets, covers, screens and window or door treatments. No matter the deck design, however, there are materials common to all deck types. The actual design will establish the volume of materials needed to complete the project. Whether you're building the deck yourself or having a contractor do the project, competitive pricing and buying materials in quantity will reduce construction costs. Does this Spark an idea?
Lumber
Outdoor decks should be built exclusively with pressure-treated marine lumber. Although more costly than standard pine lumber, pressure-treated wood resists water rot and will not warp with exposure to sun and cold. Support posts, deck joists, railings and steps will last many years if constructed with this material.
The actual deck surface can be laid with different woods as long as the material is water-resistant. Teak, oak and redwood are excellent decking woods. Avoid installing a plywood deck floor. Decks should be constructed with wood slats and gaps of 1/8 to 1/4 inch between each length. This allows proper drainage. Plywood or other solid flooring will hold standing water and lead to premature rot or mildew and mold problems.
Concrete
A deck or porch should have a solid concrete footing. If pouring a solid concrete deck, or patio, be sure to install an adequate base of stone and ground cover (plastic sheeting). A solid concrete slab directly on the soil will settle and crack under its own weight. Water, ice and other conditions under the slab will move and dislocate the soil, causing voids and settling depressions the concrete will sink into.
Many building supply companies stock concrete foundation footings. These are flat-top pyramid concrete forms about 12 inches high with a 4-by-4-inch recessed pocket on top. 4-by-4-inch posts can be mounted on each footing for a firm foundation on soil, sand or gravel.
Roof
If covering the deck or porch with a roof, use pressure-treated boards instead of plywood. Laying rows of boards may involve more time and labor but will last many more years than plywood. Unlike the home's roof, the deck's covering is exposed on the underside. Condensation, heat and cold will wear on the exposed wood, even if the top is shingled. Water-resistant lumber will better serve the deck through the changing seasons.
Shingling a deck roof is not difficult but should probably be done by a professional roof installer. Putting down tar paper liner and shingles in precise configurations is not an easy job. A relatively low deck roof is still high enough to cause injury from falls or falling objects, such as tools, fasteners and shingling.
Tags: solid concrete, constructed with, deck porch, deck roof, last many, will last
