Your Wood Deck

Archive for the ‘Deck Ideas’ Category

Wood deck roofing can consist of open planking or conventional joist construction. Normally, the parallel or horizontal spaces between beams are spanned by plank decking, which can make the facade as part of the building feature. When the roof also serves as a finished ceiling, it is important to consider the structural requirements aside from the look.

The right type of lumber with the appropriate grade should be determined before construction, and should be carefully stored and handled. This is because decking is graded on the appearance of the wood’s best face, so the lumber must be arranged before nailing with the more attractive face visible.

Moisture Content

The wood’s moisture content can affect the appearance of exposed decking during installation, as the planks could develop unsightly gaps between them as the wood dries when decking is done with higher moisture content. For best results, it is recommended that decking be installed with a moisture content not exceeding fifteen percent. For visual appeal, the roof decking can either match the color of the beams that support it or contrast with them by using a different stain color.

Additional Insulation With regards to insulation, a deck roof requires a smaller amount of insulation than panel sheathed roofs or metal-sheathed roofs. This is because wood is a high-quality insulator, and the wood decking used for roofing will provide a thicker insulating layer than plywood or OSB and wafer board sheathing. The quantity of insulation needed for the roof deck will depend on the climate, heating cost and the structure’s desired performance.

Rigid insulation, which is generally used for plank roofs, is laid on the upper side of the deck when the ceiling is out in the open. For flat roofs, asphalt is layered over and over to make a safe membrane for the insulation. Insulation on steeper roofs is nailed to the deck flanked by wood strapping, with wood panels attached to provide a nailing surface for shingles.

The use of tongue and groove joints and lateral nailing for the planks enable the loads to be allocated laterally between adjacent planks, making the deck structurally organized.

Decking generally refers to the flooring of any part of the home, using wood to deck the floor. When wood is used to cover the seating, it is called wood deck seating, which is actually quite easy to do. You can choose from a wide variety of wood decks and materials available in the market, just remember some basic guidelines when fitting a transparent patio deck. Keep in mind that the right location and quality of the foundation will also reflect on the fitting of the deck; if the foundation is strong, the transparent patio deck will be just as durable.

It is important to take note of the following if you are doing the wood deck seating construction by yourself at home. Make sure that the deck has a strong footing that anchors it firmly to the ground. The steel chairs where the decking is done should also have strong posts that support the beams. The key support of the deck are the deck joints, and check that deck itself is not too big or too small, as small kids might risk getting hurt.

Homeowners can make their own designs to create unique, one-of-a-kind wood decks. Any garden fitted with wood deck seating can be made more beautiful and attractive by effectively combining design basics with some innovative ideas. To make the deck look calm and relaxing, soft lighting can be installed as well as furnished with beautiful mats and carpets for a colorful look.

While homeowners tend to focus more on their home’s interiors, it is also necessary to pay as much attention to the exteriors, as a home with good exteriors can be an eye-catching abode. If a wooden deck is present, it will need to have the right accessories and be regularly maintained to augment its function and aesthetic quality.

Various types of benches can be used to furnish the decks, providing not only visual appeal but large seating arrangements as well. These benches include the following:

* English Garden bench, a widely popular type of deck bench.

* Benches with built-in storage spaces.

* Ottoman bench, another type of widely used bench.

* Backless benches, which some people prefer to use for decks.

* Three-piece or five-piece picnic sets.

* Wrought iron benches and other benches made of metal make great deck furniture.

* Deck benches made of recycled plastic.

* Benches made from various types of wood make really beautiful deck furniture.

* Wood deck benches made from redwood, rosewood, oakwood, mahogany, cedar, cypress, teak, etc.

* Various types of teak wood benches, including teak wood straight bench, teak wood oval bench, teak wood round bench, teak wood backless bench, teak wood backless bench with straight legs, etc.

* Wood deck benches made from cast iron.

* Deck benches with attached tables.

* User-created deck benches by the homeowner.

Having a deck furnished with benches not only makes it look pristine and natural, but simple and organized as well. Benches also add their own type of age-old charm to the entire deck, so you can honestly say that your excellent looking outdoor space has been “bench” marked.

Over-application of coating can be a major source of problems for all wood finishes. Many do-it-yourselfers and even some painting contractors seem to have a common misconception that more is better when it comes to application of coating. This is hardly the case, and will not provide the deck with any beneficial results.

Most deck finishes are designed to penetrate the wood surface, so applying too much coating will lead to a buildup of material, forming a film on the wood that will eventually peel or crack. Over-application on water repellent products will result in a waxy, sticky or slick surface because the coating buildup will interfere with the wood’s ability to dry properly.

Coating Application Methods

A variety of methods using sprays, pads, rollers and brushes can be used to apply clear coatings. Spray application is the quickest and easiest way for large horizontal deck surfaces, as it evens out the finish while eliminating drips and lap marks. Pads are also well suited for coating decks, with individual boards coated entirely along their length to prevent lap marking. Paint rollers are effective for applying siding finishes, clear finishes and water repellents, instead of using them for deck coatings. Brushes are best used for detailed work on spindles and railings. As with all exterior coatings, keep in mind that deck finishes should only be applied under normal weather conditions.

Application Guidelines

To insure a uniform color, the products should be properly mixed before application. It is important that you do not skip this step, as even standard factory mixed colors can vary per batch. This ensures that you will begin application with the same color; even if a slight color difference is present in some batches, it will be hardly noticeable if new product is added at certain intervals.

It is always a good idea to first test the stain on a sample piece of wood from your deck, so you can verify the color and look you want. Make sure that the coating saturates all checks or splits; coating should be done several times on all exposed ends until the wood pores have been saturated.

Care and Maintenance

Depending on the kind of weather conditions that they are frequently exposed to, stained wood surfaces might need to be retreated every two or three years, even earlier. It is also recommended to do an annual inspection of treated surfaces.

Once your deck design plan is done and you have all the necessary apparatus and supplies, you can start preparing the site for construction, which is an essential step if the deck you will be constructing is over a currently grass-covered area. If you have already determined how large a rectangle the deck will occupy, quantify out this area while marking the ground to specify where the deck will lie.

Check if your rectangle has the correct measurements by measuring crossways from corner to corner in both ways; from upper left to lower right, then upper right to lower left, and ensure that these measurements are equal. Shape your working space by using a shovel to remove grass or weeds from the measured area; apply mulch over this space to prevent weeds from growing before closing it off with decking,

The supplies and materials you will require in building your wood deck include the following: flashing, caulking compound, pre-mixed concrete, gravel or crushed stone, cinder blocks, post caps, post bases, seismic ties, joist hangers, cardboard tube concrete forms and rebars. For nails, use stainless steel or HDG nails. For better holding power, these nails should be either ring-shank nails or spiral-groove. However, it is much better to use deck screws. Other tools needed for this wood deck project will include a shovel, carpenter’s level, carpenter’s square, plumb bob, wheelbarrow, caulking gun, drill, wrench, hammer, circular saw, tape measure, safety eye wear and scrap lumber for bracing.

The final step will involve wounding the decking boards and screwing them to the joist tops. The decking should be tottered so that the seams do not all line up; this way, the deck will not only be structurally steady, it will look superior as well. If the deck is elevated from the ground, add a railing required by local building codes. While composite decking can also be used as an acceptable substitute to wood decking, amalgamated materials are still not as strong as wood, so use wooden elements to support composite decking.

Incorporating innovative ideas and concepts seems to be the new trend in building homes nowadays, resulting in more interesting and unique looking homes. This also holds true even for the construction of wooden decks, as novel ideas are now being put into practice.

Lots of innovative ideas can be implemented when building or renovating wood decks. Some of them include the following:

* Decks are generally used to enjoy the cool breeze and relax during the warmer months, but using the deck even during wintertime can be an enjoyable experience by adding a hot tub or a spa.

* A hot tub or spa with creative seating is also a good idea to spice up the look of the deck.

* To enable people to lounge around while others use the spa, built-in benches and planters are placed around the hot tub or spa.

* Building a pergola for the spa will not only provide protection from the elements, but also make it possible to use the spa during very hot summers.

* For areas that get exposed to strong winds at certain times of the year, installing Plexiglass with adequate support will block strong winds and at the same time protect the decks without blocking the view.

* A calm and peaceful look can be achieved for the deck by installing soft lighting.

* Homeowners can build decks of their own design for an interesting, one-of-a-kind look.

* Various kinds of furniture like wicker, bamboo and others can be used to furnish wooden decks.

* For an attractive, eye-catching look, wood decks can also be furnished with colorful and pretty mats and carpets.

With a wide selection of innovative ideas to choose from, homeowners will never run out of sources to use for building their own decks, as well as use their own creativity to constantly come up with new and fresh ideas. Keep in mind, though, that new ideas to decorate or build decks are not enough; equal importance should also be given to deck care and maintenance in order to appreciate and enjoy the full experience of having a wooden deck

The proper combination of aesthetic beauty and function in the home is what every homeowner wants to have. The home should be designed in such a way that it not only looks attractive, but can also fulfill necessities like storage requirements and other. In the same vein, a wooden deck can also have both beauty and function, and having a lattice can accomplish that goal.

When a Lattice Should Be Used

Lattice walls can be installed under the wooden deck, creating a useful storage space for outdoor equipment, tools and materials. The lattice also serves a dual purpose by covering the space and looking attractive at the same time. Hiding garbage areas or the underpinnings of a deck can also be nicely covered by wood or vinyl lattice screens. Further screening can be provided by planting vines and letting them crawl up across the lattice.

Making a Lattice

To build and install the lattice panels, do the following steps:

1) Cut 2″x2″ supports to size, and use exterior-grade deck screws to attach them to the posts. Supports for the tops of the lattice pieces should also be included.

2) Fit each space with measured and cut U-molding sections, with an inside miter cut on each corner.

3) Use a circular saw to cut the lattice panels to the required size. To allow for expansion and contraction of the panels, make a 1/4″ allowance on each side.

4) Attach the molding on the lattice. Place the panel and molding in their correct positions, then pre-drill pilot holes through the molding. Use screws to secure the lattice.

Required Tools

Building a lattice will require the following tools:

a) tape measure b) carpenter’s level c) string level d) posthole digger or shovel e) circular saw f) jigsaw g) drill h) hammer i) screws j) nails k) quick-setting concrete l) two 4×4 treated posts m) 4×8 treated lattice

Having a lattice wall built for the deck is a great idea, as it effectively creates then hides much needed storage space. Delicate lattice wall work can also add a nice touch to any deck, creating a pleasing and attractive look.

Once you are satisfied with the planned design of your wood deck, you can select the materials to be used. Pressure-treated lumbers like Southern pine, redwood or cedar are usually the most common types of wood used, and are often the best choice for the substructure. For the visible parts of the deck, the type of wood used will depend on your alloted funds and design preferences.

While there is no such thing as a typical deck, the instructions that follow are generally for decks attached to a house that are no more than 6″ off the ground, with no other exceptional load requirements. Keep in mind that the design estimates and recommendations mentioned below are suggestions only; always build in accordance with your local building codes.

Materials

First decide on the decking to be used, and determine the joist size and beam size. Pressure-treated lumber is not as expensive as redwood or cedar; it can also be used for the substructure even though other wood types will be used for the decking and railing. For pressure-treated lumber, you can choose between 5/4 x 6 decking or 2″ material.

The spacing between joists will be determined by the size and species of the decking that you chose. Common sizes used for joists nowadays are 2x6s through 2x10s. It is always a good idea to first finalize the spacing between beams and then use a suitable joist size for that spacing.

Once you have determined the beam size, the posts should be spaced no more than 6′ apart, with beams no more than 12′ apart. This is due to the fact that support posts also serve as railing posts, and are usually run through the decking.

Preparation and Layout

The ground under the deck should first be arranged by removing the sod. To keep weeds from growing, enclose the ground with six mil black polyethylene once the deck is finished. Spot the position of the ledger along the wall for evaluation; keep in mind that as long as your layout is consistent, the way you set the joists won’t really matter.

It is important for any home to have a very strong foundation, as the entire structure will depend on it and will be crucial to the home’s strength and durability. In a similar vein, even decks should be built with the correct footing by doing some proper planning.

Building wooden decks usually involve several factors, which include the following:

Location

The ideal location for a deck should serve the multi-functional needs of the entire family. Location can also be determined from the planned height and corresponding view that the deck will overlook. It is also important that the deck should be built in accordance with local building codes and approved by the authorities. The deck must also be built to generally complement the style of the house and not draw attention away from it.

Construction

The following tips should be considered when building wooden decks:

a) Having a strong footing that keeps the deck anchored to the ground is essential.

b) Strong ledgers are needed for wooden decks.

c) Wooden decks also need strong posts that support the beams.

d) A deck’s key support are the deck joists, which will support its flooring system.

e) Use the best quality treated wood for the rim joists.

f) The flooring should be strong, have the proper grip, look great and be easy to maintain as well.

Tools

Good quality tools and materials should be used when building wooden decks, like the following: 1) Hammers and screwdrivers 2) Spiral groove 3) Framing saws 4) Quality treated wood 5) Professional deck builders 6) Quality deck building materials 7) Good wood sealers, wood paints, wood cleansers, etc. for the finishing touches

Aside from the factors mentioned above, the use of good deck furniture, deck lighting and other deck accessories are also essential for enhancing the decks. While it may seem that all of these can make deck building complicated, you are also assured that you will get to enjoy your deck for a long time after its construction.

Wood deck plans are ready-made designs that can be obtained from various woodworking projects. Wood deck plans are available for free and can be used as guides to help you customize your own design. Some of these wood deck plans include octagonal deck plans, deck construction and deck building as well as other plans for chairs, tables, desks, shelves, outdoor furniture and interiors.

Planning Your Wood Deck

Before you start building your deck, you will need to plan its design carefully. You can opt to build various deck designs using other projects as your guide. Properly planning your design will make your deck more efficient in terms of function and cost, as space usage, convenience, budget and maintenance will all be taken into account. And keep in mind that a deck not only adds economic value to a home, but provides aesthetic value as well. Planning Tips

For the location, check climatic factors like wind flow and weather conditions that can affect the deck. A good location should minimize traffic noise and eliminate unwanted views or provide additional privacy, particularly if you want to install a hot tub or pool. It is also important to build the deck in accordance with local building codes to avoid any legal problems.

The appropriate height, size and angle for the deck that will be most suitable to the area should be chosen, with the proper slope and rise required for the steps to make it sturdy. For the cut-outs and railings, check the spaces that should be left out. If you want more durability as well as enhance the look of the deck, use standard wood or pressure treated wood and finish it off by highlighting the appearance of the grains or texture with paints or stains. In all cases, before actually starting construction, using a sketch or plan will guide you in confirming measurements and finalizing the design. Required Deck Structural Components

1. Vertical posts set on piers. 2. Horizontal beams set on posts which will support the weight of the deck. 3. Joists running between beams. 4. Decking laid over the joists that will form the deck flooring. 5. Railings with the proper size and spacing.