How to Build a Patio Deck

Wouldn't you just love to stay outdoors during a cool sunny day, spend quality time with the family, or just give yourself a treat with a good book that you just got from the bookstore, or just simply relax on comfortable furniture listening to the sound of the wind or the chirping of the birds? Well, it's about time you got yourself a patio deck.

A patio deck is simply a combination of a patio and a deck which is an extension of the living space of your home to the outdoors. It gives you an inviting area where you could entertain yourself, your family, or your friends. It is an area where you could relax and enjoy outdoor living.

Building a patio deck is relatively easy, what you need time with the most is the process of planning, framing, decking, and permitting, and they need careful preparation, too. You can follow these building basics to achieve that outdoor living you have always wanted.

Before beginning the construction, you have to make sure that you have the necessary documents and permits.

When you are allowed to build a deck, you can start on the planning by examining the area where you are going to construct your deck. Determine where you want to locate the different parts of the deck like the steps to the yard. You have to assess the entire area relative to the deck.

This is important to make everything work well together considering the home and the yard where you are going to put up your patio deck. You have to plan for the drainage of the groundwater across the area so as not to cause damage to your deck in the long run.

When all considerations have been made, you can now plan your deck on paper. Start by plotting the overall dimensions and where the critical pieces are located such as the raised sections or the stairs.
Next is to plan the foundation. Normally, 4x4 treated lumber posts are used to support a deck. These are set on post anchors which are galvanized and embedded in concrete footing which are 8 to 10 inches in diameter.

You can begin your construction by determining the foundation locations and laying them out on the ground. A system of strings can be used along with batter boards to make a rectangular grid.

Next, using lag bolts, affix the ledger board to the home's foundation wall. Grade the area underneath the deck to create a smooth surface that will drain away from the house. Below the frost line, dig footings to the required depth then fill with concrete mix.

Set the purchased galvanized post anchors. Next, set the treated posts then create the deck's outside dimension. With all the other installing done, nail the joists with galvanized nails then install the blocking.

In installing the decking and railings it is important that you install the railings first. Install the deck with overhangs. Then add trim boards around the deck's edge for a finished look. Deck the stair treads. And finally, you can apply clear finish or stain to the decking and railing to give it a finished look.

Tag : patio deck,patio deck design,patio deck covers,building a patio deck,patio deck kits

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Tips For A Perfect Patio Deck Plan

Every success of a construction greatly relies in a perfect plan. Having an additional patio deck in your backyard or front yard requires some preparation before building starts. You can opt from a ready-made blueprint or starting your plan from scratch with your own personal and original ideas. Nowadays, people are fond of doing outdoor activities with families and friends. It will be more exciting and interesting if you have the best and most appropriate patio deck for your home. If you have plenty of available space outside your home, then you might consider building a pool or playground. It will really be a fun place for your kids. Being exposed to sunlight and fresh air is a good habit that every family must practice. It will surely be of great help in maintaining your good health condition.

While doing your plan, always select for a theme and concept first. These things will serve as your basis and foundation of ideas as you go along with the plan. Choose a color that matches to your home exterior. It is more pleasing and attractive if everything complements with each other. If you plan to have a more unique and amazing patio, consult the best contractor or architect in town that will help you construct an efficient plan. The installation of patio must be directed to its purpose. It will make the plan easier if you already identified the main reason of building it. The contractor can also prepare ahead of time in making the best and right plan for you if he will have an idea about the purpose of your patio ahead of time. It will also be helpful if you know the direction of sunlight that will hit to your patio as well as the shade.

Building a patio can be done easily through a DIY project. However, if you think that you can't do it all by yourself in your self assessment, it will be great to really seek for assistance from a contractor. Choose a design that is suitable to your preference so that it will be clearly stated in the plan. Select for the materials that you want to use and the color of the patio. If you are having a lot of guests very often, you can consider placing chairs where everybody can be seated. Always check for the availability of space so that you can also set space limitations to your plan. Afterwards, you can start creating ideas in maximizing the place and personalizing the designs. There are different kinds of patio available in the market that can be your reference while making your plan. Consider what furniture you want to put in your patio because furniture usually has bigger space requirements. Never go beyond to your budget. Your plan must coincide with the particular budget that you have allotted. Making your plan extravagant can only turn your patio into a big waste of time, money and effort. Stick to your budget and make a smart plan that is attainable and affordable.

Tag :patio deck,patio deck plan,patio deck designs,patio deck ideas,wood patio decks

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Patio Deck Plans - Online Resources

Patio deck plans can be found on the internet by simply doing a search for what best suits your plans for what you want to do. Do you need a deck for a hot tub spa, an above ground pool, or for just barbecuing delicious family meals for your crew. Outdoor deck plans come in many sizes, lumbers, and designs complete with who to call to do the install.

Construction Guide For Free

A great resource on how to build your patio deck plan for do it yourself builders, deck contractors,and building inspectors is Downloaddecks.com. This 10 page building guide goes into great detail of how to build your own customized deck. It gives direction on ledger board attachment, framing, stairs, rails and frost footings. It will give that personal insight that you may need to start building your backyard paradise.

Websites

There are several great websites which will help you find a patio deck plan for a professionally designed deck that will have your neighbors drooling with envy. Functionality, strengths in building in high, low, and medium elevations, and attractiveness are all some of the basic principles of finding the right patio deck plan for you. Some have plans which are down-loadable in PDF format that fast, safe, secure and user friendly.

Porch Roof Page

Most patio deck plans will also include the porch roof page that shows you how the construction would look once introduced to your deck style. The angle and length are given for the hand framed rafters. Those plans should be in agreement with current IRC code to support 80 lbs. per square ft. loading. Typical porch detail planning should show the recommended process of how you do the tying in of the house roof to your patio deck.

Conclusion

In this current economy long expensive family vacations are out of the question with most working folk. Some see a more practical approach for how to get more bang for their buck. By making the right decision on what patio deck plan to build you can have an outdoor paradise every summer right in your own backyard. You will not only improve the value of your property, but contribute to the over all ambiance of your neighborhood. Put your money where your heart is. You nurture relationships with family and friends for a lifetime. Why not have a place to meet for those good times. At the hot tub, backyard pool, grilling center, gazebo, or whatever you want to construct. Put a patio plan in your future and put some pizazz back in your lifestyle. Invite the neighbors for some fun in the sun that you will have right at your fingertips. You have only one life, so live it!

Patio Decks - Various Types of Outdoor Enclosures

People form opinions about others' houses just by looking at the outside. If the outside of your house looks amazing, then other people try to copy it in their own exterior house design. People stress about having their house live up to that example. Posh gardens, exotic plants, and a luxury car parked out front, and many more issues occupy people's sleepless nights when they are trying to impress the neighbors. But you don't have to go that far. Just consider putting an attractive enclosure on your patio decks.

The most significant part of house exteriors which are likely to impress visitors and neighbors are patio decks. If they are well designed, they will add significantly to your status. You might be surprised to hear that it doesn't have to break your budget to achieve the stylish look you want for your patio deck. An enclosed patio deck can also act as an extra room for your house, which can be used for a variety of purposes, including everyday meals and games such as ping pong. They also make a pleasant, relaxing and refreshing spot to sit and read. Not only that, but you can do these activities. whilst being protected from annoying insects.

There are various types of enclosures for patio decks, according to your individual needs. A major factor in your choice will be weather, for both materials and type of enclosure. If you live in a cool area, then glass is a good choice of material, because they capture heat in the day, and therefore keep the space within warmer for longer. If you already have cement slabs around your patio deck, however, then you could just install windows all around it.
Enclosures for patio decks can be fixed or removable varieties, as well as ones made of glass or plexiglass, and there are also screen enclosures. All of these are designed with a view to maximizing your comfort, as well as being well designed to cope with weather conditions and at the same time very easy to install.

Patio decks with enclosures are often known as sunrooms, and many people consider them to be the best room in their house. The atmosphere in them is energizing, and they suit many types of activity. Not only are they easy to install, but you can save money on both heating and cooling, as well as bringing an element of freshness into your home.

Having a patio deck which is enclosed can also be a good thing because you can turn it into your den. The building costs for such a room are not too high, and the whole job should not take more than about a week. You can improve the looks of your extra room by such measures as adding attractive flooring, perhaps made from tiles or bricks.

Tag : patio deck,patio deck designs,wood patio decks,patio decking,building a patio deck

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Ever Changing Patio Decks

The patio deck has changed a lot from the traditional outside extension to a home that can be used for family activities and occasional parties. The styles that are available today are integrated with elements of interior designing that are almost a form of art by themselves. The patio can either be roofed or open to the elements. However, most of the patio decks today are covered so that using them can a comfortable experience in all kinds of weather conditions. Either way, you can hold your barbeques or have a nice quiet meal in the middle of the day or even take a little nap on a warm evening night. The designs of the patio vary from the very traditional and simple designs to the modern designs that have been enabled by the advancement of modern technology.

A patio deck can either be made of concrete, wood, composite wood or natural stone. Let us get this out in the open very quickly; hardwood, solid stone and the newly developed composite material are all very expensive products. Consequently, if you are looking for a structure that is affordable, strong and durable, and is available in a large variety of varying designs, then the concrete patio deck might just be your answer. In an effort to preserve the environment, the concrete patio decks were developed to imitate natural stone. They are of the same strength as stone; but, they are much cheaper. This fact alone makes them the preferred choice of many homeowners. As an added benefit, these environmental friendly decks can be fashioned into any size, style or design that the homeowner could want. They can even be made to mimic natural stone. Even if you wish to have an artistic design embedded on the concrete, you can get it. This feature is simply not available with most other natural products.

This has got to be the icing on the cake. The typical installation of a concrete patio deck requires the building of a form to hold the actual concrete material. Therefore, this permits the homeowner to request any shape that they can dream up. The installation process, itself, is really quite simple; if you have had any previous construction experience at all. However, on the other hand, if you are not acquainted with this type of work, you will probably require the services of a professional contractor. Concrete does take quite a while to dry thoroughly.

Therefore, if you are considering the possibility of dressing up your home with the addition of an attached patio deck, be sure to spend a little time doing some research on the benefits and and drawbacks to each and every kind of material. It may save you a quite a few headaches in the future.

Tag : patio deck,patio deck designs,wood patio deck,patio deck plans

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_R_Roberts

Tips For A Perfect Patio Deck Plan

Every success of a construction greatly relies in a perfect plan. Having an additional patio deck in your backyard or front yard requires some preparation before building starts. You can opt from a ready-made blueprint or starting your plan from scratch with your own personal and original ideas. Nowadays, people are fond of doing outdoor activities with families and friends. It will be more exciting and interesting if you have the best and most appropriate patio deck for your home. If you have plenty of available space outside your home, then you might consider building a pool or playground. It will really be a fun place for your kids. Being exposed to sunlight and fresh air is a good habit that every family must practice. It will surely be of great help in maintaining your good health condition.

While doing your plan, always select for a theme and concept first. These things will serve as your basis and foundation of ideas as you go along with the plan. Choose a color that matches to your home exterior. It is more pleasing and attractive if everything complements with each other. If you plan to have a more unique and amazing patio, consult the best contractor or architect in town that will help you construct an efficient plan. The installation of patio must be directed to its purpose. It will make the plan easier if you already identified the main reason of building it. The contractor can also prepare ahead of time in making the best and right plan for you if he will have an idea about the purpose of your patio ahead of time. It will also be helpful if you know the direction of sunlight that will hit to your patio as well as the shade.

Building a patio can be done easily through a DIY project. However, if you think that you can't do it all by yourself in your self assessment, it will be great to really seek for assistance from a contractor. Choose a design that is suitable to your preference so that it will be clearly stated in the plan. Select for the materials that you want to use and the color of the patio. If you are having a lot of guests very often, you can consider placing chairs where everybody can be seated. Always check for the availability of space so that you can also set space limitations to your plan. Afterwards, you can start creating ideas in maximizing the place and personalizing the designs. There are different kinds of patio available in the market that can be your reference while making your plan. Consider what furniture you want to put in your patio because furniture usually has bigger space requirements. Never go beyond to your budget. Your plan must coincide with the particular budget that you have allotted. Making your plan extravagant can only turn your patio into a big waste of time, money and effort. Stick to your budget and make a smart plan that is attainable and affordable.

Variety of Decking Materials

The proper patio deck design can increase the value of whatever property that it is constructed on; since it indirectly allows you to increase the usable floor space of your home. It adds an entire outdoor room in which the homeowner has the opportunity to entertain his or her family and special guests. It also allows you to create an outdoor kitchen and dining arrangement if you choose to. It might be said that the designing and installation of a deck can be one of the less intimidating home improvement tasks that a person can undertake. Plus the rewards of building a patio style deck are quite substantial.

There are various styles of patio decks and the following content details the most popular ones. The concrete patio deck is probably the most economical deck you can build and maintain. You can also get quite inventive with the concrete slabs. They can be stamped in order to make them appear as if they were actually constructed from bricks or other kinds of natural stone. In addition to this, you can add finishes to the concrete that will make it look like real wood. One of the greatest advantages of this kind of decking is that once the concrete patio deck has been poured, you will never have to worry about any type of weeds growing in the area for quite a while; at least until the concrete begins to crack.

The next version, in reality, is actually made from bricks or natural stones. The varieties include marble, flagstone, limestone, sandstone and slate. This type of decking compliments most of the homes that have constructed entirely out of one or more of these products. Are they very expensive? Yes, they are. However, they are highly durable and will easily last a lifetime. They are capable of withstanding any and all of the extreme weather conditions that may occur. Needless to say, the homeowner must be absolutely sure that the deck has been placed in the correct position; it will never be possible to relocate it. The routine maintenance that is required is next to nothing.

The natural wood deck is the one that a good many persons are most familiar. They can be designed in almost and shape that the homeowner chooses. This is because the material is so easy to work with. These decking structures can be constructed at ground level or raised up to any height that is necessary. The installation of a set of stairs and safety handrails will not present a problem. However, in order to maintain the beauty and functionality of a natural wooden patio deck, you will need to add protective coatings on a regular basis. In other words, there is a lot of routine maintenance that is needed.

Tag :  patio deck,decking,materials

Patio Decks - 4 Steps to Consider When Building Deck Stairs

Are the stairs for your patio deck suffering from wear and tear, and maybe even becoming dangerous, causing you to stumble and even fall? Maybe you are thinking about replacing your damaged patio deck stairs, but are put off by the cost of hiring a professional carpenter to do it. By doing the work yourself, you can save yourself a lot of money, and it isn't actually as hard as you might think.

All you need to do to build a set of stylish, sturdy stairs yourself is to acquire some basic carpentry skills. This will also mean that you can build stairs to your own design and therefore have them just as you want them, rather than having to follow someone else's ideas. All you have to have is the right plan, some tools and a little guidance.

For any job to be successful, planning is important, and making stairs for your patio deck is no exception to this rule. So have a careful look for the best design for your space, to suit your patio deck and which will be robust. Have a proper plan worked out in your mind, and make up a blueprint for the whole process. This will make the entire building job much easier to carry out. Below is a process you can follow to help you to create this plan.

1) Position:
The first thing to do is to decide exactly where you are going to place your stairs. Think carefully about this, because the location is important. You don't want the stairs to be placed where they are in the way of where people usually walk, so try to find a spot around your patio deck which is not normally used.

2) Step width:
When deciding how wide your steps should be, take into consideration the amount of traffic the stairs will need to carry. If your family is large, then make the steps wide enough for two people to walk side by side on them.

3) Number of steps:
This is a more complicated decision, because your steps need to be evenly spaced. Measure the overall height of the stairs, and work it out mathematically. For example, if the height is 48 inches, then you could have eight steps, with a six inch gap between them.

4) Space between steps:

Tag : patio deck,patio deck covers,wood patio deck,patio deck design

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How to Keep Your Patio Deck in Tip Top Shape For Years of Use and Fun

Patio decks can be a lot of fun and are a very useful addition to the home. They are great next to a pool or back yard giving you that quiet area for relaxation and a place to just appreciate the weather. It's an inviting spot to rest and admire your potted plants or watch your children play. Another added blessing is the outdoor dining space you get with a beautiful laid out deck.

It is an impressive place to take it easy and listen to soft music or savour the singing of the birds. Some people have the advantage of living on a lake and a deck there to enjoy the view is awesome. One thing is a given whatever you are going to have taking place on your patio you can be sure it will be fun.

I don't care what kind of deck you got whether it's wood or composite, maintenance is a must and will extend the life of your deck considerably. You will need to decide on the method of cleaning and the type of solution you want to use.

Whenever you decide on a method be absolutely certain you know the directions before you begin. You need to take extra precautions if you are using a solution that could be toxic. It's a choice in the end and you're going to have to decide what will be the best solution for your deck.
When looking at each of the cleaning agents, oxygen bleach beats all other solutions when it comes to restoring the new look of wood. It is completely safe to use around vegetation which is perfect for those who grow flowers around their deck. Being that the primary ingredients are hydrogen peroxide and ash, it is absolutely safe for use around humans as well as animals as long as you don't drink it.

A deck that has weathered time or endured a storm will require some intensive repairs. Laws are different from one country to the next when it comes to building codes they may even be different in each state or from one county to the next. Contact your local department of buildings to see what is required before you begin. It not only will keep you from getting fined, but also assures your deck is safe and built to code.

If you have never done any type of carpentry jobs before you should start the restoration work by acquiring a do-it yourself manual first. They will become the most used item to have laying around and well worth the money you spend on them. A perfectly laid out do-it yourself book is worth a lot when trying to learn the new skills needed to get the job done.

To show off your awesome looking deck you will need to incorporate some well placed outdoor lighting then create that million dollar look by accentuating your yard with solar garden lighting to finish it up for that perfect look.

Tag :  patio deck,outdoor patio deck,wood patio decks,patio deck design

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Concrete Patio Decks - Various Styles Available

Patio decks are a part of a building which is also open to the sky, and the term 'patio' comes from Latin American and Spanish architecture terminology. These days a patio deck is an outdoor area connected to your house, and is sometimes partly covered by it, and these are popular spots for homeowners to hold a barbeque or other outdoor dining event. Patio decks have changed in design over time, from a simple design with traditional railings to works of art with accessories and decorative additions made from various materials including wood and metals.

Patio decks made from concrete are an excellent place to relax in the company of family and friends, whatever the weather. Whether you are relaxing or entertaining, patio decks make things a lot easier for you. The pace of life these days is hectic, and this can mean that you have very little time for getting together with family, neighbors and friends. The times you do have are therefore often more casual than they used to be. A barbeque supper relaxing on your patio deck can be just the thing after a hard day's work, so what better home extension could you have?

There are various styles of concrete patio decks available to attract your interest these days. The increasing cost of such an extension has put many people off the idea in the past, however new and more advanced technology has meant that you don't have to worry any more. You can even have concrete these days which imitates the look of natural stone, and even brick and flagstone effects. Your visitors won't know the difference, thanks to the authentic looks which can be achieved by patterns stamped into the concrete.

Tag : patio deck,concrete patio deck,patio deck designs,patio deck plans,patio deck covers

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The Proper Gap Spacing For Your Deck

Congratulations! You've made the decision to build a new deck or repair/replace an old one, and you've decided to use hidden deck fasteners for a flawless look. Now what? There are so many fasteners on the market, and each leaves different gap spaces. This article will help you make the correct choice of deck fasteners with the proper gap spacing for your type of deck.

Don't be fooled into thinking that all deck fasteners are created equal. That's just not the case. And please don't be fooled into thinking that one type of fastener is suitable for all types of decking materials. The type of fastener you choose should be dependent upon the type of decking you are building with. Is it composite, PVC, or hardwood? If it's hardwood decking, is it air-dried or kiln-dried? These questions are essential to the life and sustainability of your deck. Why does it matter? All decking materials will move (expand or contract) as it weathers. The change in temperature, humidity, and moisture can all affect the natural movement of deck boards. You want a fastener designed with these changes in mind.

If using air-dried decking, you want a hidden deck fastener that will leave a small gap space. The ideal space is 3/32". The moisture content in air-dried material is typically greater than 15%. As this material weathers, it loses a considerable amount of moisture and contracts in size. This opens that small space up just a bit and allows it to move and have adequate air flow.

If using kiln-dried decking, you want a hidden deck fastener that will leave a larger gap space. The ideal space is 1/4". Kiln-dried decking is the opposite of air-dried decking. Kiln-dried material typically has a moisture content below 15%. As this material weathers, it gains a considerable amount of moisture and expands in size. This larger gap space will eventually close up a bit as it naturally weathers.

If using composite decking, always check with the manufacturer's suggested gap spacing. Most are different and can require a space anywhere from 3/32" to 1/4" depending on the manufacturer and temperature at time of installation. This is absolutely crucial.

If using PVC decking, it is very similar to composite decking in that the manufacturer recommends a certain gap space. This gap space, like composite decking, can be anywhere from 3/32" to 1/4". PVC is more controlled by temperature so the recommended space in one area of the country may not be the same in another area of the country.

Another important step is to verify what type of decking you purchase. If purchasing hardwood, make certain that it is indeed air-dried or kiln-dried as you request. Unfortunately, I've seen many home owners that were unsure of the type of decking they purchased and just picked a generic deck fastener. You can imagine what happens when you use a deck fastener that is designed for 3/32" gap space and it is installed using kiln-dried deck boards. The kiln-dried deck boards will expand. With such a small gap space, there is nowhere for the deck boards to go so they warp, cup, and check. This leaves an unsightly and dangerous deck.

Although choosing the right deck fastener can seem daunting at first, it's actually quite simple once a few important questions have been asked. The most sound advice I can give is to ask questions, ask questions, ask questions. Ask what type of decking you are purchasing, ask what the manufacturer's suggested gap spacing is, and ask what gap spacing each hidden deck fastener leaves. If you are told that it doesn't matter, run as fast as you can to a more knowledgeable deck fastener source!

Tag :  patio deck,gap spacing,patio

Personal Design for Your Patio Deck

The patio deck is a social area of the house and how it is designed can say a million things about you. With the many designs available to choose from, you might be at a standstill in the selection process. Now, if you are an open-minded person, then this concept of personal design for your patio can greatly increase the chances of customizing the area according to your taste. The most common characteristics of the design that many people are looking for is a low maintenance, easy to install, and stylish patio.

Of course, a do-it-yourself patio design may need a little bit more time and effort to make, but this can also save you a whole lot. Basically, the idea here is to make sure that you are up for your own personal design in this social area of the house. Patios are usually placed either at the front or back side of the house. The placement of the patio can also contribute to the type of design you might be interested in.

There are three types of patio decks:

Concrete

The first type is the concrete type. This is the basic type of patio that is durable, low maintenance and easier to do. Concrete is almost like clay which can be textured and molded into whatever pattern you would like to have in your patio. There are slabs that can simply be put together like a big puzzle to create a dazzling pattern. In clean and well-kept gardens, most homeowners usually use concrete to hinder the growth of weeds -- that is, if the patio is next to the garden. For more innovative ideas, you can check the newest designs in home interior magazines, and if you need some of the suppliers, the yellow pages is a good place to start.

Flagstones

Flagstones or other natural rocks and bricks have also been increasingly popular among patio deck designs. That is because of the readily available supplies and easier management of the patio. In this type, you have to be able to fit the stones according to the vision or inspiration that you have in mind without having to end up with an overly structured patio. One good thing about the natural stones or bricks is that they can withstand the extremes of weather. This is a good investment for those who plan to have low maintenance and long-lasting design.

Wood

Of course, do not forget about the wooden patio decks. Not many homes can afford to have a wooden patio as the weather conditions can get in the way. Another thing is that there might be a little bit of uncertainty in the level of how long the structure could last. On the other hand, there are types of sturdy woods that can take on extreme weather, but these are usually more expensive than the conventional ones.

There are so many things that you can do when it comes to the design of your patio. This depends mainly on the material that you are planning to use. So, always be sure of the design you want, plan it, and purchase the necessary materials for building the patio. With your determination and personal touch, your patio deck would likely be the favorite social part of the house.

How To Build A Deck Step By Step The Easy Way

Once you have a solid set of instructions and sound decking plans to work with, building a deck need not be a difficult process, even for an inexperienced carpenter.

The technique I explain in this article is a professional deck installation method which can be used for deck heights between 350mm to 1.8m above ground level.

Inserting timber posts

1. Draw up your deck plan on paper first. (If you are stuck for ideas, there are plenty of resources online that supply deck plans) To be able to properly draw your deck design you will need to work out exactly where to position your posts and your purlin structure and joists.

2. Lay out the perimeter of your deck with string or line. If you are building a square deck , be sure to check diagonal measurements.

3. Mark the positions of your posts using an ink marker or chalk. Your posts should be approximately 1.5 - 1.8m apart.

4. Now dig the holes for your posts going approximately 400mm deep. Insert your posts into the holes, lining them up and bracing them, making sure that the bracing will hold them in place while the concrete sets. The post will be cut later so it doesn't matter how high they extend out of the ground.

5. Ensure your posts are plumb (level in the vertical plane.)

6. Pour some ready made concrete into the holes, filling them to the top.

7. Allow the concrete to set for 48 hours before pulling the timber bracing off and cleaning any concrete off the posts.

Purlin Stage

Purlins are horizontal beams running along the length of your deck to support the decking boards. The purlins are supported along their lengths by posts.

The purlin structure will run the same direction as the finished deck boards, which is normally parallel to the house / patio doors.

Decide what level you want your finished decking to be, then work out your post heights from this - calculate backwards.

Use a self-levelling laser level on a tripod to set levels over a large deck. Ensure any laser-level you use has been calibrated within the last 6 months.

Bolt 6" x 2" planks on their edge to either side of the posts, stagger your joists so that you don't end up with two joints on the same post. (Timber locks can be used instead of bolts as they are just as strong and much faster to use. Pre-drill the 6" x 2" timber first, insert at least two bolts or timber locks.

As an extra reinforcement insert a 4" x 2" dwarf leg between the 6" x 2" and the concrete base and attach it to the post with screws or timber locks. This will ensure that your substructure will last 20 years plus. This will transfer the load to the ground.

Water Run-Off
To create a water run-off you must create a slight slope on your decking. We will aim for a slope of about 1 in a 100. To achieve this we will set our levels using builders line. 50mm in 4.8m will create a 1 in 100 slope.

Dwarf legs can be used to reinforce the purlins. Once the purlins are positioned and bolted / timberlocked the purlin structure is now complete.

Joist Stage

Setting out the joists is now straight forward (ensure that the joists 4" x 2" (or 5 6" x 2") are regularised (that the joists are actually of same dimensions) - this is very important otherwise the deck could be uneven.)

Lay your joists out on top of the purlins at 90° to the purlin structure. The joists must be spaced at 250mm (10") apart. The joists can be fixed to the purlin structure using 80mm stainless steel screws or 3" galvinised nails. This should ensure the strength and durability for your decking to last two decades of use.

Now all that remains to be done is to insert bridging pieces between the joists to strengthen the joist structure. Use 10" (250mm) pieces to do this.

Bridging pieces 250mm (10") should be inserted between the joists to ensure a rigid, strong joist structure.

How to Stain a Deck - Tips From a Deck Contractor

There are several important aspects of finishing of a deck, and if stain is being used anywhere on your deck project, wood staining is one of them. A good stain will help protect your wood from sun and moisture damage, and when properly maintained, will add greatly to the life span and looks of your sundeck.

There are many different kinds of stains, and a main division between them is whether the product penetrates the wood, or attaches to it topically like a paint. My preference is a penetrating stain, but of course, there are pros and cons to each. For example, a penetrating stain will be much harder to remove should you choose to change pigment, but in return, offers a much better attachment to wood than a topical type.

Preparing The Wood

When applying a stain, the first consideration is the condition of the wood itself. It must be dry for proper adhesion, regardless of the type of stain used. Ideally, the wood's moisture content should be no greater than ten percent, and less is better. It is worthwhile using a moisture meter to check. A properly cured and dried wood will save labour and materials in the long run. I recommend sound planning that includes either buying dry or kilned wood stock for immediate use, or arranging storage for wet wood and then air drying it. A general rule for air drying is one year per inch of thickness. Use "stickers," squared or rectangular sticks of at least one inch thickness placed at right angles to your deck stock and every three to four feet apart along its length, and keep the weather from it.

Another important consideration is whether your wood deck surface will be smooth or rough. Rough decking means wood that has come directly from the sawmill, and has not been planed smooth using, guess what?... a mechanical device called a planer. It will not usually be dry enough to stain at this point. Rough deck wood offers a rugged look, and requires only cleaning to remove sawdust and accumulated dirt. If the wood is really dirty, don't buy it, but most accumulation can be removed using a stiff bristled brush (avoid wire brushes unless they have thin, pliable bristles and are used gently). Do not wash it using water. Instead, search for wood washing products at your building supply store, or using the internet. There are several good ones out there.

Most people prefer a smooth deck surface, however. Assuming your wood is dry and seemingly smooth, it is not yet ready for stain, and this is the only disadvantage to planed wood: it needs sanding. This is because of "planer hammer," a state resulting from the planning process that compresses the surface fibres of wood. This compression actually decreases the permeability of wood to coatings, topical or penetrating. Experiment a little on a scrap. An 80 grit sandpaper applied to the wood surface with even pressure will remove compressed surface fibres. To regain the smooth surface that you're looking for, finish off the sanding process with 120 grit, and continue with 180 grit if you're really finicky. Remember that this is not a cabinetry finish being applied; it is a surface that will take a beating from deckchairs, feet, and weather.

Note that sanding to remove planer hammer is particularly important on horizontal surfaces, and less so on vertical ones such as railing pales. Overall, these horizontal surfaces such as the deck surface itself and railing tops will bear most of the wearing influences.

Applying Coats

Probably one of the most important questions that comes up with staining projects is, How many coats? One coat stains are usually penetrating stains. They usually cost more, but save labour. I usually apply at least two coats of any stain regardless of type, but more is better. Never apply a coat thickly thinking this will save time. Nor do I sand between coats because I'm not going for a cabinetry finish. If you want this, experiment on scraps. It will pay off in terms of looks and longevity of deck coating, but add a lot of labour to your project unless you have specialised sanding equipment on hand. As always, research products thoroughly, ask questions, and once you've decided on a stain, read the label carefully.

Most of our staining projects are required in areas less than ideal for stain application. Because I take no chances at this important finishing stage, I've taken to ensuring dry applications that will guarantee good adhesion, despite what the nearby ocean or rainforest choose to do on a given day. This means using a weatherproof garage, or even setting up an outdoor shed to keep the weather off my projects. Such measures create a short term pain, long term gain scenario, but for me, means keeping to the production schedule. Yes, this means staining a board or two at a time, then, if possible, standing shorter lengths of wood up to dry to save space. I've never sprayed stain, believing a brushed-on finish more effective, but many will argue for spray-on applications. This approach makes a lot of sense when staining lathwork, which is a common application, and requires arduous brush time. At present, were I to spray on a stain, I would only do so on vertical surfaces which withstand weather much better.

Do You Have to Stain?

Finally, we come to the question of whether or not to stain. A properly applied stain protects the wood as mentioned, but if you're using a wood like heartwood cedar that resists inclement conditions, this consideration is largely an aesthetic one. Uncoated wood will generally turn grey within days. Also, some stains are not "green" products, requiring various processes that negatively affect the environment from manufacture to application and clean up. Fortunately, thanks to the internet, researching products that suit your needs is easier than ever.

I've almost forgotten to mention one very important element of getting a good stain coating on wood: some people enjoy doing it. And as is usually the case when pleasure in a job well done is involved, the result will be better. If you're planning a staining project, find this kind of person and treat them well.

Tag :  patio deck,stain,deck contractor,deck

Patio Decks - Choosing the Best Material for Your Deck Construction

When choosing a deck material you have a large selection of different types to choose from. You can go with anything form composite to treated wood or even recycled materials. It can be a little confusing or even a little overwhelming when you look at it from an uneducated point of view. With all the new materials popping up many people are still surprised when I say that I believe wood is still the number one option when it comes to how it looks. You do need to understand that not all wood is equal and some is better for decking than others. Some of the better choices for decking are teak, red wood or cedar. You may even go with a cheaper option like pine if you get it treated.

You should also be made aware that most wood will need more maintenance than your composite types do. Some of the better choices have the ability to withstand the elements quite nicely and will not be as hard to preserve. Exotic wood like teak is one of the best for building projects outside do to the fact that it is able to resist rot better than any other type out there. Ship builders have been using this wood for a long time because of its unique properties.

If you think about it for a minute you'll soon agree that any wood that can withstand the harsh elements of the sea would fare really well on a deck attached to your home. Having the budget for teak is not something that everyone has so you may want to consider a cheaper option that is also resistant to rot. Cedar is one of these types as well as red wood both are readily available in most areas. Even though they may not be as durable they still are quite effective as decking material. If you are planning on using one of these options for your deck then I suggest you look into what will be involved for maintenance and decide which router you want to take.

You may decide that you hate all the work involved in taking care of a wood deck and decide that a composite one is better for you. Composite decks will last a very long time without any maintenance, but in my opinion they do not have the look of a real wood deck. However, sometimes it is a balance between how much money you have, how much time and how you want it to look.

If you have money to spare and don't want a lot of maintenance then teak would be the best choice. If you need to save and aren't afraid of a little maintenance than go with either cedar or red wood.

A deck just isn't finished until you light it up. Visit Joes' site for a look at some outdoor deck lighting that will make your home shine.

Tag : patio deck,deck construction,material

Cantilevered Decks: Top 23 Waterproofing Tips

Covered patio or second floor deck leaking? Here are 23 simple moisture-proofing strategies to help prevent damaging water intrusion into your deck system.

Cantilevered structural deck systems safely separate exterior habitable areas from the surrounding ground surface environment. When covered, these deck (a. k. a. terraces, patios, etc.) structures shelter occupants from the undesirable effects of direct exposure to the outside environment. When elevated and structurally connected to building walls, these deck systems allow unobstructed panoramic views while safely supporting their occupant loads.

Building material products sensitive to adverse weather such as hardwood floors, unprotected structural wood members, and sheetrock must be adequately protected to prevent their damage and decay. Dry wood structural members can expand, twist, distort, and deflect unpredictably when exposed to ongoing excessive moisture. If rainwater infiltrates into the deck and wall structural cavities, it provides a continuous moisture source to the dry wood structural components supporting each deck (North and southeast decks). The result: structural component deflection which transfers excessive tension stress to its connected brittle material coverings causing visible stucco and tile separations. Here are twenty three tips to help waterproof your cantilevered patio deck:

1.Stucco penetrations such as metal deck railing should be properly flashed or integrated into the water-resistive barrier before lath and stucco installation.

2.Water-resistive barriers degraded by moisture exposure or damaged by tearing should be replaced before applying the stucco.

3.Place water resistive barriers to assure all exterior moisture sensitive material surfaces are completely covered.

4.Install wood based deck sheathing panels in accordance with APA requirements with 1/8 inch spaces between all meeting panel edges.

5.Water-resistive barriers that have been degraded by moisture exposure or damaged by tearing should be replaced prior to the application of stucco.

6.Place water resistive barriers to assure covering the entire exposed surface of the floor support beams and girders where possible without having to remove undamaged materials or demolishing functional structural connections.

7.Paper backed stucco lath shall have at least one barrier layer of an approved water resistant paper backing.

8.An approved water resistive barrier is one layer of No. 15 asphalt felt, free from holes and breaks, complying with ASTM D 226 for type I felt, or an equal alternative or better. Equal alternatives are DuPont Tyvek (Home wrap, Commercial wrap, and Stucco wrap) or equal.

9.Placement of at least two water resistant barrier layers is recommended (not required) between stucco metal lath and any untreated natural wood surface to enhance long term prevention of moisture infiltration into the stucco system.

10.Assure OSB sheathing substrates are classified as Exposure 1 or Exterior Grade.

11.Assure wood framing and wood based sheathing is reasonably dry with a moisture content of 19% or less when the water-resistant barrier and lath are installed.

12.A framing inspection should take place before a lath inspection. Appropriateness of flashings, treatments of penetrations and rough openings should be evaluated at that time.

13.Water-resistive barriers should be installed with staples that do not protrude through the back side of the sheathing.

14.Water-resistive barrier should be installed flat and taut to the substrate surface.

15.All flashings and water-resistive barriers should be installed for positive drainage.

16.Metal flashing materials should be a minimum 26 gauge galvanized sheet metal or anodized, coil coated or painted aluminum.

17.All trim accessories should be galvanized steel, zinc alloy or anodized aluminum.
18.Joinery of abutting ends of trim accessories should be spliced or lapped and sealed with appropriate sealant.

19.Joinery of flashing sections should be appropriately lapped, sealed and mended together by application of sealants, adhesive backed membrane or other appropriate means of continuity.

20.Any water-resistive barrier or membranes covering OSB joints should be lapped across said joints where appropriate and should remain unbroken where possible.

21.Expansion joints should be located at points where significant building movement is anticipated: Wall penetrations, structural plate lines, junctures of dissimilar substrates, existing construction joints (stone), columns and cantilevers.

21.Pullout resistance of drill and drive fasteners, power or powder actuated fasteners should meet the requirements of the fastener manufacturer.

23.If there is any question about the effectiveness of the pullout strength of drill and drive fasteners, power or powder actuated fasteners into concrete or concrete masonry block, sample testing is recommended.

Choosing the Best Material For Your Perfect Backyard Patio Deck

You want to build a deck on the back of your house, but you can't decide what material you want to use? This is a common problem especially with all the different types of woods and composites you can choose from these days.

First thing you need to decide is how much time do you want spend maintaining your deck because it doesn't matter how well built a deck is it will still need maintenance from time to time. Depending on what type of material you use will also determine how often.

Let's take a look at the choices we have first then you can decide on what you want to do. Wood is an option that a lot of people choose. It has been the number one deck building material for decades and is still used widely today because it's readily available for a reasonable price.

Some of the benefits of wood is that it will last for many years if it's taken care of properly. You need to purchase treated lumber and maintain it regularly by cleaning it with cleaning compounds and protecting it from the harsh weather with a sealer.

Your next choice is composite wood it is made of wood flour and a polymer. The best types are made from furniture quality maple wood flour and encapsulated in strong 100 percent virgin high-density polyethylene.

Using composite boards over wood has some unique advantages. For one it will not rot, splinter or crack like regular wood does. The polymer totally encapsulates the wood leaving it water resistant and free from mold and mildew attack.

Composite boards made of recycled plastic and wood have an advantage over 100% plastic also by being more ridged because of the reinforcement provided by the wood fibers.

If you still think that wood is a nicer material because you like the look of the wood grain then you should realize that composite boards come in 4 different wood colors and are shaped the same as regular boards and they show a wood grain.
 
You can saw, fit, router, and work with composite boards the same way as you do with regular wood with one real big added bonus. You don't have near the maintenance that comes with a 100% wood deck. One thing you should know is that after installing your composite deck you will notice some fading as it gets acclimatized to its new environment.

It is natural and will happen to all composite wood no matter which company you purchase it from.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jo_R_Green

Choosing the Best Material For Your Perfect Backyard Patio Deck

You want to build a deck on the back of your house, but you can't decide what material you want to use? This is a common problem especially with all the different types of woods and composites you can choose from these days.

First thing you need to decide is how much time do you want spend maintaining your deck because it doesn't matter how well built a deck is it will still need maintenance from time to time. Depending on what type of material you use will also determine how often.

Let's take a look at the choices we have first then you can decide on what you want to do. Wood is an option that a lot of people choose. It has been the number one deck building material for decades and is still used widely today because it's readily available for a reasonable price.

Some of the benefits of wood is that it will last for many years if it's taken care of properly. You need to purchase treated lumber and maintain it regularly by cleaning it with cleaning compounds and protecting it from the harsh weather with a sealer.

Your next choice is composite wood it is made of wood flour and a polymer. The best types are made from furniture quality maple wood flour and encapsulated in strong 100 percent virgin high-density polyethylene.

Using composite boards over wood has some unique advantages. For one it will not rot, splinter or crack like regular wood does. The polymer totally encapsulates the wood leaving it water resistant and free from mold and mildew attack.

Composite boards made of recycled plastic and wood have an advantage over 100% plastic also by being more ridged because of the reinforcement provided by the wood fibers.

If you still think that wood is a nicer material because you like the look of the wood grain then you should realize that composite boards come in 4 different wood colors and are shaped the same as regular boards and they show a wood grain.

You can saw, fit, router, and work with composite boards the same way as you do with regular wood with one real big added bonus. You don't have near the maintenance that comes with a 100% wood deck. One thing you should know is that after installing your composite deck you will notice some fading as it gets acclimatized to its new environment.