A Beginner's Manual to Deck Construction
A growing number of American residential owners today have resolutely taken up the challenge of constructing and accomplishing numerous home improvement projects without seeking professional help. These new breed of do-it-yourselfers have truly redefined the modern homeowners of today and have taken upon themselves to educate and learn various tricks of the trade sans the experience and expertise to speak of.
If you find yourself to be among these highly creative individuals, then it's best to learn a few handy things about deck construction. Generally, a deck is considered to be a floor structure, more than just an extension to your living space. Deck construction primarily consists of the decking or flooring material, beams and posts that holds the whole unit up from the ground. There are a number of deck designs to choose from depending on your personal preference and functional requirements. Among the popular deck construction today are the rectangular, square, free form and the multilevel designs that never seem to add an interesting detail to any home exterior. As with any other home improvement projects, careful planning can significantly help in saving time and money in the long run, so make sure to make also the necessary considerations to avoid making costly mistakes.
Among the major elements that are required in deck construction includes concrete footings, concrete piers, ledger, posts, joists, beams, rim joists, and decking. So people often opt to include other structural enhancements such as railings, stairs and benches. Since the deck is primarily an exterior structure, the materials used should be able to withstand constant direct exposure to extreme weather conditions. This means that if you want to use wood for your deck construction, it should be rot resistant. Among the great choices for wooden beams, post, and joints are the pressure treated lumbers that are known to provide sturdy support. As for the deck flooring material, the clear winners are cypress, redwood, and cedar, on the other hand, the piers and footings are usually made of concrete that are precast or those that are poured into place to effectively support the weight of the structure. If you deck construction is directly attached to a part of, an end of the deck should be supported by a level pressure treated post, ledger boards should also be bolted to the frame or foundation of the house.
There are a number of online sites that readily offers step-by-step guides and helpful tips for deck construction. If you have no experience in construction of any type of structures, then it's best to allow the professionals to do it.
