How To Lay Decking- Planning Your Deck -a Quick Checklist
- Date: 2010-04-26 - Word Count: 459
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Planning your deck is a big project. You will undoubtedly get some help along the way. There are many things to think about. Where will it be situated? How supported? What materials to use? So many things to decide. What we will do here is give you a basic checklist to help streamline the process for you and hopefully make it easier and faster for you to start enjoying your new deck.
• How big will your deck be? This will be determined by where you are planning to put it and the building regulations in your area. This is however critical in your planning. Take measurements and maybe even lay out the area with some string so you can visualize what it will look like. Maybe you are too close to an existing structure. Possible you forgot to consider a stairway or other access point. Do a quick walk-through first.
• Consider how your deck will need to be supported. The decking boards must bear the weight to you, your guests and your family for years to come. Proper support is essential. You will most likely have to dig for concrete footers to support the wood frame. Can you dig where you want your deck? How big will the footers need to be? Even if you are hiring someone it is good to go through the process to increase your knowledge of the project.
• What type of materials do you want for your deck? Do you need to use the same type as already exists on the property for aesthetic reasons. Is the deck for a commercial application such as a restaurant where maintenance free may be the best choice? There are many wood, composite and engineered products available today. Look at all of your options and make the best choice based on your budget and the look and feel you want for your deck.
• How will your deck be held together? You do not want a deck that has nails popping up a few years after it was built. Nails are less expensive to install and leave a less visible hole than screws. Screws will hold the decking boards down better and can be easily removed should a repair be necessary. They are also more time-consuming to install. Both nails and screws are available with weather resistant coatings or in stainless steel.
So there is a lot to think about. Hopefully here we have given you enough food for thought to get thing moving. Careful planning of your deck will make for your greater enjoyment and use of it for years to come. Do your own research, be aware of what your options are and you can ensure your deck turns out the way you like. Don't be shy about asking for help.
• How big will your deck be? This will be determined by where you are planning to put it and the building regulations in your area. This is however critical in your planning. Take measurements and maybe even lay out the area with some string so you can visualize what it will look like. Maybe you are too close to an existing structure. Possible you forgot to consider a stairway or other access point. Do a quick walk-through first.
• Consider how your deck will need to be supported. The decking boards must bear the weight to you, your guests and your family for years to come. Proper support is essential. You will most likely have to dig for concrete footers to support the wood frame. Can you dig where you want your deck? How big will the footers need to be? Even if you are hiring someone it is good to go through the process to increase your knowledge of the project.
• What type of materials do you want for your deck? Do you need to use the same type as already exists on the property for aesthetic reasons. Is the deck for a commercial application such as a restaurant where maintenance free may be the best choice? There are many wood, composite and engineered products available today. Look at all of your options and make the best choice based on your budget and the look and feel you want for your deck.
• How will your deck be held together? You do not want a deck that has nails popping up a few years after it was built. Nails are less expensive to install and leave a less visible hole than screws. Screws will hold the decking boards down better and can be easily removed should a repair be necessary. They are also more time-consuming to install. Both nails and screws are available with weather resistant coatings or in stainless steel.
So there is a lot to think about. Hopefully here we have given you enough food for thought to get thing moving. Careful planning of your deck will make for your greater enjoyment and use of it for years to come. Do your own research, be aware of what your options are and you can ensure your deck turns out the way you like. Don't be shy about asking for help.
Related Tags: project, deck, decking, how to lay decking
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