пятница, 22 июня 2018 г.

Read This Before You Build Your Deck

Read This Before You Build Your Deck

wood deck with patio dining set
Photo by Kristine Larsen

Expanding your living space by adding a deck is a great American tradition. Whether you plan to do it yourself or hire a pro, the key to success is factoring in all the critical design issues, picking the right material for your budget, climate, and lifestyle, and building a structure that will stand the test of time.


What Will You Do On Your Deck?


illustration of family meal on deck
Illustration by Eric Larsen

Let your favorite outdoor activities dictate its size, shape, and features.


Eat Family Meals

Make sure your table will fit comfortably. A good rule of thumb is to add 4 feet all the way around the table so that people can walk behind those who are seated.


Host Barbecues and Cocktail Parties


illustration of barbecue on deck
Illustration by Eric Larsen

Kick Back and Relax


illustration of woman relaxing on deck
Illustration by Eric Larsen

Test-Drive Your Layout


man outlining deck footprint
Photo by Kindra Clineff

pressure treated wood decking material
Photo by John David Becker/Time Inc. Digital Studio

If you want easy-care decking, choose manufactured boards; if looks trump all, opt for wood. Use our cheat sheet to help pick what"s right for you.


Pressure-Treated Wood

Pros: Easy to work with. Takes stains and waterproofing easily.

Cons: Will corrode unprotected metal fasteners and connectors. Boards can warp and crack. Requires frequent cleaning, resealing, and restaining.

Price: $


Know Your Materials: Composite


composite decking material
Photo by John David Becker/Time Inc. Digital Studio

Pros: Comes in a range of colors and textures. Long-lasting if cared for properly. Won"t splinter, crack, or rot.

Cons: Some products look less wood-like than others. Scuffs and scratches easily. Spills can leave stains.

Price: $$


Know Your Materials: PVC


pvc decking material
Photo by John David Becker/Time Inc. Digital Studio

Pros: Superior resistance to moisture. Doesn"t swell or shrink. Not prone to rot or termites. Easy to clean.


Cons: Some products look less wood-like than others. Boards can squeak when walked on.

Price: $$


cedar and redwood decking material
Photo by John David Becker/Time Inc. Digital Studio

Pros: Offers natural insect resistance. Weathers to a handsome shade of gray. Easy to work with.

Cons: Not available everywhere. Requires frequent maintenance and waterproofing.

Price: $$–$$$, depending on location.


tropical hardwood decking material
Photo by John David Becker/Time Inc. Digital Studio

Pros: Long-lasting if cared for properly. Offers natural resistance to rot and insects.

Cons: Quickly dulls cutting blades. Installation is labor-intensive.

Price: $$$


illustration of gaps between deck boards for draining
Illustration by Eric Larsen

illustration of deck hot tub
Illustration by Eric Larsen

Choose a Pattern: Basketweave


deck with basketweave plank pattern
Photo by Photoshot/Redcover/Henry Wilson

Choose a Pattern: Accent Boards


deck with accent boards plank pattern
Choose a Pattern: Accent Boards

What"s New: Jig and Screw Kit


jig and screw deck kit
What"s New: Jig and Screw Kit

What"s New: Deck Stain


earth paint deck stain
What"s New: Deck Stain

What"s New: Composite Boards


decking composite boards
What"s New: Composite Boards

deck design for a sloped yard
Photo by Brad Simmons/Esto

Design for a Sunny Spot


deck design for a sunny spot
Photo by William P. Steele

deck design for yards with trees
Photo by Deborah Whitlaw LLewellyn

deck design for yards with trees
Design for Dense Neighborhoods

illustration of rules and regulations book
Illustration by Eric Larsen

deck riser light
Finishing Touches

The right details give each deck its individuality. Let the style of your house and the furniture you choose influence the look of the fixtures you add and the way the woodwork is trimmed.


Riser Light

Codes already mandate stairway lighting; this option sets the mood and keeps the climb safe.


Highpoint; about $25; deckdepot.com


Finishing Touches: Post-Base Trim


deck post base trim
Finishing Touches: Post-Base Trim

Finishing Touches: Post Cap


deck post cap
Finishing Touches: Post Cap

Finishing Touches: Baluster Connector


deck baluster connector
Finishing Touches: Baluster Connector

Finishing Touches: Lattice Skirt


deck lattice skirt
Photo by Courtesy of American Deck Northwest

man powerwashing deck
Photo by Paul Bardagjy

Tom Silva attaching the ledger of an on-grade deck
Photo by David Carmack

If this weight-bearing board that connects the deck to your house isn"t installed properly, your deck could collapse. It must be bolted, not nailed, to the house"s structure, and fully flashed to keep the wood from rotting. Check out How to Build a Simple Deck to see Tom Silva demonstrate how to install and protect the ledger.


Original article and pictures take http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20489054_20949324,00.html site


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