How to Lay Decking - Planning Your Deck - A Quick Checklist

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.

Click here [http://www.howtolaydecking.org] for more information and get detailed plans on how to lay decking. With careful planning and knowledge you can have a deck that looks amazing and lasts a lifetime. Check out www.howtolaydecking.org [http://www.howtolaydecking.org]

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Dangerous Decks - Quick Tips For Safety and Peace of Mind

Decks are thought of as places for us to enjoy-to entertain or relax. But before we can really relax on our decks, we need to know that they are safe.

According to experts, the deck is the most dangerous place in the house. More injuries and more deaths occur on decks than anywhere else, and of all structural failures other than those caused by hurricanes and tornadoes, collapsing decks cause the most damage. Between 2000 and 2006, there were 30 fatalities in the United States alone.

If you already have a deck, it's probably in need of an annual "deck check."

The North American Deck and Railing Association recommends that you check different areas of the deck for splitting or decay. This is especially important on the ledger board, where the deck meets the house. Poke the wood with a sharp screwdriver or an ice pick. If you can easily penetrate the wood to a quarter or half inch, or it you break off wood without splinters, there may be decay. If so, the wood should be replaced.

Check for small holes in the wood. Those may be signs of insect damage and you might need to call a professional exterminator.

Put pressure on your railings and banisters to make sure they are secure. Then check all fastening hardware such as screws, nails, and anchors for loose items that need to be tightened.

Here is some important information if you are planning on building your own deck.

It's estimated that this year 2,500,000 decks will be built in the US. Many of these will be built by homeowners themselves, people who may not be aware of the importance of correct building requirements for long-term deck safety.

Part of the problem is that the U.S. national building codes offer little coverage on residential decks and local building codes vary greatly. It's important to check with your local government agency that issues building permits before starting on your deck.

Remember that most deck failures occur at the place where the deck joins the house. Make sure you use quality fasteners of more than sufficient strength and durability. Treated lumber contains copper that can corrode steel fasteners, so check the corrosion-resistance of the kind you select.

Plan on putting an additional support under the deck next to the house. This can act as a fail-safe in case the deck were to fail and can prevent serious injury.

If you are building your deck with wood, you might want to consult the International Residential Code for building materials. It offers tables that recommend what size boards to use. For example, the IRC suggests that if you use pine wood for floor joists, you need to use 2" x 10" boards, spaced 24" on center to span 13'. It also gives guidance for railings: 36" minimum height with posts no greater than 6' apart and attached with 2.5" diameter through bolts and washers.

If you are planning on using composite materials such as the popular Trex@, there is a web site that gives strength specifications on a variety of manufacturer's products

The wonderful feeling of recreation and repose that a deck can provide shouldn't be compromised by concerns for safety. Taking the time and expense to ensure that your deck is a safe place for you and your family pays dividends in years of peace of mind.

Jonathan Scott runs an outdoor living space blog and is a purchasing manager for Umbrella Market Place, an on-line store for discount custom patio, market, and commercial umbrellas. More information can be found at [http://www.umbrellamarketplace.com]

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