Deck construction can be a daunting task if you’ve never done it before. It’s not as hard as it looks, though. This post will give you some tips and tricks to help you get your project done in a timely manner.
Boards
To ensure your deck lasts for many years, you need to do some prep work before you start building. You should cut your boards to size, then measure the length of the board’s top edge from the inside edge of each individual joist to find where to make a straight cut. Cutting 10-12 inches off of a one-by-four will save you time and make the process much easier.
Installation
The best way to install your decking is by laying out all the boards on level ground with two two-by-fours nailed together at an angle over them. Place one side of the two-by-four on top of a joist and face away from it, then nail down the decking so that it covers both sides of the assembly. Nail through each board into its own joist and use a framing square to ensure you’re getting good contact between the joists and your nails.
Footings
When you build a deck, you should dig up the ground and create a trench for your footings. This is important because it will help prevent water from leaking into your home during wet conditions. If the surface you use is hard (like concrete, galvanized pipe, or brick) you’ll need to anchor the timber posts before pouring the footings. Also, if you’re not sure what supports to use due to attenuating circumstances, you may benefit from adjustable deck footings.
The best part of building a deck is being able to enjoy its beauty at the end of the project. By following the right steps, you may be able to do just that.
