When it comes to installing a deck, there are many options and considerations. Some of the most important considerations include proper preparation, waterproofing, support framing, footings and more. This article will take you through some of the basic tips on preparing for your upcoming deck project.
There is a certain amount of preparation that has to be done before any wood deck installation can begin. While each project might vary slightly, all should involve some careful planning and measuring – even if this step means taking precise measurements from an existing deck in order to get an idea of what size you need for your new deck or patio cover structure. After deciding how big you want your new living area to be – it’s time to get prepared.
A simple deck installation tip is to always check that any frame you plan to build on top of will be able to support the weight of your new deck or patio cover – and anything else that might be put on top of it like furniture, plants or equipment. While a beam can only bear a certain amount of stress and pressure, most decks can be built using wood beams that are cut from logs, called joists, which allow for great flexibility in terms of how heavy or big the deck frame can be. Another important part of proper preparation involves making sure that you have enough space around the area where your deck will go – both above and below ground level – so there’s plenty of room for building work on one side, while leaving an escape route for any digging equipment and other heavy machinery on the opposite side.
Other deck installation tips include deciding which type of materials you will use for your new living area – whether this is wood or some kind of composite material like plastic or fibre glass, and then choosing the right equipment, tools and support structure that can help you do a professional job – along with a list of all the materials required to get the job done properly.
Another important part of preparing for a successful finish involves checking that your local building code allows for such types of projects in general within city boundaries, as there are most likely going to be rules about how high up the wall should be built, how many planks can go into each layer and so on.
Ultimately, the best way to prepare for a new deck is by getting your local contractor or deck builder to come over and have a look at how much room you have, what materials are available near by and how strong the ground underneath will be able to hold all of it up – and then take it from there. The more preparation that is done before any wood deck installation begins, the smoother the process should go in general.
