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Apex Construction was commissioned to build a new deck on an ocean front Bethany Beach residence. We also recently improved a deck/porch for an Ocean City, MD residence as well. A deck or porch is a great way to add value and appeal to your property. If you have an old deck or would like to improve your property by having one built, please contact us for questions and a free consultation. Below are 10 tips to consider when undergoing a deck installation project. Contact Apex Construction today!
When it comes to decks, the choices are far more varied than plain wood. There are a wide variety of both synthetic and natural materials. The different woods available include redwood, mahogany, Ipe, and more.
The last thing anyone wants is to spend a whole summer building a beautiful deck, only to find out it must be ripped up because there was no building permit. There are codes to abide by in most towns if the deck is higher than 18 inches, or if it's over 100 square feet.
Think about exactly where the deck is going to be built. Location, design and materials are the most important things to think about. Should it be directly in the sun, or shade or should it be near the pool? What type of access should it have to the house and how does it relate to the neighbors' house?
The first thing to do is dig and build the pier footings. These are going to support the weight of the deck. Check the building codes in your area to find out how deep you have dig for the footing. It will depend on the frost line in your climate.
When installing the ledger board, it's very important that it is level and flat. A ledger board is typically a 2x8 or 2x10 put up against the home. It has to be cut to the correct length. To try and move a ledger board once it's bolted on is a waste of time and money.
The sun does incredible damage to wood decks. Paint is one of the most desirable things to put on any structure because it's full of sunscreen. It keeps the sunrays from breaking down the material. On top of the paint, apply a clear coat of oil or water-based sealant.
Once the ledger boards are attached to the house, typically there will be a girder, which is going to run parallel to the ledger board. Make it square by using a 3-4-5 triangle.
The level of the deck floor is determined by the joists, but since boards aren't always perfectly straight, you could still end up with a wavy floor. If a board has a curve or cup to it, the raised side or outer curve is known as the crown. When installing the joists, make sure the crown side faces up.
There are fasteners for mounting deck boards so that screws aren't visible. The fasteners are easily used and come in a variety of styles. Certain woods can only be used with certain fasteners. Do a little research to find out the preferred style and make sure it fits with the materials being used.
Wood will expand and contract depending on the climate. When installing a wooden deck, make sure the boards have at least 1/8 inch between them so there is room for expansion. If not, the boards will start pressing against each other and the fasteners will snap.
