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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.
One of the most popular trends in home development today is outdoor living. Homeowners all over the country are expanding their living spaces to include the outdoors, building versatile living spaces that feature everything from quiet places to read to fully functional outdoor entertaining spaces complete with kitchens and dining.
No matter how ambitious your plans are, adding a deck is a great way to enhance the value of your home and expand your living space to include new horizons. Here are some great reasons why you should consider adding a deck to your Ocean City beach house.
Few things add hard value to your home more than outdoor living areas. Experts agree that a deck offers a 100% return in value. You’ll get back every cent you spend building a deck when you sell your home, and the additional curb appeal will help you sell it faster. Do-it-yourself and you’ll realize an even greater return on your investment. Decks are the hottest trend in the home-buying market.
If you like to host parties for friends, a deck is the perfect way to add functional space where people can gather and still breathe freely. Decks are less claustrophobic than crowded rooms, and spills and other potential damage are less costly to repair or clean up. Add an outdoor grill or a portable bar and raise the level of a simple deck to a real outdoor entertaining space.
Decks give a whole new perspective to outdoor comfort. Far from the simple porches of the past, modern decks offer a versatile and comfortable way to enjoy your own little slice of nature. Strategically placed plants offer privacy and a feeling of nature even in the city. Enjoy the wood under your feet, the greenery around the edges and the open sky to create a peaceful haven to escape from the stresses of life.
There are more decking materials on the market now than ever before. Express your design aesthetic with natural or composite materials, from exotic hardwoods to rustic pine, from stone flooring to a brick fireplace, and from a simple, traditional diagonal to a complex geometric design. There are also a variety of construction choices, starting with traditional brass or steel screws and hardware and including fasteners that are entirely hidden.
Outdoor living is such a popular trend that the market has responded with a huge variety of products built for outdoor living, from fire pits and fireplaces to outrageously comfortable seating arrangements designed to make your outside spaces as beautiful and versatile as the inside of your home.
Two words: form and function. Many homeowners use decks as places to plant herb or container gardens, to enhance the dinner table while adding natural beauty to the outdoor décor.
Contact Apex Construction and let us begin building your new deck today!
