Wood Deck Materials
The most popular choice of deck materials in the US, primarily because it is long-lasting and the most economical. About 80% of pressure treated wood is Southern yellow pine, although other plentiful local species are used in some areas. Grain ... [... more]
Decks |
Introduction to Decking
The surface of the deck is made of decking. You can think of it as the skin of your deck. The deck frame is like the skeleton that presents the mass and structure of the deck while the decking presents a thin layer of covering for use. Decking is ... [... more]
Decks |
Reinforcing Deck Rim or Band Joists
It is advisable to increase the rigidity and strength of your deck's rim or perimeter in order to reduce bounce and provide a solid foundation for your rail system. This can be accomplished in a couple of ways. You may want to install double rim ... [... more]
Decks |
Deck Railing Top Cap
Most wood guard rails use a top cap to finish the top of the rail. This component is usually a 2x6 board laid flat and run across the narrow side of the 2x4 top rail. The purpose of the top cap is both aesthetic and functional. The flat surface ... [... more]
Decks |
Deck Joists Sizing and Spacing
The layout term for joists is "On Center" which is the center to center measurement from one joist to the next. Most decks use 16" on center spacing for joists. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16". Some [... more]
Decks |
A Pier Poured Above Grade
This footing type uses a concrete pier that extends from the footing base to above grade. There are several variations of this footing type that are commonly used. Small diameter footings may use a cardboard form tube that is set to the ... [... more]
Decks |
Porch Anatomy
Before we start we want to show you our 16 porch plans. 10'x10' to 16'x16 in different sizes. The top of the roof frame is covered using tongue and groove plywood. The plywood is wrapped in roofing felt before adding 3-tab asphalt shingles. Roofs ... [... more]
Decks |
Symmetry / Geometry
Geometry is one of the world's oldest sciences. It is a part of mathematics concerned with size, shape, and relative position of figures with properties of space. Most man made structures are built from a repeated use of uniform materials in ... [... more]
Decks |
Post Base Connectors
Post bases are hardware items designed to attach the decks support posts to the top of the concrete footing pier. Post bases have an elevated bottom compartment with an opening that is designed to lock into a concrete anchor which is embedded in ... [... more]
Decks |
Checking the Houses Framing Condition
As a general rule it is best to attach the ledger board directly to the house rim board at the same level as the house floor by fastening through the solid house band into the house floor trusses. If the deck will be built at a different relative ... [... more]
Decks |
Deck Guardrail Requirements
Guardrails for decks must meet specific requirements as are laid out in the International Residential Code. The most basic regulation is that all guardrails must be at least 36" in height. A variety of styles are allowed as long as the interior ... [... more]
Decks |
Budget Considerations
Calculating a construction budget is like an equation with three variables: 1) Cost 2) Square Footage 3) Quality of Materials. You can control two of these variables which will produce the third, but you can't control all three simultaneously. A ... [... more]
Decks |
