Decking

We do not carry deck plans however, by searching with the terms deck plans or building plans on the Internet, you will be able to find websites that do have plans for various deck designs.

There are many “how-to” books and websites that can aid in the designing and building of a strong deck. You should also consult your local building code authorities to obtain the relevant building regulations for your area.

There are several different types of material you can choose to use when building your deck. Wood is a popular option due to its wide availability and affordable price. Cedar is a good choice as it’s lightweight but strong, which you’ll want if you plan on having a high amount of traffic on the deck. The oils that occur in cedar are resistant to pesky insects so the deck won’t break down. Redwood is another material that’s common for decks, particularly on the West Coast. Composite is another material that’s popular. Composite is made from recycled plastics and wood fibers.

The price of your deck will depend on how big it is. The larger the square footage, the more material will be needed. If building a deck made out of composite material, it typically averages around $1.50-$3.00 per square foot. For wood decks, the cost is similar, with the average ranging from $1.25-$3.00 per square foot. You’ll have to also account for any extras you might have, such as railings. Some decks can also have the benches built into them, so that will be extra material on top of the basic cost.

If you’re building a simple deck, you may be able to do it on your own. Single level decks are easier to build and take less time. You’ll want to make sure the foundation you’re building on is solid. The posts will also need to be attached correctly so the deck will be stable. If you’ll have multiple levels and features on your deck, it may be time to call in a professional. You can tell them everything you want on the deck, such as a hot tub, so they can expertly measure everything out.

At a minimum, allow 18 inches of open air underneath the joists that have open sides to increase cross ventilation.

When cutting the wood to fit your deck, make sure the planks are sealed within 24 hours. Use an end grain sealant where the wood was cut. It’s important to make sure no sealant gets on the part of the wood that will be walked on, though. If this happens, immediately wipe it off.

Sealing the deck is almost as important as building it correctly. Being outdoors every day in the sun and rain can quickly take a toll on it. First, test your deck to make sure sealing it will work by sprinkling water on it. If the water drops get absorbed, the deck can be sealed. When you’re ready to apply the sealant, make sure the deck is dry and clear of any debris. Apply a thin coat over the wood, making sure not to let any puddles form. Continue with the rest of the deck, making sure the sealant is applied evenly.

Throughout the year, you’ll need to maintain your deck to make sure it lasts for years down the road. If your deck is starting to look a little dirty, you can use a deck cleaner to get some of the dirt and grime off. You can also reapply a sealant once it’s clean, if needed. To help preserve it, clean up any food or drink that falls on it right away. If you spill something acidic or dark in color like wine, this can end up permanently staining the wood. Clean and dry it to keep it looking nice.

Residential delivery: This is delivery to the curbside/driveway of your residence. As indicated, the buyer is required to unload, and this normally requires a couple of persons. For one lift of decking, it is not a long job. Due to the dimensions of decking, lift gates are not possible.Commercial delivery: For this type of delivery, a warehouse location with access to a loading/unloading ramp and a forklift are necessary to ensure quick unloading of the product. Terminal pick up: You have the option of pickup at the nearest terminal to you, with the help of our trucking partner. You will need a good flat bed trailer/truck for forklift loading. Warehouse pick up: If you have the ability to pick up at the warehouse select this option at the checkout stage of your transaction. This option also requires a good flat bed trailer/truck that can be loaded by a forklift in an industrial operation.

General wisdom suggests that a north or east facing deck is likely to enjoy more breezes, which can dry rainfall, and lessen exposure to the sun. Sometimes a north facing deck can be subject to higher winds in the fall and spring months, which may limit its use. A north facing deck in more rainy regions can sometimes mean mold growth. Other factors related to your property that can impact a deck’s exposure include tall trees that block out sunlight and reduce wind. Since you know the details of your property, you are the best judge for your new deck’s location.