More home improvement pleasure: The Joy Of Decks
by Roger Faris
Relaxing on an outdoor deck can bring contentment. A fictional character, Rockburg Police Chief Mario Balzic, stood on his new deck and realized that he was experiencing a new sensation. For the first time in his life, he had a feeling of wealth. The Chief had hired a carpenter who built a serviceable rectangular structure. His satisfaction might have been enhanced by doing the job himself, or by working on the design. Proper materials and construction methods will yield a safe and long lasting addition. With more attention to the details you may even create a work of art, win friends and influence people.
Good deck planning begins with an evaluation of the site and anticipated uses. Factors which need to be considered include orientation to sun, wind and view. Space and privacy needs also influence the size, shape and location of the deck, along with patterns of socializing, seating and foot traffic. Basic safety requires that a deck which is high off the ground be especially sturdy and must include a guard rail which will prevent anything (or anyone) larger than a four inch sphere from squeezing through.
Building code, land use, and permit requirements apply to all decks built more than eighteen inches from the ground. Limitations on the amount of your property that may be covered with structures may affect the size of your deck. Fortunately, smaller decks are often attractive and inviting. They are also less expensive to build and maintain.
I like the appearance of decks which extend somewhat beyond their supporting posts. This is called cantilever design. The posts and beam are less obtrusive. If the deck has a waterproof surface, this design also protects the posts, piers, and footings from the elements. Some deck shapes and patterns complement the architecture of the house and fit well with the landscaping. It's important to explore several design options on paper.
The challenge in architecture is to find the best design solutions to meet all of the functional and aesthetic needs. After the right basic plan has been chosen from competing alternatives, give thought to details. The little touches that add beauty to the project don't happen by accident.
I recommend borrowing ideas from experts. One easy way to do this is to look through the pages of Fine Homebuilding, Sunset, and other shelter magazines. These are filled with examples of careful selection of materials, and show how the size, spacing, and patterns of the components can provide harmony and proportion. Subtle details such as curves or rounded edges have a remarkable effect on the overall appearance. Professional designs often include benches, planters, trellises, and other elements which transform a basic platform into a beautiful extension of the living space. Detailed drawings will assure that everything looks right and is structurally sound.
Research psychologists have discovered that if you build your own deck, you double your fun. This is the pride-in-accomplishment factor. The construction process, however, is not guaranteed to be all pleasure. If you are not careful, it can be hard on your back, or worse, but at least the sawdust and commotion are kept outdoors.
The first construction step is to establish the location of the support footings and piers. Careful measurements at this stage simplify the rest of the project. The size of the concrete footings depends on how much weight they will be bearing, and on soil conditions. Your building inspector needs to look at the placement of steel rebar before the forms are filled with concrete.
Pressure treated lumber is used for deck framing. It resists damage from fungus and insects. Buy more than you need so that warped or damaged pieces can be set aside. A large selection of steel hardware is available to help you make strong connections between the various parts of the structure. A drill, wrench, hammer and level are some of the necessary tools. Clamps and another set of hands are also a great help.
Select and install the deck material carefully. This is the part that shows. I recommend using Dec Klips to secure outdoor wood decking. These little metal connectors eliminate unsightly surface nails. The original version of this invention also provides a small air gap between the planks and joists, which helps to discourage decay. To avoid cracking, drill a pilot hole whenever you are installing a nail near the end of any board.
The final stages of deck construction can seem to drag on. You want say "Bob's your uncle" and have everything wrapped up, but it's worth taking extra time to carefully finish the rails, stairs, benches, privacy screens, and so on. It's also good to protect exposed wood with a preservative stain or a clear water repellent product.
There, you're done! You can grill some yellow peppers on the new barbecue and experience outdoor western living. While you are enjoying the good life, let your mind wander to more opportunities for home improvement. They never end.
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