It is important, of course, to make certain the deck does not seal access to any utility or drainage lines. If you aren't sure of the location or depth of burried electric, telephone, gas, water or sewer lines, contact your utilities before you dig.
Keep in mind how you intend to use your deck. Will it accommodate benches, lounge chairs, perhaps a table for outdoor dining? How many people will be using the deck at any given time? These are elements which must be considered in planning for proper size and design.
Once you have dicided on the basic size, shape and location of your deck, Check local building codes. You may find that there are restrictions to height and size within your sub-division or community. A construction permit will probably be needed, but don't apply for one until you've finalized your planning.
Decks consist of six parts:
In order to fully understand what a deck is, keep the following in mind. A deck is simply a platform or floor raised above the ground, This structure through the use of a ledger or beam bolted to a wall. The platform is composed of a frame with a wood surface. This is much the same as a house with a wood floor.
STAIRS:
Probably no aspect of deck construction requires more thought than stair building, Largely because there are so many variables that can change from deck to deck.
You need to decide how wide the steps will be and you need to determine the number of steps needed. This can be costly if calculated incorrect.
RAILING:
Most decks need railings for safety and appearance. They must be sturdy and attached to the deck firmly. Railings can be elaborate, Offering as much opportunity for individual prefrence. Benches can be intergrated into the railig on one or all sides. Privacy screens can enhance the beauty of your deck, as well as offer you privacy. They can also be used under an elevated deck to create a storage facility or hide an unsightly hillside.
* You should refer to building code requirements in your area for minimum hight standards for the top rails and minimum spacing requirements for balusters and spindles.
WATER REPELLANT:
Any exposed wood, pressure treated or not, should be protected from the weather. Application of a water repellant or semi-transparent stain will help minimize warping, checking, or splitting.
A clear water repellant can be applied immediatly to new pressure treated wood as soon as the surface has dryed. The dryness of the wood surface can be tested by sprinkling a few drops of water on the woods surface. If the water is rapidly absorbed by the wood, a semi-transparent stain can be applied. If the is not readily absorbed, wait a few days and test again.
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