Wooden Deck Basics

The basics for a wooden deck are quite simple. They basically consist of frames with decking and railing that needs to be put together. Options for including add-ons like built-in benches, water pools, privacy screens, multiple levels and pergolas come later. Overall, the framework remains much the same for deck basics. You start off by pouring the footers and installing posts before constructing the frame. Footers ensure that the deck will never move. They are especially essential when you plan to have increased weight on your deck. Footers are bell-shaped concrete forms that act as anchors for the deck.

Posts are installed to support the weight of the deck. You can either have the posts placed into the concrete or sit them up on poured concrete piers. Once the concrete is done drying and the posts are sturdy, the frame can be built. The post will support most of the frame, but the house also acts as part of the anchor. For this reason, ledger boards are attached to the house and the joists are built out from there and attached to the ledger boards with joist hangers. This process is fairly simple, but crucial. Finally you attach the decking. This part of the process allows you to start seeing the deck come together. It is laborious work. Once this is done then you can install the rails around the decking. Railing is essential as it provides safety. Railing designs ought to be selected for maintenance apart from aesthetics.

Decks are constructed of traditional wood or from composite decking. For wooden decks you need to make sure to treat the wood with weather protecting stain or paint so that it lasts for long. Cleaning the deck regularly with a hose will keep dirt and grime off the surface and keep it ship shape.