All Hands On Deck

So you want a deck. You can already picture yourself

with a cold beverage in one hand and a copy of

your favourite magazine in the other, lounging in

your hammock on a sunny afternoon. It's a nice dream...

and one that can happen with a little deck know-how. In

fact, a deck is one of the most basic structures in

home construction.

Planning a deck doesn't require an architect or

a drafting professional-most do-it-yourselfers

have the skills to build one. A hand-drawn sketch is

sufficient for purchasing materials, getting a permit, and

guiding construction.

The most important part of deck construction is the

plan. It's essential to lay it out in detail because it will

serve as a guide throughout construction, so it needs to

be properly sized and drawn for existing codes and

lumber tolerance.

According to www.hometime.com (the website of the

television show Hometime), the following issues are key in

building a deck:

How will the deck lay in relation to

the house?

This is probably the most crucial issue, since many factors

have to be considered and accommodated in the deck

plan: the home's design, access in and out of the house (the project doubles in scope if a new door has to be

installed), the space available outside, the grade of the

yard that impacts the deck's height, and existing trees

or gardens.

How will it connect to the house?

Decks can be free-standing, but for convenience most

people want it attached to the house. That raises

questions about how the siding will be cut away at the

point of attachment and whether solid house framing is

accessible at that point to properly support the deck.

What kind of wood will be used for

deck boards?

Redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated pine are popular

options. Each resists moisture decay, and even though

they look very different when new, they all weather to a

similar shade of grey. Many people prefer one over the

others, but your choice will probably be determined by

price, availability, and quality, which vary greatly for each

of these options.

Do I need a building permit?

Most municipalities require a building permit for the

construction of any deck, especially if it's to be attached to

a house or is more than 30 inches above the ground. A fee is involved with most permit applications, but it covers

the cost of a plan review before construction and the field

inspections that will be done after work begins.

How do I estimate the materials I need?

If you bring the dimensions with you, most home

centres and lumberyards will estimate the amount of

lumber and other materials necessary.

What other materials will I need?

• Ready-mix or bagged concrete
• Concrete pier blocks
• Caulk
• Exterior construction adhesive
• Half-inch stainless steel drift pins
• Joist hangers
• Galvanized flashing
• Galvanized/coated common and casing nails
• Galvanized/coated screws
• Lag screws, washers
• Carriage bolts, washers, nuts

Hopefully this handy advice will whet your appetite

for building the deck of your dreams. And just

think of the end result-the extra value you'll add to

your home, as well as the extension of your outdoor

living space by a significant number of square feet in the

summer months.