When building a raised wood deck, there are several factors to consider. These factors include the substructure, decking system, and cost. You can also choose the right builder to build your deck. To find out if your deck will be safe, read on. Also, consider the type of trees in your area. Some trees have complicated root systems and produce leaves that can trap moisture on your deck and cause rotting. In addition, some types of trees attract wood pests. Regular inspections are essential to determine which trees pose a threat.
Inspection
Before building your deck, it’s essential to understand the substructure of your deck. This includes the beams, posts, and joists. If any of them are sagging or cracked, it may indicate that the substructure was not adequately supported during construction or is not following building codes. If you find any of these issues, the best way to fix them is to remove the entire deck and replace it with a new one. Click here to contact a professional if you’re based in Phantom Screens, PA, if not you can search ‘best decking companies near me’ online to find the best in your area.
A home inspector can help determine whether your home’s substructure is stable enough for a raised wood deck. They can assess the substructure’s stability using moisture meters and infrared cameras. This way, they can determine whether there is a leak risk. If a leak occurs, it may compromise the structural integrity of your deck, which is essential for safety.
Cost
The cost of raised wood decks can vary dramatically. Depending on the wood you choose, you can find a wide range of prices for raised wood decks. Some decking is made of exotic wood, which drives up the cost.
In addition to wood, some contractors will use recycled composite material, which is composite material. Composite materials are manufactured to resemble natural wood and are usually more expensive than wood. Some composites come with hollow cores, which allow electrical and audio cables to pass through. The downside is that recycled composite can’t be sanded. Plus, it may be warmer in hot temperatures than wood.
Choosing a Decking System
When designing your deck, style and design are just as important as interior design. Your deck should be as functional as the rest of your home, and its aesthetics should match your preferences. When choosing a raised wood decking system, be sure to consider the location of the deck. For example, a deck at the back of your home may be too secluded, while one away from the house could be too exposed.
When selecting the materials for your deck, it is important to consider maintenance and future replacement costs. Low-maintenance materials can save you time and money and complement your home’s architectural style. Additionally, well-made railing systems can blend practical materials with good design.
Choosing a Builder
If you’re not comfortable doing the work yourself, a contractor can help. They have experience building raised decks and can ensure they’re adequately built. But a contractor’s costs can add up, and deciding how much you’re willing to spend before hiring someone to do the work is essential.
When interviewing contractors, have a list of questions prepared beforehand. You’ll want to ensure that you understand their working methods and are comfortable with their answers. You should also know if they have any subcontractors. Additionally, it would help if you asked whether they use pressure-treated wood for framing and add additional protection to posts that come in contact with the ground. Some contractors that build luxury decking near you may offer this additional protection, which will help your new deck to last longer, whilst other contractors may not. Decking with no protection won’t last as long, so you need to factor this in to your decision.
Requirements
Specific requirements must be followed when building a raised wood deck. These include positive securing of the decking to the primary structure and a minimum allowable stress design capacity of 1,500 lbs. Additionally, the deck must have an exterior wall attachment.
Joists: The joists that support the deck flooring must be spaced approximately 2 feet apart. This will prevent them from twisting and buckling under the deck’s weight. It will also provide structural support for the deck flooring. Use wood blocks the same size as the joists to reinforce their joists.
Footings: The footings should be at least 12 inches deep and 48 inches wide. This will prevent the deck from buckling and allow the weight to be transferred to the ground. Sometimes, you will also need to place footings underneath the piers, depending on the soil conditions. The requirements of the footings will be included in your deck plans and local building codes.
