Building a deck is the perfect way to create extra space for your family and friends to gather outdoors. Before you start your project, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Cover ugly deck board ends
The ends of manufactured deck boards are ugly, and you don’t want to leave them exposed. There are a couple ways to hide them. The easiest solution is to raise the fascia board so the top is flush with the top of the decking (top). But keep in mind that most fascia/skirt boards are 11-1/4 in. wide, which means they aren’t wide enough to fully cover both the deck boards and a 2×12 joist.
Another way to hide the ends is to install a border/perimeter board around the outside edges of the deck (bottom). This method can really dress up your deck, especially if you choose an accent color for this board. The downside of a perimeter board is that it requires extra framing underneath. Source: FamilyHandyman
Leave gaps between deck boards
Gaps are necessary between wood decking boards for better drainage, but also so they don’t build up debris. Too small a gap will let water flow until it clogs up with dirt, then it will hold moisture. Make sure the gaps are big enough that you can sweep it and the debris falls through. The thickness of the head of a deck screw should about do it.
Some builders install boards tight together for the aesthetic of tighter joints, running with the assumption that they will shrink, but that isn’t always the case. If the wood you are working with is quite wet it may stay the same size or shrink a bit, but if the wood is dry it may actually expand when exposed to regular rainfalls. Source: EcoHome
Take weight into consideration
Most decks are designed to support 60 pounds per square foot, which includes the weight of the deck (called the “dead load”) as well as people and furniture (the “live load”). If you host huge bashes, or want to add a hot tub or heavy planters, you’ll need to beef up your deck’s supporting structure for safety’s sake. Source: ThisOldHouse
Don’t have the time and tools to pick up such a massive task? Leave it to us!
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains Ltd.
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
