A deck is a significant addition to any home and requires a permit and adherence to local setbacks. Taking the time to get these details figured out is vital to keeping your project legal and safe.
For decks that are in direct contact with the ground poured piers are best. They also last longer than treated wood and are less susceptible to frost heave. Contact Deck Builders Franklin TN for professional help.
Pressure treated wood is a popular choice for building decks, as it is durable and resistant to the elements and general wear and tear. It also resists the growth of mold and fungus. However, it is important to note that this type of lumber requires more frequent maintenance and staining than natural wood. The treatment process uses a combination of vacuum and pressure to force protective chemical preservatives into standard woods, such as spruce or pine. The chemicals are toxic to wood-destroying organisms and fungi, which makes them resistant to rot, fungal decay, termite infestation and other issues.
During the treatment process, the chemicals are forced deep into the wood, where they can’t be easily removed. This makes them more effective than surface coatings or stains. However, the chemicals are still toxic if they come into contact with skin or if they are inhaled. It is important to work with this type of lumber in a well-ventilated area, and to wear masks, safety goggles and gloves when handling it. It is also important to use proper disposal methods, such as taking it to a recycling center that handles this type of material or hiring a professional who knows how to handle it safely.
Before it is ready for a new project, the treated wood undergoes several rigorous quality control procedures. It is then kiln dried to stabilize and lose water, which significantly reduces the weight of the boards. Some PT wood is even treated to mimic the appearance of redwood or cedar. This is done by adding specific preservatives to the treatment mixture. It is important to look for the proper designation on the end tags of your PT lumber, which will tell you how it can be used. For example, UC3B rated lumber is treated to be above ground and not in contact with the soil, while UC4A has more fungi resistance chemicals and is rated for ground contact. Similarly, marine-grade PT lumber is designed to be in contact with saltwater.
The first step in building a deck is to build the outer frame with PT lumber. It’s important to use a level and a framing square to ensure that the frame is straight before you add the decking boards. Once the frame is set, it’s time to add the support beams. The decking boards are then laid over the support beams, with spacers to create consistent gaps between each board.
Poured Piers
Unlike slab foundations, which transfer the entire load of the building to the ground, pier foundations concentrate the load on individual points. This allows them to better handle expansive soils and other difficult conditions. When used in conjunction with a beam and joist system, they make up a popular and reliable type of deck footing.
There are several types of pier foundations, each designed to address unique construction needs and soil conditions. Concrete footings are a common choice, as they provide excellent stability and load-bearing capacity. In some cases, these footings may be reinforced with rebar to improve strength and resistance to cracking and shifting over time.
Other types of pier foundations include steel and helical piers. These are often used in situations where a traditional concrete footing is not practical, such as when the surface soil is too soft or unstable to support it. They also are useful in cases where a repair is needed to an existing structure.
When using pier foundations, it’s essential to carefully plan the layout. This ensures that the piers are properly spaced and aligned from the outset, so that the beams and floor joists are fully supported throughout their life span. Incorrect pier spacing can result in uneven, sagging, or even collapsed structures over time. To avoid this, start by laying out the footprint of your structure with stakes and string lines. This way, you can double-check measurements and ensure that the pier locations are correct before digging.
Once the piers are in place, it’s time to pour the concrete footings. This process typically involves excavating holes in designated locations and then filling them with concrete. For this step, you can use a concrete mixer like the MudMixer to simplify the job. This innovative mixer delivers consistent concrete and eliminates the need for a separate crew and truck.
After the concrete is poured, the piers will be braced and set in place with anchor bolts or brackets. It’s important to follow local building codes and regulations regarding footing depth, size, and spacing to ensure compliance and structural integrity.
Post Bases
There are a number of different ways to support a deck that don’t require digging holes or pouring concrete. One of the oldest is to use deck blocks. These are simply formed concrete blocks that can be placed on the ground to spare the builder from spending hours digging a hole. They can be used in place of a post in some situations, but they are not as strong and must be carefully installed to avoid damage or shifting.
Another option is to use metal post anchors. These are also designed to spare the builder from a lot of labor, and they are often favored for small ground-level decks. They are a little like deck blocks in that they can be laid out, and they are also used to support posts.
To install these, the deck builder should first mark out where the posts will be located. Then, using a jackhammer or similar tool, the anchor should be driven into the ground through the plate foundation. It should be driven for around 30 seconds after it’s been inserted into the ground in order to compact the soil underneath. Then the deck builder should place the beam over the indentation for the post, and shim it so that it is level with the ground.
If the deck is being built more than 2′ above the ground, diagonal bracing is required, and these should be connected to the post using metal connectors (see 2021 IRC, Table R507.5.2) or wood screws. Notching posts to facilitate this connection is not allowed, as it can lead to moisture-related decay in the future.
When installing a deck on concrete, the building code stipulates that footings must be a minimum of 12” below undisturbed ground in areas prone to freezing. This helps prevent frost heaving, which can cause the deck to shift and become unstable. Footings should be poured with concrete of a strength not less than 2,500 psi. In addition, the IRC and NADRA stipulate that posts must be securely fastened to footings with metal anchors to resist lateral displacement.
Railings
Often overlooked, railings are an essential safety feature for decks and stairs. They prevent people from falling off a deck and can also add beauty to the space.
Building a deck without the proper railings is dangerous, so it’s important to include them in your design plans early on. It’s also worth looking at all the different styles and materials that are available for your deck railings, so you can create a look that fits your aesthetic and meets the needs of your lifestyle.
Wood: Traditional wooden deck railings are a classic choice and offer the warmth and character of natural wood. However, they can be susceptible to moisture damage like rot and mold, which is why regular staining is important.
Composite: Made from a mixture of recycled plastics and wood, composite deck railings are a low-maintenance option that’s available in a range of stunning colors. They can also be matched or contrasted with the color of your deck boards for a consistent, beautiful finish.
Metal: A popular choice for contemporary homes, metal deck railings are durable and easy to maintain. They’re available in a range of colors, from wrought iron to aluminum, and can be combined with wood or vinyl for a seamless design.
Glass: Providing an unobstructed view, glass railings can make a deck feel open and spacious. However, they can be breakable in bad weather and can heat up quickly in sunny locations. Additionally, if you have children or pets, they might run into and fall through the gaps in the glass.
If you’re unsure of which style to choose, we can help! We’re experts in deck construction and can show you options that meet your functional needs and fit your home.