Building a deck is one of the ten easiest DIY projects to achieve, but it can go wrong if this is your first deck. If you’ve never designed or built a deck, take the time to learn how to build one properly. Deck builders in San Antonio Texas can help you save up to half the cost of a professionally installed deck by building it themselves, you can do it too but only you have to do it right the first time.
The Material To Choose To Build Your Deck: Wood Or Composite?
While many homeowners love the romance and allure of a wooden deck, many others appreciate the low maintenance, durability, and ease of use of composite decks. Choosing a deck at ground level can lead to humidity and an accumulation of leaves and debris. The choice between composite and wood is always a crucial decision for most deck companies. Expect to have to choose between treated lumber, cedar, hardwood, redwood, a tropical hardwood, composites, or aluminum.
Free-Floating Or Fixed
Many homeowners prefer a freestanding deck (which is not attached to their home). They are also called “floating deck.” Floating decks are not subject to many building standards, but they can also be mounted on concrete pillars rather than posts driven into the ground, as is the case with decks attached to a house.
Size, Weight, and Safety
When designing a wooden deck, regardless of its size, consider what you plan to use it for, its size, the maximum weight it must support (people, hot tubs, plants, furniture, etc. ) and the type of footings, beams, hangers, stairs, handrails and materials you will be using.
Deck Plans
There are hundreds of free deck plans online. They did all the work for you, including determining the materials or the “cut list.” They usually offer you a cost per square meter analysis or a calculator that you can use to determine the cost of your deck based on the square footage.
Construction Standards
The main reason most decks fail is that they don’t meet building standards. Building standards are a set of rules, standards, and procedures that specify standards for materials and design for constructed objects, such as buildings and unbuilt objects, i.e., plumbing and electricity. Building standards regulate the design and construction of structures to protect public interest and health. Professionals like deck builders companies always obtain a building permit before starting work. You have to do it to ensure that your structure complies with the town planning code.
Do not use untreated wood. It deteriorates much faster. Joist hangers are an essential part of any deck construction. Use suitable footings, flashings, and materials. Don’t try to “do with” what you have on hand. Avoid bolting deck beams directly to the sides of the support posts for any reason. Use a support post at all junction points of the beams. A reduced number of posts results in greater loads on the plank assemblies. Even if your bolts do not shear under the weight’s effect, the wood can chop and cause the deck to break. Use torx or square head, zinc stainless steel, or silicon bronze screws. Not only do the screws not loosen like nails, but they also prevent the wood from warping. Use deck screws.