Space Between Composite Deck Boards – Adding a composite deck to your home is a practical way to increase your home’s value and create a lasting gathering place for your family. When you build a DIY deck, you want to put in the hard work and have your efforts rewarded for years to come. Composite decking is a reliable material and the complete package – superior performance, unmatched durability and a stunning exterior to complement any ambiance.
Composite decking is made from recycled wood and recycled plastic, but has the look of natural wood. This composition combines the best attributes of the look of wood with the durability, longevity and low maintenance of synthetic materials. The result is a deck that will support your needs and exceed your expectations.
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DIY deck building projects require careful planning and thought, but the benefits are many. Here are some ways you can save money when building your own composite deck:
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When building a DIY deck, you want to make sure that your planning includes some important details. Here are some points to consider before you start construction.
The size of your deck is important to get the functionality and look you want for the project. Ask yourself these questions to determine your space needs:
By answering these questions, you can start planning the dimensions of your deck. Many building materials, including composite decking, can be sold in sizes as small as 2 feet. decking is sold in 8 feet and 16 feet long, depending on where it is purchased. Using the same dimensions, or identical, if the length of the existing board can prevent having to cut the decking board during installation.
There are two main dimensions to consider for a DIY composite decking project – surface area and height. General information about deck surface area dimensions includes:
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As recommended by LandscapingNetwork, use the size of the largest room in your home as the maximum point when sizing your deck. In the end, however, the size of your deck is up to you. You know your family’s needs and your space best, so choose a size that supports your lifestyle and goals.
Once you’ve determined your dimensions, consider a few other factors for your DIY deck. Here are some common questions and answers about deck pricing, building costs and building requirements:
Beyond building costs and requirements, here are some tips and suggestions to help your DIY project go smoothly:
Before starting your DIY deck, you need to make sure that you have purchased and gathered all the materials you will need.
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* Please note that composite materials are not approved for use as deck frames. You need code-compliant lumber for that part of the project.
In addition to materials, you will need some tools for the project. A standard set of woodworking tools is fine, but carbide-tipped tools are especially suitable for composite deck building.
Learn how to build a composite deck as easy as the instructions – almost. Preparation, planning, care and patience will help you build your deck safely and effectively. Here are some steps to take when building your own deck.
Before you dig a footing hole or build a deck frame, it is important to make sure you have space for the deck footings and joists figured out. It may be helpful to mark the area where you will install the deck with strings and stakes. First, determine the size of your deck footings.
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A footing, or pier, is a concrete column that goes into the ground and is a solid foundation for your deck. In areas where the ground is frozen, your footings should extend beyond the frost line to prevent structural warping. Different regions may have codes for the size and number of feet you need to follow.
Otherwise, Table R507.3.1 in the ICC International Residential Code provides detailed recommendations based on the estimated live snow load or soil, tributary area and load-bearing value of the deck. Second, determine the distance of your joists. Local building codes may specify joist spacing, but in general, 16 inches is safe.
You want to make sure the joists are equally spaced on the deck frame, so try to calculate accordingly. If you want to join the butt joint – that is, the point where the two deck boards meet – you need to insert the sister joists at that point. In this scenario, measure where the deck boards will end and mark the area for joist additions. The third and final distance concern is expansion and contraction values. Your composite decking will expand and contract based on temperature. You can account for these changes and keep the structure sound by applying the correct gap value.
This gap depends on your latitude, the temperature in the installation and the length of your deck board. See the table of Expansion and Contraction Values for North America, Australia and Asia on page seven of this guide for proper gap sizes.
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With the distance planned, you can start digging the foot holes. Your footing holes should extend 6 inches below the frost line to keep the deck from warping. In the winter, the ground in the backyard starts to freeze up and down. The deepest point that frost reaches depends on the severity of the season, the type of soil, the amount of moisture in the soil and the amount of insulating snow cover.
Use this map from the National Weather Service to find frost depth in your area. It may be wise to ask your local building department about frost requirements when you get your building permit. Cut a length of mason string to match the desired depth before you dig. There are two types of manual footing or post hole diggers:
Since a manual digger is a specialized piece of equipment, you may want to rent one from your local hardware store. Whatever tool you choose, make sure it’s wide enough and durable enough to help dig the footprint. For hard or dry soil, add a little water to the soil to make the job easier. Measure the leg holes with a pre-cut mason’s string to make sure each one is uniform and correct. When you reach the desired depth, use a long-handled shovel to dig a few inches horizontally into the bottom, creating a flared base to support the well.
Drilling a perfectly cylindrical footing hole is unrealistic, so you will want to buy a cardboard tube with the desired footing circumference. If the tube is longer than the width of the footing, cut it to size with a hand saw. For solid footing, Family Handyman magazine recommends the following steps:
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The concrete foundation you build will be the base for your deck posts. The article is attached to metal bolts and anchors, which must be fixed to the surface of the footing. You can drive the bolts into the concrete when it is dry or wait for the drill to dry footing. Note that you will need a masonry drill to get through the concrete if you choose to wait for the footings to dry.
Once you have completed the concrete foundation, you are almost ready to start assembling the composite deck frame. There is an optional step you may want to complete depending on the ground below the deck and the local code. If your deck plan includes a space between the ground and the deck, you may experience weed growth. To prevent growth and aid drainage, add grass barrier fabric and gravel to the soil below the deck area.
A grass barrier is a permeable fabric that allows water to pass through while blocking and preventing grass growth. Keep the area below your deck clean by installing a weed barrier on the ground where there are weeds. For added protection, add a layer of gravel over the barrier. Gravel can help prevent water from pooling on your deck, which will aid in proper drainage and deter insects.
Gravel can also help support the concrete foundation and ensure the surrounding soil is not wet and soft.
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With the soil and footings ready, you can assemble the deck frame. In a simple deck frame, there are four main components. These include ledger boards, deck posts, center beams and support beams. Here is some information about installing ledgers and deck posts:
The center beams and beams help strengthen the deck and strengthen the load capacity. Here is some information about installing this component:
You will need start and end fittings on each side of the deck frame to hold the first and last boards. To attach the pieces, place the accessories on the rim beams and screw holes that have been drilled. Then, use a drill to screw the hardware into place.
With a functional frame ready to go, you need to understand the fastening system for the materials before you can start adding the deck boards. Depending on the composite board you purchase, your deck may use a concealed or non-concealed fastener system: Concealed fastener systems include:
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In addition to the fastening system, you must lock a certain place in a certain location for
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