Print Article for : How To Build A Deck

Your Online Guide » Home Decor » Home Improvement Tips

[H881]How To Build A Deck

by Richard Vande Sompel, Ric

Of course none of them are substitutes for your own common sense.

1. Always use care, caution and good judgment when working at any phase of building a deck, especially above ground level. Ladders and scaffolding systems are readily available at home improvement retail outlets and building equipment rental businesses.

2. Always ensure that the electrical setup is safe. Make sure that no circuit is overloaded. See that all power tools and outlets are properly grounded and avoid the use of power tools in wet locations. Make a point of using an electrical power bar, especially when using extension cords. Use outdoor type extension cords that are specifically sized to handle the types of power tools to be used in the construction of a deck.

3. Always read the instructions for using a new power tool that you have no previous experience with, especially rental ones. Heed the warnings listed. Ask for a demonstration at the rental facility to ensure that it is working and that you are aware of the method for its proper use. Wear any safety gear such as gloves or eyewear that is required.

4. Always pay deliberate attention to how a tool functions to avoid any chance of injury. Know the limitations of the tool and avoid trying to force it to do something that it was not designed to do.

5. Always ensure that any adjustment mechanism on a power tool is locked before the start of work. This is especially important when working with portable circular saws, and table saws. Make sure that blades are properly fixed in place and tightened with such tools as jigsaws and reciprocating saws.

6. Always wear eye protection when using power tools or striking concrete or metal on metal as a chip or piece can fly off injuring an eye.

7. Always keep fingers or hands away from the business ends of saw blades, cutters and drill bits. Ensure that the blade guards especially are functioning properly on circular saws and table saws.

8. Always use the auxiliary handle with a drill in order to control the torque when larger drill bits are used. This is very important when using a hammer drill to bore into concrete.

9. Always change a saw blade, drill bit or router bit when the power tool is unplugged to avoid an accident that could be prevented by the use of good judgment.

10.Always cut tiny pieces of wood or metal off larger pieces that are securely clamped or fastened to a work surface that is stable.

11.Always wear a disposable face mask when creating dust by sawing or sanding to avoid inhaling small particles that could become a health issue.

12.Always hold a circular saw firmly with one hand on the trigger handle and the other hand on the secondary support handle. Avoid placing a hand in the path of any saw blade.

13.Always work in lighting that is sufficient to allow you to perform the task properly. Move the materials and tools if necessary to another area so that it is possible to work safely.

14.Carry sharp or pointed tools such as awls, chisel and box cutters in a tool belt with leather pockets and holders rather than in your pockets.

15.Always check with local building codes when planning your project and follow them to the letter when working since they are intended to protect your safety.

Taking the time to exercise good judgment and use safe work procedures will ensure that you spend your time on your newly finished deck rather than in the emergency ward of your local hospital.

Be smart and work safe!

How to build a deck? Building a wood deck correctly can create the perfect transition between your home and your backyard. How to build a deck planning and construction should result in a wonderful place to go to relax and unwind after a hectic day. Whether you are going to have your deck built by a professional or do it yourself, building a deck correctly requires proper planning and design.

Here are five basic considerations for building a wooden deck:

1. Choose Your Deck Type - there are several types of decks you can have for your home. An outdoor patio deck can be attached to your home. A convenient location for your outdoor patio deck could be attached to the family room or kitchen.

How to build a deck that is a destination deck? A destination deck would be typically be located in a special place with a view and would not connected to your home. You might have a winding path that would lead to the destination deck. How to build a deck that is a connector deck? A connector deck is several smaller decks of any shape or size connected to each other with pathways.

2. Consider Your Deck Activities - when building a wood deck, will your deck be a place to grill and barbecue? Are you going to have parties and entertain family and friends? Is your deck going to be a quiet place for lounging reading or enjoying your favorite beverage? Will you have a luxurious hot tub on your deck? To increase privacy, will you have landscaping, plants or trees around your deck? Take some time and think through how to build a deck that will perform the way you want. Go online and buy a good book on planning and building a wood deck.

3. Decide Your Deck Size - if your house and backyard is smaller and you won't entertain large groups, you likely don't need a large deck. Too large a deck can actually make the house appear smaller. Keep it simple, but add an angle or two to the deck design if you want. When building a wood deck, you can divide the deck into two areas - one area for lounging and sunning and another section for cooking and dining.

4. What Deck Materials Will You Use - if you will be building a wooden deck, there are several structural parts. Your deck may need concrete footings that extend below the frostline if you'll have freezing winters. If your deck will be on sandy soil, you may need to build larger footings that will support the deck posts or beams.

The posts can be 4"x4" lumber which is generally strong enough to support the deck. If your deck is above ground, you may be required to use 6"x6" structural posts. The deck beams will rest horizontally on the posts and will support the deck joists. Deck joists will be spaced horizontally every 12", 16" or 24" and will support the decking boards. The decking boards are the floor of your deck that span from joist to joist.

5. Design and Build It Yourself or Hire a Professional - unless you live in a very rural area, there will probably be building code requirements, permits and inspections needed when building a wooden deck project. Contact your local building official to see what is required in your area. One major advantage to having qualified professionals help is that they understand the legal side of how to build a deck and can help ensure building code requirements are met.

One of the best ways to understand how to build a deck is to view wood deck plans that have been built many times. Seeing attractive deck plans can give you deck building ideas that will simplify your planning and design.

Article Source : how to install laminate flooring

About Author

Both Richard Vande Sompel & David Buster are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Richard Vande Sompel has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Improvement, Landscaping and Home Improvement. Richard Vande Sompel is a professional deck builder of 35 years and over 850 decks built and is the author of "How to Plan, Design and Build a Deck from Start to Finish". To Discover More About. Richard Vande Sompel's top article generates over 60500 views. Bookmark Richard Vande Sompel to your Favourites.

David Buster has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family Travel, Alcohol Treatment and Bathroom Design. . David Buster's top article generates over 60500 views. Bookmark David Buster to your Favourites.