An outdoor wooden deck can add be a wonderful addition to your home. You can entertain guests, as well as enjoy fresh air anytime you want.
It is always more fun, and economical if you build it yourself. But for this project you will need some carpentry experience, and a few friends. But at the end, you will have a beautiful area on which to relax.
The key to a successful wooden deck project is planning.
The first thing you want to do is determine how big you want your deck. This is an important step and must not be over looked. Because, if it is too big, it won't fit in your yard or you won't have any yard left. If it is too small, you won't be able to use it fully. So pick out the spot to construct your deck and then measure. Measure the length, width and height (if applicable). If your yard is sloped you may want to consider elevating your deck at one end and extend it over the slope. Measure everything, write it down, and then measure it again, just to be sure.
Once you have a rough idea of what you want, you will need to start planning. Get a piece of graph paper, let each square represent a square foot and draw your deck. This diagram will be the base of your deck.
You will want to consider supporting your deck now. The supporting braces will run across the length, or width of the deck, at intervals not more than 36 inches apart. These will be anchor points for the floor of the deck. The deck floor will provide stability on the top. But, the bottom of the deck will need to be supported as well, because even treated wood cannot withstand years of contact with the ground. For this will want to purchase concrete deck anchors. These are heavy concrete blocks specially designed to anchor decks. They may be placed directly on the grass or you may pour a concrete slab on which to place your deck (and deck anchors). If you are elevating your deck, these anchors will hold the legs up. Match these anchors with the cross braces at even intervals. Here is where the graph paper will come in very handy. Try not to space them more than 36 inches apart.
Double check your measurements and refine your plan. Then assemble your tools and materials.
Tools:
* Tape Measure
* Circular Saw with a new blade
* Level
* Power Drill with a screwdriver bit
Materials:
* Enough 2x4's to complete the project, based on your measurements. Pine or Redwood is good, and they must be pressure treated. (Purchase extra just in case.) These will be used not only as the base but the floor as well, so take that into account when purchasing your wood.
* Deck Anchors, purchase the exact number required based on your graphed plan.
*A large box of 2 ½ inch long treated deck screws.
* If you are elevating your deck, purchase 4x4's for the supporting legs. Make sure they will be long, and purchase one for each deck anchor. These must be pressure treated as well.
Now you are ready to begin.
With your plan in hand, measure and mark your wood. Then measure it again. MEASURE TWICE CUT ONCE, because if it is too long you can always cut off a little more, but if it's too short you can't put it back.
Measure and cut the outside frame. Connect the frame at the corners using two screws. Alternate butt ends inside and outside for strength. When the frame is done, measure and cut the supports, screw them into place at the appropriate intervals.
Level the area for the deck as best you can. Place the deck anchors in their place according to the plan.
Have a friend (or group of friends) help you to place the deck frame on the anchors. Make sure the 2x4's go into the slots in the anchors. Use your level to make sure it is level, and shore up any place that is not.
Lay your floor slats across the frame. You may lay them next to one another, or leave a small space for drainage.
Attach the floor slats where they intersect each support using two screws.
Once you have attached the last of the floor slats, you are done; you can begin using your deck right away.
source : Teak Patio Furniture Clearance
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