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Decks Porches CREATING OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES If you re thinking about building a new deck or repairing one at your home it s important to understand your options The fundamentals of building a deck are consistent throughout but the wide variety of materials colors styles and other decking accessories can make the whole process feel too overwhelming to handle on your own With the help of this guide you ll have a better understanding of what decisions you as the homeowner will need to make during the deck build process

What You ll Learn 1 DECKING BASICS Decking Terminology 101 Anatomy of a Deck What s Involved in a Build What is a Deck vs a Porch vs a Patio 2 COST PROJECT TIMELINE How Long Will It Take To Build My Deck What Makes My Project Take Longer What Makes A Deck More Expensive Cost Effective 3 DECKING MATERIALS Wood vs Composite Popular Decking Board Materials Railing Lighting Options 4 DECKING STYLE QUIZ Let s Go

Beams or girders The framing boards that are attached horizontally to support the joists Bridging The short pieces of wood strengthening the framing to prevent the joists from twisting or shifting Cap rail A horizontal board around the deck that runs on top of all posts and pickets Decking The floor of the deck often using boards made of natural timber wood fiber or heavy plastic Fascia Often called a skirt this is the decorative board covering the end of the decking boards and joists Footing Concrete columns that are added to the ground to provide support to the deck Guardrail A horizontal board at the bottom that runs across the railing Joist Boards installed above the beam to provide support to the decking boards Ledger A board attached to one side of the house to provide support for the deck Piers Precast concrete set above the footing and are about 6 inches high Oversite The area below the deck that s often cleared to provide better drainage Posts Vertical supports often made of 4 by 4 timber that rest on the pier and support the beam Post anchors Metal brackets that connect the posts to piers and help protect the posts from water damage Rails The horizontal part of a railing that acts as a safety barrier and handhold along the side of the deck Railing The complete assembly of rails rail posts cap rails and spindles Rim Perimeter Joist A joist found on the far side of the deck that runs against the ends of the joists Rise The height of a step Run The length or depth of a step Stringer The pieces at the end that join the stairs to the steps and where the treads are attached Tread The horizontal board that you step on when going up the stairway

There s much more to a deck than meets the eye Of course decks are beautiful to look at but what most homeowners aren t familiar with is what structurally holds the deck together the foundation and framing The foundation of the deck is one of the most important parts If your deck isn t built on a firm foundation what s above that foundation won t matter very much the deck will be unstable and more liable to fail or fall Unlike a house where the foundation is a continuous structure a deck s foundation consists of a few points where the load is concentrated this is called point loading There are two basic parts to a foundation the footings are wide concrete bases and the piers are tubes of concrete that rest atop them Generally though not always these are below ground level how deep they need to go will depend on the site and your town s local building code The framing is the series of supports that hold up the rest of the structure and that determine the shape of your deck it works together with the foundation to create a sturdy base Think of it as the skeleton of your deck There are several parts to the framing The posts rest on and are attached to the piers they hold up the rest of the deck The beams are like the beams of a roof the horizontal pieces of lumber that support everything above them Above that you ll find the joists pieces of lumber that run parallel to each other but perpendicular to the deck boards above them all across the deck They create the structure of the deck The joist on the outside edge of the deck is called a rim joist and the rim joist that attaches to the house is called a ledger

When most people think about decks they re thinking about the aesthetic aspects that make a deck truly beautiful like the decking boards and railings The surface of the deck is the part you actually stand on It s made of deck flooring also known as decking the pieces of lumber attached to the joists to form the floor of your deck The kind of lumber you select is important it will determine the price look maintenance needs and durability of your deck Nowadays there are plenty of natural material choices along with composite options For help choosing your deck material check out our blog on composite vs wood decks The stairs allow you to get from your deck to the yard below The construction of these stairs is similar to any staircase the part you step on is the treads the vertical piece of lumber between the treads are the risers and the support for these other two parts which is visible on the sides of the stairs are called the stringers As with the rest of the deck the bottom of the stairs will need to rest on a foundation so make sure you ve worked the space for that into your plan for any new deck project Most decks will have a railing either to conform to code or simply for the sake of safety There are plenty of railing options for you out there to consider Traditionally for wood or composite railings there are two parts the cap rail is the horizontal piece the part you would lean on and the balustrade is the vertical support In addition to serving a safety purpose railings can add a decorative element to your deck with many different styles to choose from For a more contemporary look consider a glass railing or cable railing

Usually made out of lumber or composite materials decks are uncovered flat surfaces around the outside of a home Decks aren t necessarily attached to the house though many typically come off the back of the house and allow for an entertaining space Decks are also common around pools and on balconies and rooftops Many homes and condos in New England have multi level decks Wood decks have historically been most popular as there are a variety of wood types and stains to choose from Cedar Redwood and other pressure treated woods which are inexpensive and last for decades Other options include Ipe Tigerwood and other exotic woods which are more expensive but highly durable and add a beautiful flair Vinyl decking which is more expensive than wood but is nearly maintenance free Composite which is a durable material made of wood particles and polyethylene and costs about the same as vinyl While there are quite a few types of porches what they all have in common is that they are attached to your house or building by a roof Open porches or Farmer s porches typically extend across the entire length of the front of a house An open porch as the name suggests is completely open to the outside environment A farmer s porch on the other hand uses support beams columns and railings to create an enclosed sensation A front entry porch is much smaller than the porches mentioned above only a few feet wider than the front door of a house and usually a step or two up from the front walkway You may also hear this called a portico which is a specific style of front porch using support columns Three or four season porches are often attached to the back entrance of a home and are usually enclosed or have the option to close with screens They re a great option for New England homes for their year round entertainment

Whether at the front or the back of a house a patio is a ground level paved area typically used for outdoor dining lounging and late night marshmallow roasting Concrete patios can be formed into nearly any shape you please and can be stamped to look like uniform tiles naturally worn flagstone brick and even wooden deck boards Paver patios can be made out of an assortment of concrete or brick and laid into interesting patterns Check out our outdoor living project highlighting a beautiful new deck and a paver patio Flagstone patios embrace the natural look of stone and are often laid so their organic irregular shapes are paid off While more expensive to install natural stone weathers well and needs little upkeep Gravel patios are are inexpensive to install and are also naturally good for drainage Gravel can come in all different sizes depending on your preference

Average Cost of A New Deck As most answers in the home improvement world the average cost of cabinet painting depends on many factors the size of the deck if there s a deck to remove the materials used etc The TCC Team has been building decks for many years and our experience is that the average client will need to spend anywhere between 20 000 40 000 to build a beautiful functional deck Of course we ve built decks for much more than this and also for much less As you just read there are plenty of factors that affect the timing and cost of your new deck This guide will help you learn more about what deck will be right for your home and your budget

For most people the naturally attractive look is what interests them in using wood to build a deck You don t need to enhance or decorate it since it is already vibrant and beautiful Today you can build with a wide range of woods they also come in different finishes to give your deck a unique appearance Generally a cedar deck can last for between 15 and 20 years while a redwood deck will last up to 30 years provided it is well maintained When properly maintained and sealed a pressure treated wood deck will serve you for around 50 years If you build and regularly maintain a wood deck you will like its strength and durability If for instance you use teak wood you will get a strong structure that can withstand any weight for a long time Wood decks can fall victim to rot and insects Pressure treated lumber can help with that but you ll still have to worry about moisture sun damage and more To help keep a wood deck looking good periodically staining and sealing the wood is required Many experts recommend undertaking this project once a year others say you can wait two or three years We recommend every 1 2 years either way this process includes scraping up old paint or stain as needed washing the deck thoroughly sometimes multiple times sanding the entire deck and finally applying the stain or sealant often in several coats that require lengthy drying Even with regular maintenance you ll occasionally have to replace boards that fall victim to rot Wood comes in a variety of types and price points No matter what type you choose wood tends to be significantly cheaper than other decking options like composite Prone to damage by wood destroying insects like termites if not properly sealed and treated In due time wooden decks may splinter making it hard for anyone to walk on them barefoot Wooden decks absorb moisture making them susceptible to rotting cracking and warping Although it s typically more cost effective some exotic woods such as ipe wood can be expensive

As one of the most commonly used wood types for decking pressure treated wood is chemically enhanced to increase its resistance to rot and bugs There are multiple options when it comes to pressure treated lumber Depending on the size of your deck and the type of wood you choose this is the most cost effective deck option to recommend When going for softwood cedar is the best option for your deck It is easy to splinter and relatively resistant to harsh weather elements such as rain cold and heat Western red cedar is the most common one used on decks due to its fair price and exotic looking reddish brown color In a similar price range as cedar Redwood is soft yet exceptionally durable While it is reasonably resistant to rot extended exposure to moisture may damage it Over time redwood ages to a beautiful silver gray color Unlike other hardwoods used for decking teak is loved for its low maintenance nature It s aesthetically appealing and when installed by a professional it can make your deck a sight to behold It s reasonably priced considering its incredible hardness and durability Considered as a flexible hardwood to use on your deck mahogany rarely disappoints When treated using marine oil it may look like teak It s incredibly durable and its distinct grains give your deck an authentic look Compared to other hardwoods such as Ipe and Tigerwood mahogany is a bit pocket friendly Pronounced ee pay this South American wood has won accolades for its strength and natural resistance to rot abrasion and harsh weather conditions Due to its hardness and dense nature installing Ipe on your deck requires a professional In terms of price the wood is expensive but its unrivaled quality makes the financial dent worthwhile This beautiful Brazilian hardwood boasts unique grains that will make your deck stand out Its red orange background looks magical in sunlight and gives the deck an exotic look While it may not be as strong as Ipe Tigerwood is extremely hard and can last for a lifespan even in harsh weather

Composite decking comes in a variety of styles from a variety of manufacturers some have realistic wood grain while others have a simpler linear grain and each manufacturer will offer different colors With so many different colors and styles there are options spanning all price ranges The initial cost of composite decking is higher but it saves you a lot of money that is used for maintenance purposes You ll pay more for these materials than you will for wood but a composite deck should last anywhere from 20 30 years Many composite materials also come with lengthy warranties It utilizes modern technology making it resistant to warping fading weathering and splintering The boards can withstand the outdoor environment because they are less susceptible to degeneration through erosion and bleaching With just soap and water you can easily clean your composite deck They generally just require the occasional wash and basic upkeep like removal of fallen leaves or debris Composite decking is made mostly from a mix of wood and plastic fibers if you re interested in reducing your carbon footprint Composite decks are man made They allow you to upgrade your outdoor space without any environmental impact In fact they help in environmental conservation since they are made from recycled content One of the obvious downsides is that the initial cost of material is higher They are warm to touch when the weather is hot and can be slippery when rained on With time they may show signs of bending bending or warping Although they are water resistant they don t resist mildew and mold

If you have been looking into composite decking Azek and Trex are two of the top names that tend to pop up Both options are excellent decking materials and people find it hard to pick between the two Choose a decking option that best suits your needs Either way both products are robust and come in a range of colors and styles Azek deck boards are manufactured from 100 PVC plastic They re capped with a more durable outer shell containing UV protection that helps keep the color of your structure from fading for several years It comes in different colors to give you the flexibility to select your favorite Azek is available in either standard narrow or wide width boards which allows you to create a variety of sophisticated looks Trex boards are manufactured from 95 recycled material and contain plastic and wood fibers In addition to railings and posts the company manufactures its boards under three brands Enhance Select and Transcend The Trex company brought its first products to the market in the mid 1990s hence considered the inventor of composite decking The boards have colors that look natural for ultimate flexibility PVC is an alternative to composite decking but it s often put into the same category by homeowners PVC decking is made of high strength plastic and tends to be slightly more expensive than composite and can discolor when used with things like a rubber welcome mat Many composite manufacturers offer a capped and uncapped version of their decking Capped composite decking is covered in a protective and durable polymer coating Capped usually lasts longer than uncapped composite decking but adds slightly to the price It s not typical that people opt in for uncapped these days especially in the New England elements

As one of the most common types of railing used on decks wood is a popular choice among homeowners It s loved for its versatility in design and when done by a professional craftsman it can make your deck the talk of the town The price of wood deck railings varies depending on the type of wood used The most pocket friendly is pressure treated wood while those made of hardwoods such as Ipe can cost up to five times more The popularity of composite railings has grown over the years They are low maintenance pocket friendly and easy to install Often sold in kits you are spoilt of choice of size and color options Vinyl railing systems are affordable and quite durable Cable railing systems have become the go to choice for homeowners that want to add a modern appeal to their decks The system is made of stainless steel cables with cables made of wood or composites Their open design allows a view and a breeze into the deck They are maintenance free and can withstand harsh weather They are among the most expensive but their durability compensates for the hefty price Not only does a railing made of glass give your deck a modern look but it also ensures that your view isn t obstructed The glass panels can have decorative etchings or even tinted with polished edges for safety and a sleek appeal Railing systems made of glass are quite expensive but the final product is worth every penny They also have to be installed by professionals and require a significant amount of maintenance Using metal railings is an affordable way to add a stylish look to your deck Most of them are made of iron steel or powder coated aluminum Often combined with wood these railing systems can are averagely priced They are easy to maintain and make for a beautiful deck

String lights and hanging lanterns add an element of fun for festive moods yearround LED lights are easy to install and add a stylish aspect to your deck As long as you have an electrical outlet they are perfect for any DIY lighting project Having light along with the deck stair treads and risers increases the safety of your deck especially after dark Adding step lighting fixtures and stair lighting plays a huge role in brightening up high foot traffic areas like pathways Consider LED step and stair lighting which increases the safety of your deck and home in general Lights attached to your deck railing are a perfect option for making the rail more visible as well as lighting the ground beneath it Most rail lights are LED strips that create a diffused light pattern This allows them to provide even lighting around your deck space You can also have lights installed in the post caps of your railings Lighted post caps are easy to install and they re highly friendly to your wallet Post cap lights can be either battery powered or solar powered if they are installed in an open area that sees a lot of sunlight If your deck has overhead protection these lights easily integrate into your deck by providing a radiance outdoor dining Torchlights can add a bit of flair and warmth to space and often put off citronella smells to prevent insects If you decide to use torchlights be aware of any fire hazards around them and ensure that they are installed properly and kept away from children

There are a few key decisions when it comes to building a new deck Now that you re familiar with the basics you ll be more comfortable speaking with a professional about your project If you re finally ready to get started with your new deck build be sure to take our brief Decking Style Quiz to get a few pointers on what your dream deck might look like If you have any questions or would like to explore a kitchen remodeling project please email us at decks tomcurrencompanies com

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