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Building a Single-Level Raised Deck ( Page 1 of 2 )

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Decks are a perfect area for outdoor entertaining and outdoor relaxing. The style of deck you choose to build determines how you use your deck, as well as how you build it. Although similar in appearance, different decks can require different construction techniques.

Out Installation Services Associates built this Single-Level Raised deck and documented the steps taken in order to help you build your own outdoor living area.

 

1. Batterboards and mason's string lines are used here to lay out footing locations for a deck that is 24 feet long and 14 feet wide. A 2x12 ledger board was first attached to the house to establish the deck position. The deck structure, including number of footings, is designed to be enclosed as a four-season porch in the near future. Approximate time for a novice (with a helper) to lay out footing locations for this deck: 12-14 hours. Time includes removing siding and attaching the ledger.

   
 

 

 

2. Holes for seven 12-inch-diameter footings were dug. A standard single-level raised deck would only need four, parallel to the house. The extra footings are necessary on this deck to handle the additional weight of the roof and future remodeling project structures. Holes are 48 inches deep to get below the local frost line. The bottom of the center footing in the row parallel to the house is flared to 24 inches. The remaining footings are flared to 18 inches. Footings were dug with a power auger. Forty-four 60-pound bags of ready-mix concrete were mixed in a portable power mixer. Post anchors for 6x6 posts were installed and aligned after the concrete cured for 48 hours.

 
 

 

3. 6x6 posts were plumbed and temporarily braced in place. Post tops were trimmed to the proper height after posts were positioned. Trimming lines level with the bottom of the ledger were established using a water level. The beam supported by the posts will have joists attached to its inner face.

 

 

4. A 24-foot-long beam made of doubled 2x12s was built in place on top of the row of posts parallel to the house. Adjustable post caps attach the beam to the tops of the posts. This beam serves as the header joist because joists will be attached to its inner face. The two rim joists also are beams on this deck because of the future remodeling. They will help carry the weight of the roof. The extra beams are 14 feet long and also were built in place. The remaining length of visible ledger will support the landing at the top end of the stairs. The end of the adjacent 14-foot beam is attached to the ledger with a double joist hanger.

   
 

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Building Front Porch Deck Additions
There comes a point in the owning of any home when you simply want to change the overall look and style. And while you might consider moving, there are many other less expensive ways to achieve this dream. Building front porch deck additions is one such way. By renovating the front of your home, you not only change the curb appeal and the value, but also the way you perceive the home's interior. When people walk into your home after building front porch deck additions, they will have a different view of your personal style and tastes.

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Wisely Choosing Colors for Deck Staining
Choosing colors for deck staining can be a bit confusing until you understand the terminology. When you decide to stain a deck, you begin by deciding if you want to bring out the natural grain of the wood or use a color that hides the wood. Generally, the better the grade of wood the less color you will use. In the end though, the decision is strictly one of personal preference.

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Staining Deck Railings – Making It Last
The more solid the stain color, the longer it will last. Therefore, the solid stains are best for areas like railings that are more difficult to stain than decking. Staining deck railings is not difficult, but it does take more care than simply staining the flat deck. So you want to use a color that will last as long as possible.

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Tricks of the Trade Cutting Deck Stairs
Cutting deck stairs really doesn’t take a lot of time, but it can get complicated in the sense that you have to calculate the rise and run, or the slope of the stairs. Deck stairs are usually built for outdoor decks, porches and gazebos. There are construction calculators to make calculating the measurements easier, but many people prefer to use old fashioned paper and pencil. The basic ingredients of deck stairs are few, but the cutting and assembly must be fairly precise.

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Fancy Deck Stairs Create Backyard Style
There's no reason to keep your deck stairs looking uninspired when you can design and construct fancy deck stairs. More elaborate, or just more elegant, deck stair styling can enhance the appearance of the entire deck. The deck is usually used like another room of the house so it only makes sense to make your deck as beautiful as the rest of your home.

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