A deck requires special lumber that can withstand outdoor exposure. You may also need to install stairs and railings for safety and accessibility.

Before beginning construction, check with your building inspection office to learn about regulations and requirements. Many municipalities require concrete footings for stability. Contact Deck Builders Lexington KY for professional help.

Building a deck is a great way to enhance your home. It offers a beautiful place to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and host friends and family. But before you can reap the benefits of your new deck, you must build it properly. This will ensure that your deck is safe, long-lasting, and meets all local code requirements.

First, make sure you’re working with a reputable and experienced deck builder. Ask to see examples of previous work and a detailed estimate of what the project will cost. This will help you decide whether the deck is a worthwhile investment for your family.

Next, determine the purpose of your deck and select the right location. Consider factors like sun exposure, privacy, and accessibility from your house. Also, be aware of any underground pipes or wires that could interfere with your plans. Finally, if you live in an area with high insect activity, you may want to incorporate a backup screen door into your deck design to prevent pests from entering your home.

Once you’ve nailed down the purpose of your deck, it’s time to begin the pre-work. This typically includes excavation and landscaping to clear the site, as well as securing existing footings. Ideally, the foundation of your deck should be set into concrete. This will prevent shifting and sinking over time, due to seasonal freezing and thawing of the soil. At this point, it’s important to dig below the frost line and properly compact the soil as you prepare to set your footings.

Finally, it’s important to plan for construction during the winter months if possible. This will minimize disruptions to your garden, flowers, and shrubbery. Additionally, it will allow the deck builders to work more efficiently since plants are dormant and the weather is typically more stable.

Finally, before you start building your deck, check with your local city hall or building department to find out if there are any restrictions or regulations that must be followed. In many cases, obtaining a building permit is necessary to ensure that your deck is up to code and safe for your family.

Staining

Staining is a key part of the deck building process. It adds color to the wood and protects it from damage by sunlight, moisture and insects. It can also hide blemishes on the surface of the wood and make it look smoother. Stain can be used on new or weathered decks. There are different types of stain available, including oil and water based. Choose one that suits the style of your house and the climate in which you live.

A good stain should last for several years and keep the wood looking fresh. To get the most out of it, the deck should be cleaned and sanded before staining. A stiff broom should be used to remove debris, leaves and soil. Then the deck should be swept clean and thoroughly scrubbed with a Woodluxe All-in-One wood cleaner or Woodluxe Deck Stain Remover (if needed). After rinsing, the deck should be sanded with 80-grit sandpaper to make sure it is completely smooth.

Before staining, you should always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. A few things to take note of are whether the product needs to be mixed before use, and how much time is needed for drying. It is best to start the staining process on a day with clear and sunny skies. Rain can dilute the stain and prevent it from penetrating the wood.

It’s also a good idea to consult your client on the desired opacity of the stain. Some people prefer a clear stain that exposes the grain of the wood, while others like a more opaque finish. A transparent stain will need to be maintained more frequently, while an opaque stain can stand up to harsh weather conditions and fading for longer.

The type of stain you choose will depend on your climate and the condition of the deck. A water-based stain will be easier to work with because it doesn’t have a strong solvent smell and can be rinsed off the boards with a garden hose. However, an oil-based stain penetrates deeper into the wood and can last longer.

Cleaning

As you use your deck, it will collect foreign substances such as dirt, pollen, dust, twigs and leaves. These and other environmental factors can stain your deck, causing it to look dull and shabby. It’s important to regularly clean your deck so that it will last longer. The process can be time consuming, but it will greatly extend the life of your deck and help you enjoy its beauty longer.

For mild stains, use a mild dish soap or other gentle cleaner that is safe for wood surfaces and free from abrasives. For more severe stains, a deck cleaner may be needed. Be sure to read the product’s instructions carefully. A pump-style garden sprayer is a good choice for applying the cleaner. It’s also wise to test a small area of the deck with the cleaner before using it on your entire deck.

Whether you choose to use a cleaner or not, your deck should be thoroughly rinsed when finished. A pressure washer is quick for rinsing, but be careful not to damage your boards by spraying too hard. You can also use a scrub brush for rinsing, or just let the water do its work. Scrub the surface in a direction that is parallel with the wood grain and make sure to rinse well.

After your deck has been cleaned and rinsed, it should be left to dry. The length of time the deck will take to dry depends on factors such as time elapsed since it was last stained, amount of sun exposure and weather conditions. It is critical to wait until your deck is completely dry before you attempt to stain it.

If you want your deck to look beautiful and stay that way, regular sweeping and spot cleaning will keep it looking its best. It is also important to trim overhanging trees, reduce leaf litter and avoid letting debris fall onto your deck. Regular maintenance also includes periodic inspections and repairs to guard against moisture damage and sun damage. If your deck is stained, it should be resealed on a regular basis as well to protect it.

Repairs

When a deck’s boards or other components become damaged or deteriorate, repairing them can help prolong the life of the structure. However, there will come a time when restoration cannot reverse the effects of years of wear and tear, at which point replacement may be a better option.

To determine whether repairs or a complete replacement are needed, it is important to carefully inspect the deck and its substructure, including the footings, support posts, beams, joists, girders, hardware, ledger board, and flashing. Loose railings, splinters from wood decking and steps, and visible mold or mildew are also signs of damage that must be addressed.

The age of the deck and the extent of the deterioration will also play a role in the repair vs. replace decision. If the deck is less than five years old and the damage is limited to a few boards, then repairs are probably sufficient. If the deck is older and there is widespread deterioration, then full replacement will likely be necessary to ensure safety and longevity.

If damage is limited to the cast-in-place sections above precast concrete panels (PCP’s), then a repair is possible. However, if spalling is occurring on the girder side faces of the panel soffit, it is likely that full-depth deck repair will be required.

A full repair should include replacing the affected boards, re-stripping the stairs and handrails, and re-staining the surface of the deck. When doing deck repairs, be sure to prepare the right tools to avoid causing additional damage and to complete the project quickly and effectively. A hammer, screwdriver, pry bar, circular saw, and deck fasteners will be essential tools to have on hand. In addition, a jackhammer and a reciprocating saw can be helpful to make deep cuts and remove loose or decayed material. Be sure to properly install the new joists and ledger board after repair to prevent future problems such as water infiltration and structural failure. Following the International Residential Code guidelines for lag bolting and through bolting will ensure that the ledger board can handle both vertical and lateral loads.