Check out this list of common mistakes people make when creating decks before moving on to some deck-building "dos." Ask a local deck builder any questions regarding this list to avoid making costly mistakes with your new deck.
- Before you even start planning your new outside deck, be sure you are aware of the local deck building codes. A deck added to a house must be constructed following municipality standards, or you may be charged fines and, ultimately, a deck removal court order.
- Pay attention to the strength and stability of the deck footers. Concrete slabs called footers are placed on the ground to support vertical posts. Make sure to place those footers on undisturbed soil beneath the frost line of the land to maintain the stability of your new deck.
- Never place horizontal beams or supports adjacent to vertical posts or supports. This may cause those beams to shear and the deck to collapse. To maintain those posts in place and aid in distributing their weight, fasten the support beams to their tops instead.
- Not every deck floor is created equal! Exotic hardwoods can be difficult to sand and refinish but are often solid and unlikely to dent or scratch. However, cheap softwoods could be too supple for frequent foot traffic. Before selecting deck boards, consider your demands, average foot traffic, and other factors rather than going with the cheapest material or something that looks nice.
