Deck Ideas
Deck Ideas > Deck Components • Deck Materials
There is nothing like a beautiful deck to increase the enjoyment of your
home. Decks provide an outdoor area for the family to relax and also
add space to your home. Decks are particularly usable in the warmer
months, but they can also be designed for use during cold weather.
Until the 1990s, exterior decks were usually made from wood lumber. Pressure-treated softwood was an economical alternative to higher-priced clear red cedar or redwood decking. However, most wood decking will turn gray when left to the elements, and it will crack, bow, and split if not properly maintained. More recently, certain tropical hardwoods and various composite decking alternatives have become available. Composite decking products, typically made from wood fiber and recycled plastic, last longer and require less maintenance than many types of wood decking. Although they are more expensive than traditional forms of decking, many people find the convenience of composite decking surfaces to be well worthwhile.
When it comes to ideas for your deck, the sky's the limit! You may
want to design a simple, one-level deck, or you can design a multilevel
deck with lots of square footage. You can shade your deck with an
awning or a pergola, or you may choose to expose your deck fully to the
sun. Decks can include hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, and even cozy
fireplaces for outside winter fun.
You'll want your deck's appearance to co-ordinate with the style of your
house, and there are a wide variety of railing and fastener choices that
will help you achieve this objective. One very popular deck-building
choice these days is concealed fasteners. These fasteners enable you
to construct a deck without nails on the surface. Not only does the
finished deck look sleeker, but injuries from raised nails are avoided.
Whatever the design of your deck, remember to include all of the extras in your budget. In addition to the decking itself, be sure to factor deck trim, footings, railings, and any extra features into the final price of your deck.
Once you have designed your deck and selected your deck plan, you will
probably need to submit your construction plans to your local building
department for review and permitting. The permit request should
include drawings and exact measurements of the deck and a list of all
materials to be used. Check with your building department to find
out exactly what they need.
On Deck-Ideas.com, you will find a broad range of deck planning, design, and construction resources, including convenient links to deck photos, deck plans and construction ideas. You can also get matched with local deck builders and locate suppliers of decking, railings, and deck fasteners. We hope you find this information helpful in planning your new outdoor living space!
Deck Planning and Design
- Deck Photos
Features a good selection of categorized photographs for all types of decks and related structures.
www.Decks.com - Deckorators
This manufacturer of maintenance-free deck railing components features beautiful and unique deck rails and accessories. Try out their virtual deck designer! Deckorators is a division of United Forest Products, Inc.
www.Deckorators.com
Building A Deck
- Decks & Patios
A deck is a fairly basic home construction project, and this website contains do-it-yourself project help for building a deck.
www.Hometime.com - Deck Building and Design
This site, authored by a residential General Contractor, offers comprehensive deck planning and construction information.
www.BestDeckSite.com
Deck Fasteners
- Deckmaster
Offers a hidden deck fastening system that eliminates the damage to deck boards caused by other fastening systems.
www.Grabberman.com - Eb-Ty
Features easy-to-install hidden deck fasteners that can be used with all types of decking materials to give your deck a clean, uniform appearance.
www.EbTy.com - Shadoe Track
This under-deck fastening system uses tracks fastened to deck joists with long life screws that also secure each board from below.
www.ShadoeTrack.com - Deck Fastener
Tiger Claw® hidden deck fasteners use a patented design that is easy to install and provides a nail-free deck surface.
www.DeckFastener.com
Deck Treatments
- Thompsons Water Seal
This manufacturer of exterior waterproofing products features oil-based and Latex exterior wood stains as well as pressure-treated wood products.
www.ThompsonsWaterSeal.com - Sherwin-Williams
Whether you're staining a new deck or restoring an old one, this paint company features a selection of deck stains plus deck cleaning and maintenance products to help you achieve professional quality results.
www.Sherwin-Williams.com - Cabot
Offers a comprehensive family of wood care products including solid color acrylic and oil-based decking stains plus deep-penetrating decking stains formulated with a special alkyd-resin base.
www.CabotStain.com - Olympic Paint and Stain
Olympic Paints and Stains produces quality exterior stains, paints, and specialty products. Choose Olympic products for their attractive final appearance, durability, color, ease of application, and inherent protective properties.
www.Olympic.com - TreatedWood.com
Overview of wood treatment products and solutions. Presented by CSI, a supplier of wood protection technology to the wood preservation industry.
www.TreatedWood.com
Deck and Patio Books
- Deck Designs and Ideas
Browse through some fabulous, functional deck design ideas. Learn about wraparound decks, builder's decks, small deck designs, and rooftop deck retreats. Each deck style will give you ideas for a brand-new deck or get you thinking about a deck remodel.
www.BHG.com - Deck Designs
This comprehensive guide to planning and selecting a deck offers step-by-step instructions on both DIY projects and working with contractors.
www.FoxChapelPublishing.com - Outdoor Design - Decking
This book covers the essentials for deck planning and design, including assessing the site, choosing materials, and creating shade. It moves onto the practical issues of building and maintaining a decked area. A section on inspiring deck designs follows.
www.FoxChapelPublishing.com
Related Outdoor Living Sites
- Do It Yourself - diy ideas and tips for homeowners.
- Patio Ideas - outdoor patio planning and design.
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