Deck building is a major undertaking that requires proper planning and execution. A few missteps can lead to serious consequences.
From high-level issues like not obtaining a permit to more nuanced mistakes such as using the wrong materials, there are many common deck building mistakes that builders should avoid.
1. Failing to Plan
A well-built deck can be an asset to any home, adding equity and providing a space for families and friends to gather and enjoy the outdoors. However, a poorly built deck can not only lower the value of your home but also pose a safety risk to anyone who uses it. This is why it is so important to consult with a professional decking expert before beginning your project. They will ensure that your deck is constructed properly and complies with all building codes and industry best practices.
One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners and first-time builders make is failing to plan their deck before starting construction. This includes choosing a suitable location, considering how it will be used, and determining what materials will be used. Having a clear plan for your deck will help you avoid costly errors and save time and money in the long run.
Another common mistake is failing to consider the structural integrity of a deck. This can include improperly installed support posts, weak joist connections, or inadequate footings. A poor-quality deck can collapse under the weight of people and objects, posing a serious health and safety hazard for all who use it.
Finally, many decks are built too close to house features, such as doors and windows. This can cause code violations and lead to expensive repairs. It is important to build decks with adequate clearances from houses and hose bibs to prevent water from seeping into the structure and causing damage or rot.
Lastly, it is important to choose the right materials for a deck. The type of wood used can have a significant impact on the longevity and structural integrity of a deck. For example, repurposed wood is not as strong as pressure-treated wood. It can also rot, warp, and sag over time. It is best to stick with a high-quality, hardy wood for the planks of your deck.
In addition, many homeowners forget to install proper ventilation beneath their decks. This can lead to moisture problems, which in turn can rot and weaken the boards. To prevent this, be sure to install vents in your deck and use waterproofing sealants on all fasteners.
2. Not Using the Right Materials
A deck is a great way to add some style and comfort to your home, but it’s important that you use the right materials. This includes everything from the type of wood to the fasteners. Using the wrong materials can result in costly mistakes down the road. In fact, over 60% of all deck collapses are caused by using improper materials.
When building a deck, it is important to consider the typical weather conditions in your area. For example, if you live in an area that experiences freezing and thawing cycles, it is important to dig your footers four feet deep to prevent shifting and sagging over time. Also, if you live near a body of water, it is important to use pressure-treated lumber instead of cedar because salt water will damage the wood.
Another common mistake people make when building a deck is failing to properly seal it. This is a big mistake because untreated wood will quickly become damaged by the elements, including moisture and heat. In addition, not sealing the deck can lead to rot and mold growth, which will be expensive and difficult to fix.
It’s also important to use proper fasteners when installing joist hangers and other components of the deck. Using screws that are too short can cause the hangers to fail, and using galvanized or stainless-steel fasteners will help prevent corrosion in treated lumber. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing these parts of the deck.
If your deck is located near a house or other combustible structures, it is important to protect it from wildfire by creating a defensible space. This means moving combustible items such as furniture and liquid propane tanks away from the deck and ensuring that the deck isn’t touching the house or other buildings.
Finally, it’s important to regularly inspect your deck for signs of deterioration or damage. This will help ensure that your deck is safe for you and your family to use, especially during wildfire season. Also, it’s a good idea to move combustible items such as fire pits and grills off of the deck during fire season.
3. Failing to Install the Ledger Board
A deck is a significant investment in both time and money. To ensure the safety and longevity of your new deck, it’s important to follow the proper building procedures. Unfortunately, some homeowners do not. As a result, their decks may collapse, leaving them with a major repair bill and a dangerous structure that poses a danger to anyone who steps on it. To avoid these pitfalls, here are four common mistakes to watch out for when building a deck.
Failing to Install the Ledger Board
The ledger board is the most crucial part of any deck because it’s what connects the deck to the house. It also determines the height of the deck surface. To prevent rot, it’s important to use waterproofing flashing when installing the ledger board, says this Deck Builder in Charlotte.
If you’re not using this material, water can seep under the joists and cause wood to rot. This can lead to structural failure of the deck and even the house itself. In addition, it’s important to use a galvanized joist hanger to attach the ledger board. Joist hangers are metal braces with flanges and holes that should be lined up with joist hanger nails. If these nails are not galvanized, they could fail and cause a joist to lose its load-bearing capacity. One joist failing won’t make the deck fall, but enough of them can cause it to collapse and create a serious safety hazard.
Another mistake to avoid when installing a deck is leaving too much space between joists. This isn’t a good idea because the weight of the deck must be evenly distributed between joists to prevent the structure from collapsing or pulling away from the house.
To avoid this problem, a structural engineer should be hired to help you install the deck and the ledger board. They can advise you on the proper distance between joists and how to attach them properly.
If you’re building your deck around an existing house, you must install a ledger board that will connect the deck to the house. This is the most important step in a deck build because it will determine how high you can build your deck. To ensure that the ledger is fastened securely to the house, it should be attached with special hold-down anchors that bolt onto each joist. These anchors then connect to a galvanized rod that extends through the sill plate of the house. This method of attachment is recommended by most structural engineers because it helps to ensure that the deck never separates from the house.
4. Failing to Secure the Ledger Board
The deck ledger board is one of the most important parts of a deck. It is the part that connects the deck to the house, and it needs to be secure in order to withstand a lot of stress. Failing to properly attach the ledger board can lead to a collapsed deck and serious structural damage to the home. This is why it is so important to use the proper fasteners and to make sure that they are installed correctly.
Many people make the mistake of not using the proper fasteners when building a deck. They may use nails instead of lag screws or through bolts, and this can cause the deck to come loose or even fall off the house. Lag screws and through bolts are made of high-grade steel, so they will hold up better to the elements than regular nails. It is also important to use galvanized or coated hardware, as this will resist rust and corrosion better than untreated fasteners.
Another common mistake is failing to install the proper flashing on the ledger board. This is important to prevent water from seeping into the house and causing rot. There are also several different types of flashing that can be used, so it is important to find the right one for your home.
Joist hangers are a great way to ensure that the deck joists are securely attached to the ledger board and beams. They help to distribute the load of the deck and prevent the joists from shifting or becoming unstable over time. In addition, joist hangers can help to reduce the risk of deck sagging and collapse. If you are noticing that the deck joists are not properly supported, it is a good idea to install joist hangers as soon as possible.
It is also important to keep in mind that many cities, counties, and townships have their own set of deck building codes. You should always check with your local building department before starting any construction project. In addition, you should always hire a professional contractor who is familiar with the local building codes. This will ensure that your deck is built to code and will be safe for your family to enjoy.
