DESIGNING YOUR DECK

It seems that whenever I drive by one of the "box-store" lumber yards I find a small "demonstration deck" by the front door and a sign promoting the low price of the materials and the ease of construction. And I have little argument with either claim. Decks can be relatively inexpensive projects and they can be a relatively easy construction project. This leads many of us to shop and build first and design later, I know, thats what I did with my first deck in 1971.

But even the least expensive deck uses costly material and many hours of labor. And all decks require some maintenance. Good design and planing can help you:

• end up with the deck you want and like,
  
• know if this is a do-it-yourself project or one requiring a contractor,
  
• stay on budget,
  
• choose the right materials, and,
  
• reduce maintenance requirements.
  

A good place to start is to look at some nice illustrations of decks, look for ideas and make some lists of preferences.

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BUILDING CODES

I love collecting urban myths and some of my favorites involve building and construction. The issue of permits, codes and zoning are the subjects such myths. Some tips regarding zoning, building codes and decks:

• building officials are busy and are very unlikely to monitor your home just because you asked questions about a deck,
  
• so, ask questions, lots of questions and ask them early, (I have learned a lot from building inspectors),
  
• most permits for decks are relatively easy to secure (and don't require an act of congress), they may require some plans but you will want these plans in order to have a good design,
  
• most building departments have some very good and free information about all types of construction work and a lot of that is on-line,
  
• a deck may not require a building permit, for example, if it is low to the ground, and,
  
• most decks must comply with all zoning requirements, such as lot coverage, side yard and back yard setbacks.
  

Building permits can take some time and cost a little money but have many advantages:

• Permits "force you" to think out the project before your build (I wish that I would have done that when I built my first deck in 1971).
  
• The permit process and related inspections can help you make sure that your contractor is building the project safely and per plans.
  
• A deck built to code is a better selling tool when you get ready to sell your home.
  

So, call your building and zoning departments early in the planing process. Ask lots of questions. Ask if they have some information about decks and permits for decks. Find out about the time it takes to get such a permit.

STEPS TO RESTORE EXISTING DECKS

• Remove soil and debris located within 6" of wood members and regrade the
  soil to prevent future soil/wood contact.
  
• Inspect the entire deck for any lumber damage from wood rot, insects or
  weather.
  
• Any damaged lumber should be replaced. If possible, pressure-treated
  lumber should be used (it may not always match the look of the rest of the
  deck).
  
• Next, a pressure washer should be used to get rid of the moss and debris
  caught between the deck boards. A pressure washer can damage wood if used
  improperly; special care must be taken with soft wood, like cedar.
  
• During the wood preservative application process, soil and vegetation
  around the deck should be covered with plastic to prevent the wood
  preservative from destroying the vegetation.
  
• The wood preservative can be applied with a brush or roller after
  careful review of the instructions that accompany the particular product.
  

In addition to treating or sealing decks, it may be necessary to remove
moss and mold from deck surfaces. Full-strength liquid bleach will do that
job quite well, as will some of the specialty products advertised for that
purpose (most contain bleach). A more environmentally-sound solution is
the use of the less toxic products designed for moss removal. Most lumber
yards and garden stores stock a selection of moss removers.