HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1987-04-15, Page 67A new deck can do a
lot for home and yard
A new deck can do wonderful things for
your home's appearance and your outdoor
lifestyle. But before you dive into the pro-
ject, take time out to do some thoughtful
planning. Your project will go quicker in the
long run, and you'll be happier with the
results. -
First, analyze your needs. What's the
main purpose of the deck? Is it for sun wor-
ship or dining al fresco, to dress up an entry
or provide a private getaway? -
getaway?.
Knowing the deck's function is essential to
a good plan. You may find you need several
areas or levels — one fpr entertainment and
outdoor cooking, one for swiping.
While rectangular and sq'fiare decks are
easiest to build, the simplest design may not
be the best for you. Multiple levels can add
more flair and function than one large plat-
form in some situations.
Stake out the deck
Begin by drawing to scale on graph paper
a top and side view of the house. Include ma-
jor landscaping, driveways, doors, and loca-
tion of utility lines underground.
Then lay out the deck on paper. Try to
design it in increments of 2 feet since
lumber comes in these even lengths. It will
save you a lot of sawing and extra expense.
Now go outside with tape measure and 1 x
2 stakes and lay out the deck on the site.
Determine width, then length and height by
measuring the side of the house and mark-
ing where you want the top of the decking.
Tap stakes into the ground along the house
where the ledger strip will go and at points
somewhat beyond the exact points where
posts will be placed. Mark the string with a
felt pen exactly at the posts positions.
Check for square
To check the corners of the deck for
square, use this simple surveying procedure
with two fixed lines forming a right angle. '
This will be your guide for measurements.
Line No. 1 is always parallel to the house
or other structure the deck is built against.
If the deck will be detached, just run a
straight line along one edge of the proposed
site. Line No. 2 will intersect line No. 1 ( see
drawing) .
Take three stakes and a nylon line and lay
out a triangle. Line No. 1 should be 8 feet
long, parallel to the wall. Stake the line at
points A and B. Line No. 2 also connects to
stake A, running to a point 6' from A. Attach
the line to point C several feet beyond.
Check the distance from stake C to stake
B, the hypotenuse of the right triangle.
When its measurement is exactly 10 feet,
your corner will be square. Double check at
stake A with a carpenter's square. Then, us-
ing stakes and string, lay out the entire
deck, repeating the process to check each
corner for square.
If building a detached deck, you can form
line No. 1 by placing stakes along a line
parallel to one edge of the deck site.
Select materials
Your next decision is what kind of wood to
use. We recommend pressure treated
lumber for all your outdoor project needs.
Why? Several reasons: low cost, low
maintenance, resistance to decay and in-
sects, handsome finish qualities, and
workability.
A process which forces preservatives
deep into the cells of quality lumber makes
G -P pressure -treated lumber a solid choice
for decking, joints and beams. And, it's
essential to use only 'pressure -treated
lumber for posts to resist decay. Use
stainless steel fasteners and hot -dipped
galvanized nails to resist stains.
Know the code
Also, don't forget to check your local
building code before beginning construction
to be sure you meet local requirements.
Be sure to follow manufacturer's instruc-
tions when using power tools. And don't
forget to wear safety goggles when using
hammer or power tools.
Page 39
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