Decks continue to be one of the most popular additions to homes as more and more homeowners seek to enjoy outdoor living and expand living space. Decks: Plan, Design, Build leads the homeowner through the process of designing and building a deck whether as a do-it-yourself project or working with a contractor. Hundreds of step-by-step color photographs highlight the clear, concise, and friendly text. The author provides helpful advice on generating ideas, selecting materials, and using tools as he leads the reader through the complete process. Three different deck projects, complete with plans and materials lists, are also included so even a novice can create a finished deck with this complete guide.

Table of Contents for Decks: Plan, Design, Build

Ultimate Guide to Decks

Table of Contents

Introduction...8

PLANNING AND DESIGN
Gallery of Design Ideas...14

1. Designing Your Deck...18
Beginning Your Design...20
Choosing a Design...22
Improving House and Yard...30
Design Challenges...36
Overlooked Deck Locations...39

2. Developing a Plan...40
Making the Drawings...42
Forgiving Designs...46
Planning Reminders...48
Basic Terms...50
Plan to Avoid Waste...52
Plan the Framing...54
Decking Size and Pattern...58
Planning Stairways...59
Railings and Benches...59
Final Drawings...60
Step-by-Step Projects
• Drawing an Elevation...44

3. Planning for Construction...62
Planning the Job...64
Who Will Do the Work?..66
Organizing the Work Area...69
Permits and Inspections...69
Realistic Scheduling...73

Tools and Materials
Gallery of Materials...76

4. Deck Building Tools...80
Tools for Building Decks...82
Excavation and Concrete...83
Measure and Layout...83
Cutting and Sanding...86
Fastening Tools...88
Accessories...91

5. Materials For Decks...92
Lumber...94
Lumber Species...98
Lumber Defects...101
Synthetic Decking...103
Concrete...103
Fasteners...104
Deck Hardware...106

Step-by-Step Construction
Gallery of Design Ideas...110

6. Building Techniques...114
Measuring and Marking...116
Cutting with a Circular Saw...118
Nailing...126
Drills and Screw Guns...128
Decay-Resistant Design...128
Laying Out and Cutting Curves...130
Step-by-Step Projects
• Cutting Rabbets and Dadoes...123
• Cutting Corner Curves...131

7. Footings and Foundations...132
Distributing the Load...134
Site Work...134
Laying Out the Foundation...138
Footings..
Digging Postholes...144
Pouring Concrete...145
Step-by-Step Projects
• Removing Shrubs...135
• Removing Sod...136
• Preparing a Gravel Bed...137
• Laying Out Lines...138
• Mixing Concrete...145
• Building Piers...146

8. Framing Support Members...148
Framing Basics...150
Sizing and Spacing Frame Members...150
Preparing the Ledger...154
Attaching the Ledger...159
Positioning the Posts...161
Making and Installing Girders...167
Step-by-Step Projects
• Removing Siding...152
• Installing Ledgers on Wood...159
• Installing Ledgers on Stucco...160
• Placing Raised-Deck Posts...160
• Anchoring Posts...164
• Establishing Post Height...166
• Making and Setting a Built-Up Girder...167
• Packing Out Girders...169
• Making Spaced Girders...170

9. Deck Joists...174
Modular Layouts...176
Using Practical Tools...178
Framing Hardware...178
Special Cases...181
Installing Joists...182
Bracing...184
Building Around Trees...188
Bridging...189
Framing for a Curved Section...192
Decking Over a Slab...194
Roof Decking...197
Step-by-Step Projects
• Setting the Inner Joist...179
• Setting the Outer Joist...180
• Setting Joists...183
• Trimming Joists...184
• Setting the Header Joist...187
• Installing Bridging...190
• Aligning Joists...191

10. Installing Decking...198
Decking Options...200
Estimating Materials...205
Installing the Decking...206
Fascia Boards and Skirting...213
Step-by-Step Projects
• Laying Out Decking Boards...202
• Deck Board Spacing...204
• Installing Decking...207
• Edge Trimming...208
• Breadboard Edging...211
• Installing Fascia...212
• Installing Skirting...215

11. Adding Stairs...216
Design Options...218
Installing a Platform...222
Installing a Landing Pad...224
Stairway Layouts...226
Building the Stairs...229
Step-by-Step Proj
• Framing a Platform...220
• Setting a Platform...223
• Platform Post Details...224
• Stringer Layout...227
• Installing Solid Stringers...228
• Setting Carriages...230

12. Railings and Benches...234
Railings: Basic Choices...236
Railing Materials...236
Railing Basics...238
Railing Design Choices...238
Railing Design Options...239
Installing Railings and Balusters...242
Benches...248
Step-by-Step Projects
• How to Make Posts...242
• How to Install Rails...244
• How to Install Balusters...246
• Installing Deck-Top Benches...250

13. Finish and Maintenance...252
Sources of Deterioration...254
Coatings...254
Finishing Products...257
Applying Finish Coatings...258
Step-by-Step Projects
• Renewing a Wood Deck...256
• Repairing Damaged Deck Edges...258

14. Deck Plans...260
Low platform deck...262
Raised railing deck...267
Canopy-covered deck...271

Resource Guide...280

Glossary...282

Index...284

Photo Credits...287

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