The Service Solution

There’s nothing like the feeling that comes with adding to your home with your own two hands. One popular project for amateur home improvers is adding a deck. These construction projects offer a great chance to show off your skills to your significant otherand to the neighbors when you invite them over for a cocktail party. With wireless internet service, you can even work outside when the weather is nice.They say the hardest part with any project is getting started. With deck-building, that’s both true and false. Obviously, if you want your deck to stand, you’ll have to do a lot of preparation in the beginning. Ask for help and do research to make sure all your questions are answered. This article is not meant to be a how-to guidefor that, see “How to Build a Simple Deck” at www.thisoldhouse.com or an equally reputable resource. Picking out materials and plotting out the location of your deck is actually relatively easy. Common decking materials include Southern pine, redwood, western red cedar, Hem-fir, and Northern white cedar. The size and type of lumber you choose will help you determine the spacing of your joists. Once you select a spot for your deck, you can attach the ledger, which will help secure the deck to your house. After these early steps, that age-old adage becomes more appropriate, because that’s when you’re faced with the prospect of digging post-holes and pouring concrete. After the posts are secured, though, it’s relatively easy to construct the frame and then lay down the decking. You’ll notice that the TOH guide demonstrates a deck located very close to the ground. Higher decks are possible, but as you get higher, you progressively increase the risk of collapse, so you’ll want to be very sure you know what you’re doing before you get started on one. Network with professionals at your local home-improvement store, or even consider getting some contracting help. After your basic deck is constructed, you can make it your own in a variety of ways. Deck staining adds gorgeous color to your deck and also helps protect it against the elements. All you’ll need is an oil-based wood deck stain (for best results), a canvas drop cloth, a paint pad with pole, and a brush for edging and other difficult areas. Adding a deck railing is another great way to add flair to your deck (and a necessity if there’s any risk of injury from falling off). You can build your own wooden railing easily enough, or you can purchase easily-installed railings made from aluminum, vinyl, or composite materials. Check out such sites as BuildDirect.com or Trex.com to see what options are available.