Very few home improvements can match a composite deck in usefulness, aesthetics, and improved property value. Whether for entertaining, sun bathing, and dining, or for an outdoor play area, building a deck out of Portico™ composite decking material is a home improvement construction project even for a novice handyman or woman. Deck building is straightforward and does not require advanced carpentry skills or sophisticated tools. If you can hammer a nail, saw on a straight line, and read a level, then building a deck should present no major problems.
Composite deck manufacturer, Portico™ Composite Decking and Railing, provides homeowners with high quality composite decking material that requires much less maintenance than traditional pressure treated wood decks. Eliminate painting or staining wood year after year, and instead enjoy your deck as soon as the project is complete and for decades to come. Add an extra space and enhance the look of your home by building a deck with Portico™ composite decking material.
Composite Deck Building: Planning
There are several factors that can affect the design, construction, and final result of your home’s deck. Listed below are some of the factors that need to be addressed in the planning step of deck building.
- Anticipated use (how often and for what reason)
- Existing structure (if there is one)
- Environmental conditions (sun light, air currents, etc.)
- Safety (for children and senior citizens)
- Access to home (via kitchen, bedroom, or living room)
- Terrain (elevated deck, ground level, or split level)
Composite Deck Building: Tools
With the proper tools and planning, deck building is easy and comes together smoothly. Property and coding conditions may require special tools, but the following list will suffice for most residential deck projects.
- Circular saw
- Power drill
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Chalk line – (As chalk lines can be extremely difficult to remove from composite decking, you can easily create a template for nails using indentations to indicate where the nails should be placed.)
- Level
- Combination square
- Framing square
- Hand saw
Composite Deck Building: Instructions
Once you have determined the basic size, shape, and location of your deck, there are a few issues to consider before deck building can begin. Read on for basic instructions.
- Make certain the deck will not seal access to any utility or drainage lines
- Check local deck building codes
- See Deck Building Tips for construction suggestions
- Or visit our Installation Guidelines for advice on joist, board spacing, fastening boards, and more!
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