 |
We have designed
and built thousands of decks, porches, and sunrooms. All of this
experience and knowledge has allowed us to offer the finest selection
of deck related products on the Internet. We have used every product
that we offer on projects that we have built in Northern Virginia
and the Outer Banks of North Carolina, so you'll be able to call
and talk to people who know the products and how they are installed.
We have listed below some resources and ideas that you may find
useful if you are planning to design, build, or refurbish a deck
in the near future.
-
One of the most
important decisions that you'll have to make is the type and
brand of decking that you'll be using. There are over 100
decking products on the market so this can be a difficult
task. CLICK HERE
to go to an article that discusses the major types and
includes some recommendations based on our experience.
-
If your deck is above
grade you'll probably need to have a railing installed
(Railings are required by code for decks 30" or more above
grade.)
"Vinyl and Composite Railings and the Building Code" was
written to try to shed a little light on an often confusing
subject. See all of our railing products by
CLICKING HERE.
-
Did you receive
operating instructions with your deck? Probably not. Take a
look at our
deck
operating instructions for a safer deck.
-
Was your deck built
safe? A lot of decks built in the '80's and '90's do not
meet current safety standards.
"Was Your Deck Built
Safe?" provides some guidance on what to look for on
your deck.
-
In our
Resources
section we have included several ideas and tools that you
may find useful including material calculators for concrete
and other bulk materials.
-
Adding shade to your
deck will significantly increase its usability and
enjoyment. We offer a couple of shade products that you
should consider: Retractable Awnings,
Pergolas
-
Stairway illumination is now required by the
national building code. The code does not specify how the
stairway is lighted but it does state the minimum amount of
light that reaches each tread. While big incandescent spot
lights mounted on the side of the house will do the job,
there is a better way. Low voltage lighting is easy to
install, is more pleasing to the eye, and gives a high end
custom look to the deck. Adding lighting to the rest of the
deck is easy and can be added at any time.
CLICK HERE to check out our deck
lighting.
-
Want a breeze on your deck but don't have a
place to hang a fan? Check out the
Torrento floor fan. It is UL
listed for wet locations, so you can leave it outside on the
deck year 'round without worry.
-
How about the space under your deck? Is
there room for storage or even a screened area? We have a
product that keeps water from entering the area
under the deck. Interlocking
Decking is a watertight deck product for new decks or
decks that need to be re-decked. Installed properly, this
decking will keep the area below it dry.
-
Benches are efficient but not particularly
comfortable seating. On many decks, the benches have been
converted into plant stands because they are just too hard
to sit on for very long. One solution to that problem that
also adds color to your deck is to add custom cushions.
Through our
Cottage Outfitters
store we offer custom cushions made to your dimensions and
with a choice of hundreds of Sunbrella outdoor furniture
fabrics. You can even order matching umbrellas, tablecloths,
and pillows.
-
Positioning Your Deck or Garden Gazebo is a useful
article if you are considering incorporating a gazebo in
your project.
-
Some safety tips:
-
When changing levels, alternate the
direction of the decking to give a visual clue that
there is a change. Your guest, particularly older ones,
will appreciate it.
-
If the deck is above grade and small
children will be on it, be careful about the location of
benches. A bench effectively makes a 36" railing only
20" high when standing on the bench.
-
Most of the decks that fail and cause
serious injury and damage fail at the point where the
deck is attached to the house. Newer homes may have an
engineered band board that is fine for supporting the
walls of the house, but are completely inadequate for
attachment of a deck. Using the right type and size
fasteners and spacing them properly is also critical to
a safe structure. If you are not experienced, make sure
you check with the local building department to
determine approved attachment details.
-
Decks should be inspected at least
annually to ensure that the structural integrity has not
been compromised by corrosion, rot, or other damage.
Particular attention should be given to railings and
rail posts. Check to make sure that nuts and screws are
tight and that there are no missing fasteners.
-
Nails that have backed out and are
sticking above the wood's surface should be removed and
replaced with screws. Driving them back into the wood is
a temporary solution.
-
Make sure that grills and portable
outdoor fireplaces are spaced safely away from the house
and railings. We have seen many instances of melted
siding from grills that flared up - and it could have
been worst. Grills and fireplaces should be placed on a
suitable non-combustible surface as well.
Additional tips can be
found on our Resources
page.
CLICK HERE
for Our Screened Porch Buyer's Guide
|
|
|
