Deck Repair Services

Types of Lumber Used in Deck Building

Deck building is a full-fledged construction project, using many different types of lumber. The underlying structure is made up of joists, beams, and posts.

Deck Building

Moisture accumulation and termite infestation can damage decking. Proper drainage, regular inspections, and preventive treatments can help avoid these problems. Water damage can also lead to wood rot, which weakens the deck’s structural integrity. Contact Nashville Deck Builders for professional help.

Posts support the deck’s beams and provide stability. They are spaced at regular intervals around the perimeter of the deck, depending on the size of the deck and your personal style. Some builders use posts as a frame for stairs, railings or other features that require more structural strength than the floor framing (rim joists, end joists and floor joists). In most cases, 4×4 posts are sufficient to support a deck up to 6 feet in height, but taller decks need stronger, larger posts. As a general rule, posts should be at least twice as long as the joist span they are supporting.

Deck posts may be buried in concrete footings or supported by pier blocks. Pouring concrete footings requires digging below the frost line, setting forms and pouring concrete. This process is labor intensive, but provides a strong and durable base for the deck.

Precast pier blocks are a faster and easier alternative to poured footings. They are available in several sizes to accommodate various post sizes. They set on the ground and come with holes for attaching posts. Pier blocks also raise the bottom of the post slightly above the footing, which helps prevent water damage. Some pier blocks even include post anchors, metal framing connectors that secure the posts to the pier block.

In some situations, it is preferable to repair a damaged or rotting post rather than replacing it completely. This can be particularly appropriate if the post supports a hot tub or other structure with high static loads, or if it is decorative and would be difficult to find an exact replacement.

To repair a rotted post, first cut away the damaged portion of the post. Then clean the area and remove any debris that might obstruct access to the underlying concrete. If necessary, support the deck using jacks or braces to relieve pressure from the existing post and allow you to excavate and replace the post. When you install a new post, be sure it is pressure-treated wood to ensure longevity and durability. To attach the post to the deck beams, use code-approved metal post-to-beam connectors that attach the posts to the beams with through bolts.

Beams

A beam is a horizontal framing member that supports decking. Its size is determined by the design and load of the deck and must meet local building codes. A 2 x 6 to 2 x 10 is an appropriate beam for most residential decks. However, a larger beam may be required for high-load areas. To help you determine the appropriate size for your deck beam, check out Western Wood Products’ beam and joist sizing calculator.

For a pier or pad-supported deck, the beam–usually a double 2-by–can bear directly on the poured concrete pier or pad and stay close to grade. This method makes it easier to backfill soil against the joists, but it can leave the deck looking clunky.

On a post-on-beam deck, the posts can support a single-span beam that’s anchored to a concrete footing. If you choose this method, dig a hole for each post and set it in the footing, then cover it with gravel and tamp it well. Then, place a post base on each footing to strengthen the connection with the concrete and help prevent uplift caused by winds.

The rim joists (the outer-most joists on either side of the ledger) and the beam are supported by 2 x 4s. To prevent rot and joist hangers from weakening the structure, it’s important to use pressure-treated lumber. You should also install a drip edge to keep water from draining down the side of the deck and not against the structure.

Deck joists are typically 2 x 6- through 2 x 10-inch boards that span between the beams. To make a strong, long-lasting deck, it’s important to nail the joists together using proper fasteners and techniques. Installing joist hangers on the end of each joist helps transfer the loads to the beams and avoid buckling or warping.

If the joists aren’t properly supported, the deck could be unsafe and prone to sagging or spalling, in which the mud cap degrades from a weak concrete/mortar bond or expansive soil pushing against the side of the joist. To protect against this, it’s essential to follow the deck-building guidelines for your area and to use a good-quality construction adhesive. You should also use paint-grade trim boards to conceal the fasteners and finish nails.

Joists

Joists are the horizontal beams that support the decking. They must be properly spaced to ensure the structural integrity of your deck. You can use a timber design software such as Hyne Design or consult a professional to determine the appropriate spacing between bearers and joists based on the size and load requirements of your deck. A common maximum joist spacing is 16 inches on-centre, but this may vary depending on the type of decking and the anticipated load.

In addition to proper spacing, you should also use corrosion-resistant screws to fasten the joists. This helps to prevent the wood from loosening over time, which can compromise the strength of your deck. Make sure the screws are at least 3” long so they can penetrate wall studs and joists on either side of it.

If you’re building a new deck, it’s important to choose the right lumber for your project. Look for lumber with the highest copper preservative content if possible, and consider using pressure-treated joists for maximum durability. Also, be sure to install a well-functioning under-deck drainage system to keep moisture and debris away from the joists.

For existing decks, you can repair damaged joists by splicing them together or adding supports called cleats to the damaged areas. You can also install a new ledger to replace the existing one if necessary. To splice joists, first mark the location of the joists on both the bearer and ledger boards. Afterwards, nail the joists together with 8d galvanized nails. You should also install blocking between joists wherever required.

You should always use a level and a tape measure to ensure that all of the joists are level. This will help to ensure a smooth and even finish. In addition, you should also check the joists for damage and signs of rot, such as water stains or softness. If you see any of these issues, you should take steps to correct them immediately.

If the joists are damaged, you can add support cleats or sister joists to the existing joists to increase their strength and prevent further damage. If the joists are rotting, you can apply a fungicide to protect them from fungi growth and repair any damage.

Railings

The railings of a deck help create a safe environment for people to enjoy their outdoor space. They are also important for providing safety when the deck is high off of the ground, as they prevent people from falling over the side of the deck. Performing regular inspections and repairs of your deck and railings is an important step in keeping them safe. In some cases, the railings may loosen or become damaged, creating a safety hazard for your family and friends.

The most common type of railing for a deck is made from wood. It offers a natural aesthetic that bridges the indoor and outdoor spaces, and it’s generally less expensive than other types of railing. However, wood is prone to rot and requires consistent maintenance. Additionally, it can be damaged by strong winds that cause the balusters to shift and become loose.

Loose deck railings can be a safety hazard, especially if they are near stairs. If you notice that your deck’s railing is loose, tighten all the screws and bolts as much as possible. If this doesn’t help, you may need to add wood blocks or stiffeners to the railing posts to make them stronger.

You can also upgrade your deck railing to add strength and a fresh look. Composite materials like TimberTech offer color options that mimic the look of real wood, and metals like stainless steel fight rust and last long. Additionally, glass panels provide a clear view and can be customized to fit your personal style.

In addition to repairing loose connections, you can strengthen your deck railings by adding railing brackets to transfer the pressure from the railing to the joists. You can also use a rail cap to make the deck railing more aesthetically pleasing.

Once your deck is secure, you can complete its appearance by installing weather-resistant furniture and accessories, such as cushions and throws. You can also add planters, built-in seating, or a pergola to enhance your backyard garden or outdoor living area. In addition, a well-maintained deck can boost your property value.

Deck Repair Services

Important Tips For Deck Installation

Deck installation can be a fun project, but it’s important to make sure you’re doing it correctly to avoid structural failure. You also want your deck to be safe and comfortable.

Deck Installation

Most decks are made from wood, such as pressure-treated pine or cedar, but exotic hardwoods like ipe and cumaru and even composite materials can be used. Contact Deck Builders Baltimore County for professional help.

Joists form the base for your deck frame, supporting the beams and holding up the decking. The quality of your joists will affect the longevity and durability of your deck. To ensure they’re strong enough, joists should be sized correctly to suit the size and load of your deck. Proper spacing can prevent sagging, warping and structural problems down the line.

To make sure your joists are long-lasting and sturdy, they must be well-treated with a protective sealant. This will protect against water penetration, rot and insect infestation. When applying the sealant, it’s important to follow the directions on the label. The sealant should be brushed on and allowed to dry for at least 24 hours.

After the joists are treated, you can begin building your deck frame. First, fasten 2×4 rim joists to the ledger using hidden fasteners. Next, install joist hangers on each end of the ledger and rim joists. Joists should be spaced 16″ on center, and if they have a crown (a slight hump along the edge of the board) install them with the crown pointing up toward the sky.

Use a level to make sure the joists are straight and even. Then, nail the joists to the bearers with corrosion-resistant nails or screws. April says it’s a good idea to screw into the ends of the joists as well, as this will help secure them and keep them from loosening over time.

After you’ve installed the joists, it’s time to add the stair stringer and railings. To do this, snap a chalk line across the center of your joists and use it as a guide for laying out bridging material. Alternating blocking is one method; this involves installing blocks in an alternating pattern between joists, which allows for easy insertion of nails or screws. Another option is straight-line blocking, which involves placing all the blocks in a straight line.

Beams

A deck must be supported at its foundation. Typically, this means digging footers and pouring concrete before installing posts and beams to support the deck. Beams take the load off joists and transfer it to the posts and into the ground, so it’s critical to get them right.

If you’re building a deck on your own or with help, it’s always best to double-check the location and height of posts and bracing before beginning to frame the deck with joists. It’s a lot easier to rework these things before the beam is in place than when you’re standing on a ladder holding a 2×8 over your head!

Start by marking joist spacing (16” on center) on the beams and ledger. Then notch the posts as needed to accommodate the beams, using a notched post bracket at each hole. Once the footers are set, you can install the beams and their brackets.

Beams can be either drop or flush and are a key element in how the deck will look, as they create the structure that holds up the decking and stair stringers. A drop beam also allows you to cantilever the joists over the beam, creating a much larger deck with the same number of posts and beams.

If you’re not sure which type of beam to use, check with your local building code. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but generally speaking, a drop or girder-style beam is better than a flush style. Once the beams are in place, you can install the decking and stairs. And don’t forget to add the appropriate structural hardware, which will be a combination of joist hangers and shoulder brackets.

Stairs

Stairs are an integral part of a deck’s design. They add a functional element while allowing people to move throughout the home and emphasize its surroundings. Straight stairs to patio or lawn landings are an easy DIY build for homeowners, while simple curved steps create a more dramatic look. Regardless of their style, deck stairs must meet residential building codes to be safe for use. This requires careful attention to detail, including double-checking measurements and ensuring that the rise and run of each stair is consistent.

A stair’s substructure is comprised of two main components: treads and stringers. Treads are the horizontal boards you step on as you climb or descend the stairs, and they must be firmly fastened to the stringers to ensure stability. The stringers are wider boards, typically 2x12s, that run at an angle from the deck’s framing to the landing pad and support the stair treads. They can be either open or closed; open stringers have notches, while closed stringers are solid boards with cleats for the treads attached to the side.

To ensure that the stringers are adequately supported, they’re typically connected to the deck joists using a board called a ledger. This helps to distribute the load of the stair stringers and prevent them from buckling or warping, especially when they’re exposed to moisture. A ledger board can be made of pressure treated pine or a stronger composite material. Regardless of the material, it’s important that it be preservative-treated to protect against mold and mildew.

Ledger

The ledger is one of the most critical framing components in any structure and is a major part of deck construction. It distributes load evenly and provides stability to the structure. Using the right type of material for your ledger is important. The ledger must be made from a durable, rot-resistant wood such as pine or pressure-treated pine. It must also be secured to the house or building in a secure manner. The most common method for attaching the ledger is to use lag bolts. Incorrectly attaching the ledger can have catastrophic consequences.

Using the wrong fasteners for attaching the deck ledger to a wall can lead to the deck collapsing, or a structural failure within the house or building. Lag bolts must be installed according to the requirements of the International Residential Code 2021, Table 507.9.1.3(1).

Deck ledgers must be attached to the rim joist of the house with hex-head bolts or lag screws that have a minimum diameter of 1/2 inch. They must be staggered to accommodate the maximum gap between the sheathing and the house floor band joist that is permitted by the IRC.

It is also a good idea to install flashing around the deck ledger and cladding to prevent water from penetrating through the sheathing and into the wall cavities or studs of the house or building. This prevents rot, mold, and other serious problems.

In addition to lag bolts, there are other fasteners that can be used to secure the deck ledger such as concrete anchors, HDG expansion bolts, or stainless steel concrete screw anchors, but check with the anchor manufacturers for installation instructions and fastener spacing tables. If the deck ledger is attached to a concrete block foundation, you must use anchors that are approved by the local building official for this application.

Structural Hardware

Deck framing and its components are a major part of any elevated deck construction project. Framing errors may cause serious structural problems and injuries. This is why it’s so important to follow building codes and manufacturers’ instructions when framing a deck. Joist hangers, rim joists, and ledger boards are the most essential pieces of hardware needed when constructing a deck.

To create a sturdy structure for your deck, you need to make sure that the joists are spaced correctly. A good starting point is to mark the first floor joist at 8 inches on-center, then 16 inches on-center toward the end joists. This will ensure that there is a minimum of two deck planks per joist, and that the joists will be able to support your weight without sagging or cracking.

Joist blocking or bridging is also a critical piece of hardware for your deck. Blocks made of the same type and size of lumber are installed between each joist to tie them together, and help distribute the load evenly across all joists. This reduces joist deflection, which is when a joist bows up or down, causing a dip or hump in the deck surface.

Flashing is an essential waterproofing material that should be installed above and behind the ledger board, ensuring a watertight connection. This will prevent water from infiltrating the ledger and house, which could cause rot and moisture damage.

To prevent swaying, bracing straps should be installed on the side of the deck that sits directly under a drop beam. These braces, available in both T and L-strap styles, will greatly strengthen the post-to-beam connection and prevent swaying during strong winds.