Deck
Design - Why Firm Foundations are Essential
By Arpad Nyikos
Preparing a deck design for your backyard is all the rage as a home
improvement project for this summer, however there is great temptation to
build a pallet like structure that just sits on the ground outside your back
door.
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Yes there are many ways to prepare the ground so that an
unconnected deck design structure will sit level to the ground, for example
by using concrete slabs in four corners... but it's still just a big pallet
sitting on the ground and the slightest soil erosion below will result in a
rocky deck! The only way to make a deck design that you can be proud of,
that will stand the test of storms and wind AND that you can build onto as
years go by, is to prepare firm LEVEL foundations before you start to build
up. |
A
ground level deck design shouldn't just sit flat on the ground, its
important to raise the deck frame off the ground to allow for drainage AND
to protect the wood, however, keep in mind that the top level of your deck
should not be higher than the entrance to your home - so that the rain
doesn't run off your deck design and through your back door.
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The importance of anchoring your deck design at the very start of your
project cannot be over emphasized and are an essential requirement for:
- Complying with planning permits for your area.
- Hopefully improving the value of your home.
- Quality workmanship will improve the usefulness of spaces in and
around your home.
- Adding value to the time you spent doing the work - it's much more
worthwhile when the job is done properly.
- Allowing you to extend your decking later - for example if you want to
add an extension for a BBQ area or a step up to encompass your new hot tub
with deck surround...
Your First Step in preparing the ground for your deck design foundations
will be to find out where any underground pipes extend out into your
backyard, you don't want to dig into any electrical or water pipes of any
sort.
Your second step, (with the details from step one in your possession)
should be to apply for a building permit and benefit from their sound advice
regarding deck design in your area. There is no guarantee, but if your deck
is going to add any value to your home you must have your paperwork
regarding the proper building permits in order.
Once your permit comes through you will have permission to create an
anchor ledger at the side of your home to which you can connect your deck
design using masonry anchors and you will know where you can dig to place
your concrete footings where your post anchors go.
Get all these initial components nice and level and firmly placed and
it's plain sailing for the rest of your deck design construction.
About the Author: Arpad Nyikos has written numerous articles dedicated to home improvement
trends to add value to your home or simply add quality to your home life,
plus improvement projects and different ways that you can finance them. You
can read more about deck design here at
home-improvement-and-financing.com A great
way to keep ahead with your home improvement project is a FREE subscription
to Home Improve E-zine
For more help on building a new Deck, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Deck Installation Bid Sheet.
The
Deck Installation Bid Sheet
will teach your how to hire the right deck contractor, and help to ensure that your
deck project is completed on time and budget.
How to Finance your Deck Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Deck Price Quotes For FREE,
No Obligation!
Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote
on decks from one of our prescreened and licensed deck contractors. This process
is free and there is no obligation to continue once you receive your decks price
estimate.