Building & Materials Considerations

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• Obtain a copy of your site/plot plan. This shows the setbacks and easement lines that require you to not build past certain boundaries. You should have received a copy of your site/plot plan when you bought your home. If not, contact the local zoning department to acquire one.

• Lay out a rope or garden hose on the ground to get a feel for the shape and size of your deck. Lumber is cut to 8', 10', 12', and 16' lengths so use two foot increments when determining the size.
• Most decks are not proportioned to the back of the house so it will likely be to one side or the other.
• The grade of the yard will impact the deck's height
• Existing trees or gardens.

• A free-standing deck is an option, but most people want them attached to the house. An attached deck will require you to decide how the siding will be cut away at the point of attachment and if there is solid house framing accessible to suitably support the deck.

• Footings and posts support the beams which support the joists and the deck boards. The bigger deck, the more footings you'll need.

• Formulas can determine size based on the span but the general rule is that the more footings used on a given span the smaller the beams need to be, so maximizing the footings will minimize the beams and vice-versa.

• Joist size can vary from 2x6 to 2x10, and the spacing can be 12", 16" or 24" on center. Formulas can determine sizes and spacing, but the bigger the deck, the bigger the joists and the closer you'll need to space them for proper support.

• The most popular sizes are 2x4, 2x6 and 5/4x6. The most apparent difference is in the width: 2x4's produce more seams in a deck surface than 2x6's and you'll need more 2x4's to cover a surface. Either way it ends up being about the same amount of wood and about the same price.

• Each person’s preferences vary, but your choice will probably be determined by price, availability and quality which vary greatly.
• Redwood, cedar and pressure-treated pine are all widely used as deck board options. Each will resist moisture decay, and although they look very different when new they all weather to a similar shade of gray.

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