| There is nothing better than taking a cold drink out | | | | * Are railings required? If so, will they also be wood? |
| to your new wood deck, putting on your sunglasses | | | | * Will you have to add a new door for access to the |
| and kicking back for a day of relaxation, either on | | | | deck? |
| your own or with family and friends. Of course, for | | | | * How much weight will typically be on the deck? |
| people who live in the northern parts of the country, | | | | (considerations for number of posts, beams and |
| this is a seasonal bit of recreation, unless you like to | | | | joists) |
| sit outside on a crisp, sunny winter day. | | | | * Will the hot sun make the chosen deck materials |
| In any case, building a wood deck not only adds | | | | too hot to walk on? |
| additional living space, it also increases your home's | | | | A number of home improvement books on the |
| value in today's competitive market. The cost of | | | | market specifically target deck building techniques and |
| adding a wood deck can be minimal or it can be a | | | | tips. Television shows also run segments that feature |
| significant investment in your house, depending on | | | | the latest in trends to create the ultimate entertaining |
| how big the deck will be, and what type of wood | | | | area with a new wood deck. |
| you want to use. | | | | Permits first equal no do-over |
| Typically, decks are constructed with decay resistant | | | | One critical part of building a deck is getting a permit |
| woods, including cedar, redwood and cypress. | | | | from local authorities, if required in your area. Building |
| Bamboo is another type of wood that has recently | | | | inspectors will check to see if you are following the |
| gained popularity for building wood decks. Similar to | | | | plan as stated, and to check for other items to |
| the other products in terms of durability, bamboo is | | | | ensure your deck is safe for everyone to use. More |
| termite resistant, LEED qualified and is a green | | | | importantly, some homeowner insurance policies will |
| product. It has also been weather tested and is | | | | not cover accidents if the construction did not clear |
| comparable in price to other decking choices. | | | | local building codes. |
| There are a few decisions to consider before you | | | | Many stories can be found of people having to |
| rush off to the home improvement store to buy | | | | completely dismantle their hard work and start over, |
| lumber: | | | | simply because they did not take the time to apply |
| * What size deck boards do you want to use? | | | | for a permit, or want to pay the small fee for the |
| * Do you want a deck that is attached to the house | | | | privilege of adding a deck to their home. |
| or freestanding? | | | | |