Best Practices for How to Extend a Deck
- Decide on Your Goals & Extension Plan. The best way to widen or lengthen your deck? ...
- Remove the Appropriate Boards & Components of Your Existing Deck. ...
- Laying Out Your Perimeter & Installing Posts & Footings. ...
- Attaching & Building the New Extended Substructure. ...
- Installing Your Deck Boards. ...
How do you build a deck over an existing deck?
Cut and install the decking. Consider patterns other than parallel decking—the flat 2x4s provide a sufficient nailing surface for many patterns. To frame an extension that rises one step from the existing deck, lay out the post locations and cut the posts so the joists rest on the surface of the old deck.
How do you extend the length of a deck?
The most straightforward way to enlarge the area of your deck is by extending the sub-frame and boards at the same level. You might need to remove a section of balustrade first to do this. Unscrew the boards along the edge you want to extend to expose two joists.
How do you build a deck with 2x4s?
Consider patterns other than parallel decking—the flat 2x4s provide a sufficient nailing surface for many patterns. To frame an extension that rises one step from the existing deck, lay out the post locations and cut the posts so the joists rest on the surface of the old deck. Build the frame and toenail it to the old deck.
How does a deck extension work?
This deck extension works because it isn’t too high and there is an existing deck to join on to. It is built on the ground – so no holes to dig. It will move with frost heave, but the deck blocks will allow you to shim things up a bit if it goes too out of level for you. Our extension is approximately 8′ x 14′.
How do you build a deck addition?
0:089:40Deck Addition - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe way i line these posts up is i use a string line i put a string line on one of the existing.MoreThe way i line these posts up is i use a string line i put a string line on one of the existing. Posts. So i attached it to the far one. And then i measured out how far the edges.
How much does it cost to build a deck extension?
How much does a deck extension cost? Adding onto an existing deck runs $15 to $50 per square foot. To double the size of a 200-square-foot deck, for example, expect to pay between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on your location, the type of materials, and the design's complexity.
Can you turn a deck into an addition?
If you're looking for a new addition to your property that's beyond the scope of DIY, consider turning your deck into a sunroom. Provided you have the correct building permit and understand the local building codes, creating a three- or four-season room from your existing deck is easy.
How do you join two decks together?
Sistering joists is commonly used when adding onto an existing deck or repairing a deck. In these cases, the overlapped joists help tie the framing together by combining the rigid members over a beam. The longer the overlap distance, the stronger the connection.
How much should a 20x20 deck cost?
A 20 x 20 deck installation costs approximately $14,000 on average. Using more economical materials like bamboo or cedar deck boards can knock the price down. In contrast, high-end decking materials like composite decking will increase the price.
Does a deck add value to your home?
In terms of pure home resale value, wood decks provide the best return on your investment. The more affordable material translates to a more affordable deck project while boosting the resale value of your home to a similar amount compared to a composite deck.
Can you build a room on an existing deck?
If your deck is in good quality and offers the right support, then you're good to go. If your deck isn't strong enough, you might be able to strengthen it with joists and piers. So, is it possible to install a sunroom on top of a deck? The short answer is, yes.
Can you enclose a deck to make a room?
Enclosing your existing space with a porch enclosure can protect you from the elements and extend the use of your space. Whether you're looking to simply screen in your existing space or add a room you can use year-round, Patio Enclosures® has the perfect solution for you.
How much does it cost to turn a deck into a room?
How Much Does It Cost to Convert a Deck Into a Sunroom? From Pergolas to all glass Sunrooms, projects can vary greatly in cost, starting as low as $12,000 and going as high as $100,000.
How far can deck extend past a joist?
The American Wood Council states that cantilevers are limited to 1/4 the span of the joists. Joist Spacing (o.c.) Maximum allowable overhang cannot exceed 1/4 of the actual main span.
Should deck boards be butted together?
There is no reason to put a gap between the ends (also known as butt ends or butt joints) of wood deck boards. Wood, both softwood and hardwood, is dimensionally stable in length regardless of temperature, humidity or moisture content. Keep the butt ends as tight as possible when installing wood decking.
How far can deck joists span?
Decking boards span from joist to joist. If you use 5/4 decking, joists must be no farther apart than 16 inches. Decking with boards with a 2x4 or 2x6 span can be 24 inches. If you run decking at an angle, you might need to put the joists closer together.
How much does it cost to build a roof over a deck?
Generally, a roof over a deck will cost $1250-$1350 if you do it yourself, or between $4000-$8000 if you hire professionals to build it. A professionally built roof over a deck can cost $30 to $75 per square foot. Depending on the design, materials, and labor needed, the price will fluctuate.
How much does a 12x16 deck cost?
12x16-foot Raised Deck: You could build a 12x16-foot treated-lumber raised deck with stairs, for about $3,100 in materials. Hiring someone to do the work for you brings your total cost to $3,700-$9,500.
How much does it cost to build a 16x20 deck?
16' x 20' Deck Cost in total size are the most popular size in the U.S. They have a total cost range from $4,800 to $15,040, depending on the material and style. These decks can be configured to have separate areas for relaxing, eating, and entertaining.
How much does it cost to build a 20x20 composite deck?
Composite Decking Cost Per Square FootComposite Deck QualityCost Per Square Foot InstalledAverage Total CostEntry-Level Composite Deck$20$5,821National Average Cost$28$8,064Premium Composite Deck$38$10,826
What to consider when thinking about deck extension?
We know there’s a lot to consider when thinking through a deck extension project. Most of all, you will want a high-style, low-maintenance addition to your backyard — one that you don’t have to worry about putting more labor into on the other side of your extension project.
What is the next step in extending a deck?
The next step in extending a deck — and resurfacing both the pre-existing and new substructure — is to complete another inspection of your deck substructure to ensure your substructure is sound.
How far apart should deck joists be?
Standard deck joist spacing is 12” to 16” on center. For a more rigid foot feel, go for 12” on center.
What does it mean to widen a TimberTech deck?
Widening or lengthening your deck with TimberTech® decking means you enhance your backyard — and then some.
Where do you start a new substructure frame?
For this option, you’ll start your new substructure frame on top of the old substructure.
Can you install deck boards over extended deck?
If you’re only installing new deck boards over the extended portion, you’ll need to look for issues within the deck surface that could indicate problems with the substructure.* We recommend a full resurfacing.
Do you run string line when installing joists?
For each scenario, continually run string line as you install the joists to ensure all your joists are in-plane.
How long is a deck railing?
The horizontal parts of the railing are 10-foot lengths of 5/4″ deck board, topped with a 2″ x 6″ board to rest a drink on. We made these railing boards line up with the back of the deck bench seat for a seamless look. You can see how it all lines up in the bottom image.
How big is a PT deck?
6 – 8′ x 2″ x 10″ PT to sister together into beams for your deck.
Can you use pavers for deck blocks?
We then reused large patio pavers, plus a few others we bought as a surface to put the deck blocks on. This isn’t strictly needed – lots of people used deck blocks right on the ground – but this distributes weight more evenly and has handled two Canadian winters very well so far.
What to do before widening a deck?
Before widening or lengthening your deck, it's vital to ensure that the original deck is structurally sound: Check the framing for any signs of rotting, cracking or other degradation. If the deck is attached to the house (not freestanding), make sure the ledger board is properly secured to the side of the house.
What are the safety considerations for deck extension?
If the deck extension is far from the ground, safety considerations also include railing posts and balusters (vertical support pillars between posts). And if you want access to the lawn, you'll also need to think about stairs. Codes may dictate the requirements for proper rise (height) and run (depth) of each step.
What is cantilevering on a deck?
Cantilevering refers to a beam that extends beyond a support post or a joist that extends beyond a beam. The further it extends, the less safe it will be.
What is the best deck material?
One big consideration is deck material. You could go with cedar decking, which looks great at first, but won't take long to look weathered. Pressure-treated wood will stand the test of time if it's high quality and regularly treated. Composite decking won't require expensive maintenance, and it won't warp or splinter, but doesn't look as good as wood and will retain nicks and scratches.
Why do you put a deck on a different level?
By putting the new deck on a different level, it makes the transition less jarring and unsightly. The new level also doesn't have to be separated by a whole flight of stairs -- one or two steps will be enough. A multi-leveled deck is also great for entertaining because it offers multiple intimate spaces.
What is a deck?
A deck is one of the most pleasant ways to expand a living space. As an extension from your house, it's a way to relish the beautiful outdoors while still enjoying the convenience of being just a step away from your home. It's also one of the most popular ways to entertain a big party: A deck not only increases the available space, ...
How much does it cost to build a patio?
Overall, the project will take several days (or several weekends) of tough, meticulous work, and costs can reach upwards of $5,000. But in the end, you'll have a lovely outdoor entertaining and living space that could last decades.
How to extend a deck up a slope?
To extend your deck up a slope, you can start the new sub-frame on top of the last. The most straightforward way to enlarge the area of your deck is by extending the sub-frame and boards at the same level. You might need to remove a section of balustrade first to do this.
How to extend a subframe?
To enlarge the sub-frame, you'll need to put up additional joist support posts and fix three sub-frame joists to them. These will define the area you want to extend.
How to cut a joist in a subframe?
Step 1. Use a straightedge or long spirit level to mark the angle across the outer and inner joists with a pencil. Then cut the joists along the line you've made. Step 2. Measure a length of joist, and cut its ends in line with the next joists of the sub-frame.
How far off the ground is a walkout deck?
Walkout decks (any deck more than 5 feet off of the ground) provide a useable surface without detracting from the lawn, but they will shade the space underneath. Although you may be tempted to try your hand at a DIY deck project, deck extensions almost always require an experienced contractor.
Do you need a spacer between deck boards?
If your deck has treated deck boards, you'll need to use a spacer between the posts and decking to avoid the resulting chemical reaction. The picket sections may come welded together beforehand, although some are installed by component assembly.
