Best Types of Wood for a Deck
- Cedar. Cedar resists moisture, rot, and insect infestation, and offers more durability than many other types of wood.
- Redwood. Redwood, another premium deck wood, is easy to work with, naturally decay- and insect-resistant, and rugged enough to avoid warping, checking, and splitting.
- Douglas fir. ...
- Southern yellow pine. ...
What is the cheapest wood for a deck?
PVC decking cons:
- Can be relatively expensive for a whole deck system
- Typically looks like plastic and doesn’t mimic natural wood as well as composite decking
- Harder to install than other types of decking materials
- Can get uncomfortably hot in warm climates
What materials are needed for a deck?
What kind of saw do I need to build a deck?
- Circular Saw. A circular saw is generally used for a large variety of cuts. ...
- Jigsaw. A saber saw, or a jigsaw is ideal for cutting in tight spots and making carved cuts.
- Reciprocating Saw. This type of saw is great for demolition but also works for making finishing cuts.
- Table Saw. ...
- Chop Saw. ...
What is the best wood for a deck floor?
Best Types of Wood for a Deck Cedar. Cedar resists moisture, rot, and insect infestation, and offers more durability than many other types of wood. This hardiness is due to the fact that cedarwood ...
What is the easiest deck to build?
- Place gravel at the bottom of each footing to minimize sliding.
- Use a long level on top of your joist beams to ensure your deck is perfectly flat.
- Also, don’t re-bury those deck piers until you have them all laid in your backyard, just in case you need to change a few.
Should I use 2x4 or 2x6 for deck?
Most builders stick to using a minimum of 2x6s for deck floor joists. If you want to add guardrails and stairs, you need at least 2x10s. 2×4 and 2×6 joists are ideal for ground-level decks without guards.
What boards do you use to build a deck?
Redwood, cedar, and cypress, as well as the exotic species, are good choices, but since most decking boards from domestic woods are sapwood and not rot-resistant, you should treat them. For the deck surface, you can use 2x4s, 2x6s, or 5/4x6s.
What size wood should I use to build a deck?
Commonly used joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8 and 2-by-10. For example, when you space joists 16″ apart — which is standard for residential decks — a deck spanning 9 1/2′ would require 2-by-6 joists, a 13′ deck would need 2-by-8 joists and a 16′ deck calls for 2-by-10 joists.
What material do I need for a 12x12 deck?
You will need 18 boards of 2-by-6-inch lumber or nine 2-by-10 inch boards to build the joists, also known as the beams. You should purchase an additional 25 percent wood to allow for framing pieces and waste.
Is pressure treated wood OK for decks?
Pressure-treated wood is ideal for decks, posts buried in the ground, and even ground contact in finished basements, but it's not always the best product for every job.
Is pressure treated wood required for decks?
Yes, you can use untreated wood to build a deck, but not without preparing it first. You can't, of course, pressure treat it yourself, but you will need to seal; the wood and stain/paint it to ensure the wood is ready to take on the harsh external weather.
Is 2x6 good for decking?
You can use 2×6 as deck joists if the deck is low enough to the ground as not to require guard railing. When using S-P-F 2×6 deck joists, the span must not be greater than 9'0″ (2.73m) with joists at 16″ o.c. (400mm), and 9'10” (3.01m)with spacing at 12″ (300mm).
Can you use 2x6 for deck boards?
Wood decking is commonly available in 2x6, 2x4, 5/4 x 6, and 5/4 x 4 profiles. 5/4 x 4 and 5/4 x 6 is produced specifically for decking and can be found milled with a radius or bullnose edge. 2x4 and 2x6 are thicker and stronger, but they also tend to be more expensive than a 5/4 board of the same width.
Is 4x2 OK for decking?
4 x 2 Timber Rail / Joist. Pressure treated timber joists. These decking joists are the most common sized framing timber for decking. They provide a solid structure for fixing your decking boards too.
Is it cheaper to build your own deck?
According to Remodeling magazine's 2021 Cost vs. Value report, on average, a homeowner can recoup around 63% of the cost of a composite deck or almost 66% of the cost of a wood deck. Why? Because home buyers are willing to pay top dollar to own a deck.
What is the cheapest way to build a deck?
Pressure-treated wood is generally the cheapest material to build decks from. For up-front savings, that seems great, but don't forget long-term costs. Wood decks require yearly maintenance such as staining or painting, and they'll often break down quite quickly if you fall behind on maintenance.
How much does a 14x20 deck cost?
Cost to Build a Deck by SizeSizePressure-treated wood Average cost per sq ftComposite decking Average cost per sq ft10x20$1,300$2,80012x12$936$2,01612x20$1,560$3,36014x20$1,820$3,9203 more rows
Can I use 1x6 for deck boards?
Width of material: We recommend only 1x4, 5/4x4 or narrower boards. Never use 1x6 or 5/4x6 material in close to ground applications. Spacing between boards: You must allow space for your deck boards to expand when they take on moisture, as they will inevitably do when exposed to wet weather, rain or high humidity.
What is the best material to use for decks?
Composite and PVC decking are popular because they're virtually maintenance free. Both types are extremely weather-resistant, easy to clean, and neither will ever splinter, warp, cup, or rot. And they don't require sanding or staining.
How thick should deck boards be?
Common deck board thickness. The most commonly used thickness for deck construction is 1-1/4”. But you can also get boards 2” thick, while there are boards only ¾” thick. It depends on the material, how flexible it is, and its hardness rate.
What material do I need to build a deck?
What Materials Do I Need To Build A Deck?Measuring and Layout Tools. ... Framing Squares and Speed Squares. ... Excavation Tools. ... Shovels. ... Pipe and Squeeze Clamps. ... Wrenches and Pry Bars. ... Fastening Tools. ... Nail Gun with Compressor.More items...•
What is Tigerwood decking?
Tigerwood decking sells the product as Tigerwood. Although this exotic wood has several names, it is not Zebrawood, which is another striped-liked product. What the U.S. Forest Service calls Astronium graveolens, Tigerwood is also often used to carve knife handles and archery bows. 06 of 06.
What is a mahogany deck?
Mahogany is a tight-grained tropical hardwood that resists pests and rot. Treat it with marine oil, and it looks like teak. Or, let your mahogany deck age to a silvery hue. You can choose from several varieties, and each has its pros and cons. Whichever type mahogany you select, make sure it has the "FSC" trademark to assure that rainforests have not been harvested irresponsibly.
How is wood hardness rated?
The hardness of wood is rated by the Janka hardness test, a number that will be associated with the type of wood you buy. A lower number is softer wood than a higher Janka harness scale number, so you can easily compare between species.
What is ipé wood?
Ipé. Ipé (pronounced ee-pay) is an almost magical South American hardwood. The Forest Service Products Laboratory gives ipé top marks for bug and rot resistance, and the wood is so hard, it's nearly as difficult to burn as concrete.
What wood is good for splintering?
The wood you choose should have an excellent resistance to decay, and cedar is one such wood. Western red cedar is reddish-brown. Within a few years, the cedar ages to a silvery gray. This soft-wood splinters easily, but holds up well in rain, sun, heat, and cold.
Is pressure treated pine an eyesore?
Will your new deck be an enhancement or an eyesore? The answer depends on the type of decking wood you use. Pressure-treated pine resists rot and repels pests, but the green- or yellow-tinged lumber can be unsightly, and the pesticides it contains may be unhealthy.
Can you seal redwood decks?
A redwood deck will resist rot, but prolonged moisture will cause the wood to blacken. To maintain the lovely ruddy hue, use a clear sealer on your redwood deck or porch floor. The California Redwood Association (CRA) represents timber companies in the American northwest.
How high should a deck be for frost?
For cold climates, the frost line is around 42 inches. For warmer climates, it’s around 12 inches. Always refer to local building codes to be exact. If your deck is elevated more than 12 inches, you’ll need to adjust the height of your footers to accommodate for the extra height.
How high should a deck be to have a railing?
In many cases, any deck over 18 inches requires a railing and stairs to meet code, so either keep your deck low or plan to construct a railing and stairs.
How many boards are used for a bearer calculator?
For bearers this calculator uses two 2 x 6 boards glued together with construction adhesive.
Can a handyman build a deck?
Handyman can build the deck of your dreams and will use the materials of your choice. We can add features such as lighting, swinging benches, fire pits and more! Our experts will also take care of any necessary deck staining or painting to ensure your new deck looks great for years to come.
Planning for a New Deck
Check with your local building department and homeowner's association regarding permits and building requirements. Note what elements of the project require inspection and plan your work accordingly.
Decking Materials
Pressure-treated lumber (top right) is the standard material to withstand weather. Most pressure-treated lumber is wet when delivered directly from the store, so you’ll need to let it dry before staining — typically for six months. As an alternative, consider upgrading the decking and railings with composite materials (bottom right).
Marking the Deck Layout
When you have a solid plan, you can mark the layout with strings and batter boards made from 2-foot furring strips and screws. See Making and Using Batter Boards assembly instructions.
Working With Pressure-Treated Lumber
Use fasteners and hardware labeled for treated lumber — stainless-steel or hot-dipped, galvanized screws.
Next Steps
The next stage of the project includes setting the posts and building the framing. See How to Build a Deck: Post Holes and Framing.
Things to Consider When Planning a Deck
A beautifully planned deck is an extension of your home's living space. Before you begin planning, gather inspirational photos, learn your local codes, requirements and restrictions, including those of your homeowners association (HOA), and set a reasonable budget.
Labor
It’s important to consider whether or not this is a viable DIY project or one best left to the pros. Some hidden costs and construction challenges might surprise you. When drafting your plan, check your work with a building inspector to ensure you have enough supports for the size of your deck and that your railings are up to code.
Decking Material Options
Some materials enable customizable design options, from curves to multiple colors and woodgrain patterns, while others are more limited in scope. When choosing a material for your project, keep your priorities in mind: Are you looking for great design options, the best value or maybe a product that offers a balance of both?
Deck Maintenance
Yearly deck maintenance is necessary. Check for loose, split or damaged areas and repair as needed. Depending on your decking material, hose clean or pressure wash to remove grime and mildew growth. Re-stain and seal as recommended by your product's manufacturer.
How many inches of framing for decking?
The advantages are many. It’s faster than random seaming; all decking ends have a full 1-1/2-in. of framing, so it cuts down on fastener splits; and you can leave 1/4-in. gaps at the ends so end grain can dry out after it gets wet.
What is seaming on a deck?
We use a faster, more material-efficient method we call seaming. It’s simply strategically placing a seam (or seams, on bigger decks) and using the same length boards for each section. Each seam is a sandwich made of an elevated vertical decking board with joists on both sides.
Why do you order tens of 4x4 lumber?
When we order 4x4s over the phone and need eights, we always order tens to reduce the chances of getting 4×4 leftovers from peelers. Here’s why you should be careful when selecting 4×4 lumber.
Can you lay out deck footings with string?
Home improvement books and TV shows always recommend laying out deck footings with batter boards and string, but I gave that up years ago. It’s faster and easier to build a layout frame from deck boards or joists. And unlike string, a frame gives you a solid guide to mark footing holes and align post bases.
Can you seam a 16 ft deck?
lengths might be the only options. For a 16-ft.-wide deck, I might seam it to have a four foot “sidewalk” down the middle for zero waste. Of course, everything depends on the design and the homeowner. But think about it next time to figure out the best approach. Here’s our guide for all things treated lumber.
Can 3/4 in deck boards split?
The result is that end-to-end deck boards share the 1-1/2-in. thickness of each joist. That can cause problems, especially with wood decks. With only 3/4-in. of nailing surface, fasteners will cause ends to split. And since the board ends have to be tight, untreated wood will rot.
Can you use a notched stair jack on a deck?
Simple notched stair jacks are fine for interior stairs. They get nailed to wall studs for stability and are hidden once the house is finished. Not so with deck stairs. Naked, notched treated-wood stair jacks are unattractive and wobbly. And because there isn’t much meat to attach posts or pickets to, you’ll have wobbly handrails, too.
What is a deck frame?
A deck frame is essentially a wooden platform raised off the ground and supported by beams and posts. The posts stand on concrete footings called piers. The platform frame is made primarily from of 2-by lumber called joists. On a small deck, the beams are sometimes incorporated into the joist framing.
What happens if a deck is large?
If the deck is large, you’ll end up buying more joist hangers, more bolts and you’ll have to dig and pour more concrete footings.
How far apart should joists be on a deck?
The minimum joist size is a 2-by-6, which may span up to 11 feet 7 inches without additional support if they are spaced just 12 inches apart.
How far apart should a 4x10 beam be?
The distance required between posts depends on the beam size. A 4-by-10 beam that supports a joist span of 12 feet, requires posts no more than 9 feet apart.
What is the benefit of a 4x12 beam?
On a large deck, using the 4-by-12 beam will save you the labor and cost of pouring additional footings and installing additional posts. If the deck is high enough to walk under, it also increases the open space beneath the de ck for a patio or storage area.
How high should a deck post be?
If the deck is below 6 feet, then we can use a 4-by-4 post, but if the deck is over 6 feet high, then a 6-by-6 post is required.
What wood is resistant to rotting?
Naturally Resistant Species, which can usually be cedar, redwood, and cypress. These are resistant to rotting and insects. To retain the natural beauty of the tree source, you can seal or stain the wood before using it to build your deck.
What is the best tool to install decking?
An 18- or 20-volt cordless drill has become one of the most popular fastening tools. An impact driver makes it easier to drive screws and bolts very firmly, and if you plan to install decking with face screws, consider using a speed driver. This tool features a clip you can load with screws in order to drive a lot of them quickly, and has an extender that enables you to do the job while standing up.
What is the best saw for decking?
A circular saw is often used for most cuts, making it the best saw for deck building. Get one that cuts reliably, and equip it with a sharp carbide-tipped blade.
What is the best tool to sand wood?
A belt sander is the most powerful sanding tool, but should be used carefully so you don’t dig into the wood. A random orbit sander is also effective at smoothing and removing stains, but is safer to use. A hand sander is also a viable option to get the job done, too. Previous Article: Access to Recessed Hot Tub Decks.
What are deck tools?
Deck tools can be divided into five categories: tools for lay out and measuring; for general carpentry and digging; for cutting; for fastening; and for smoothing and shaping. To use these tools effectively, see the section on Basic Skills. There you will also find some tips on choosing the best tools. Tools for Layout and Measuring.
What to use to cut metal?
Keep a utility knife and some wood chisels in your tool belt to finish and slightly modify cuts. Tin snips, also called aviator shears, cut metal and plastic flashings. A small plane that is correctly adjusted shaves boards with ease. You may occasionally need a grinder to cut away metal or masonry.
Lumber and Structure
Estimating how much lumber you need starts with looking at the basic elements of the deck: the foundation, the frame and the stairs. When trying to calculate decking, these elements comprise the structure of the deck and are made of concrete and framing lumber.
Determining How Much Concrete is Needed
Determining how much concrete you need per cardboard tube will depend upon the tube size, and how deep it needs to be set into the ground.
Hardware and Building Materials
When learning how to calculate decking, you'll need to keep in mind hardware and other building materials as well. Here are the basics you will need for this project:
Estimating Decking
Decking material makes up the deck flooring and is available in a variety of styles, lengths and widths. Whether you’re building a wood deck or composite deck, you’ll need to know the width of the decking boards.
Estimating Railings
Rail post and hardware: Your drawings will specify how many and what size your deck posts will need to be around the perimeter of the deck as well as down the stairs. Add up the number of posts and note the lengths.
