How to Build a Covered Deck Addition

Building a covered deck addition has become a popular way to improve both the aesthetic look and functionality of a home. Creating an additional covered wood deck enhances practical living space that is less expensive than building an entirely new standard construction addition. Also, a deck addition helps you enjoy the outdoors.

Step 1 – Choose the Best Lumber

Several kinds of lumber can be used for your additional wood deck construction, varying from cedar, redwood, standard framing lumber, or man-made board materials for deck-building. Cedar and redwood are in demand selection for deck lumber, although they are becoming limited and less common because of their high price tags.

Man-made deck boards are highly-priced, yet require no maintenance or deck stain, and are resistant to weathering, making it worth the investment. You can use standard framing lumber, but it may require additional expenses and time for the frequent treatments, waterproofing, and staining that is required.

Step 2 – Design the Deck Addition

Designing on the plan of the deck needs to fit well your budget and needs. You need to consider the primary purpose of the deck, such as entertaining and outdoor family use. The large deck design is best for entertaining purposes, while the smaller decks are adequate for family needs.

Step 3 – Select the Best View

Another significant consideration is deck placement. Consider privacy and accessibility. It's always best to integrate the deck addition where the house offers the best views. Again and again, stunning scenery next to the home is used when choosing a deck location in order to get the best view.

Step 4 – Settle Footings and Drainage

Check the ground underneath the deck should for proper drainage and grade. It is advised to set down the ground as when the installation of footing started, to reduce any reconciling later on. Nevertheless, any necessary changes to cover water drainage away from home should be created first.

Step 5 – Build the Deck

To build the deck to the home, a ledger board should initially be installed on the part of the home. It’s imperative to not get rid of siding since this can trigger water leakage. A level surface is essential when using cedar shims that aids accomplish this.

Then the box is sustained by posts, typically 4X4 pressure-treated lumber that aids resist insects and moisture. These support posts are spaced 8-feet or even less. An 8X8 foot deck, for example, would have two posts: one on each exterior corner, while a 16X16 foot deck needs six posts; five surrounding the perimeter which is spaced 8-feet apart then an additional at the middle later on. Perimeter posts should be installed initially, and then joined to footings. Any posts that fall at the platform’s middle are not built until the framing box is completed with joists.

Any necessary framing for deck railing is added before the decking, while stairs are added after completing the decking.