Be sure to choose a durable wood that is highly resistant to moisture and decay. Selecting high quality materials will enhance the longevity of your deck. Redwood and cedar are suitable and aesthetically pleasing, but lower priced, pressure treated lumber also is a popular choice for economical homeowners. The significance of pressure treatment lies in a process which forces preservatives deep into the wood's fiber, fortifying the quality and durability of the material. This treatment provides a built-in resistance to decay and insects. As a result of this process, the lumber may have a yellow or green color and may feel slightly damp when purchased. However, the lumber will fade to silver-gray after it has been exposed to outdoor elements.
Purchasing wood two weeks prior to construction is advised to allow the lumber time to acclimate to the moisture conditions in your yard. Pressure treated lumber must be dried thoroughly while elevated above the ground; failure to dry the wood before it is nailed or screwed will result in cracked wood and "popping" nails.
To estimate the amount of lumber needed for the project, it is important to understand the difference between nominal and actual sizes. The American lumber industry traditionally uses the nominal width to describe the board as it is cut from the tree, before it is processed. For example, a 2x4 does not actually measure 2 inches by 4 inches; its actual width is 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches after being run through a planing mill. When estimating the number of boards needed for a deck's surface, be sure to use the nominal dimension. The building materials retainer will assist you in adjusting the difference between the nominal and actual measurements.
Other materials you will need for the project include a hammer, a framing square, a straightedge, a drill with several bits, a circular saw, a chalk line, a tape measure, a post hole digger and shovel, a carpenter's level and a wheelbarrow. "We strongly recommend the use of safety glasses in any construction project," Alan Thielemann advises.
Now that you know the basic steps and materials used in constructing a deck, you are ready to begin creating your own outdoor environment.