Anyone here built a deck lately???

leeinmemphis · Jun 2, 2006

Hey everyone,

I am getting ready to build a deck that will be coming off the back off a house trailer that we are putting in. It is an incline so the floor level will actually be about 5' above the ground. I am thinking that I will end up wanting to build something like a 12x24' or somethinig of that nature. I would also like to have a hand rail and build some benches on the sides. On the center of the deck I would also like to put a set of stairs leading down to the ground level.

What spacing should I do my posts and what size should they be?

For the floor joists what size lumber should it be? I'm guessing that I will use 12' pieces but was unsure of whether if needed to be a 2x8 or something different?

Is putting the posts in a hole and setting them in concrete going to be the best way for the deck to last a long time? I had a buddy that mentioned that there were other alternatives that would not take as long to do but if I need to sink them in concrete to make it last longer then that is what I would prefer to do.

Any tips/advice would be great.........a pic of your craftsmanship would be great too

leeinmemphis · Jun 2, 2006

Hey everyone,

I am getting ready to build a deck that will be coming off the back off a house trailer that we are putting in. It is an incline so the floor level will actually be about 5' above the ground. I am thinking that I will end up wanting to build something like a 12x24' or somethinig of that nature. I would also like to have a hand rail and build some benches on the sides. On the center of the deck I would also like to put a set of stairs leading down to the ground level.

What spacing should I do my posts and what size should they be?

For the floor joists what size lumber should it be? I'm guessing that I will use 12' pieces but was unsure of whether if needed to be a 2x8 or something different?

Is putting the posts in a hole and setting them in concrete going to be the best way for the deck to last a long time? I had a buddy that mentioned that there were other alternatives that would not take as long to do but if I need to sink them in concrete to make it last longer then that is what I would prefer to do.

Any tips/advice would be great.........a pic of your craftsmanship would be great too

PineRidge · Jun 2, 2006

Building codes are different from area to area. I would suggest a trip to your local Home Depot. They have a computer that will draw you a plan based on your needs and local codes. It will also give you a material list so you can get it all at the same place. There was no charge for this service the last I had it done.

PineRidge · Jun 2, 2006

Building codes are different from area to area. I would suggest a trip to your local Home Depot. They have a computer that will draw you a plan based on your needs and local codes. It will also give you a material list so you can get it all at the same place. There was no charge for this service the last I had it done.

Redneck_Randy · Jun 3, 2006

Have you thought about looking into man made decking materials? Here's one product I'm looking into for our deck.

http://www.vinylfenceanddeck.com/products/decks/index.html

Randy

Redneck_Randy · Jun 3, 2006

Have you thought about looking into man made decking materials? Here's one product I'm looking into for our deck.

http://www.vinylfenceanddeck.com/products/decks/index.html

Randy

Joe1 · Jun 3, 2006

I had about 1,000 sq ft of decking installed a few years ago when my house was built.

I went with a man made Trex type material.

Several cautions.

Some will only span 12" centers, others up to 18" or 14".

They are HEAVY, about twice as heavy as redwood.

They need ventilation. Some products need a few feet high of ventilation on three sides or they will fail. While made of recycled pop bottles, they also contain some cellulose type fibers. They will expand and contract, but not as much as wood. They will warp and curl if they do not have adequate ventilation.

They are also a lot more expensive than wood. There is, however, little concern about warped or split boards when puirchased, so waste is less. They do not have any real structural value, in my opinion. Screws will pull out easier than in wood, and they may not take nailing without a predrilling.

A good product, but not for every installation. If you consider this stuff, make sure you're fully aware about the limitations.

They do not hold their color and tend to turn "silver".

Good luck with your installation.

Having said that, It sounds like it might be OK on your project. I don't know about th evinyl decking shown on the web site referenced.

Joe1 · Jun 3, 2006

I had about 1,000 sq ft of decking installed a few years ago when my house was built.

I went with a man made Trex type material.

Several cautions.

Some will only span 12" centers, others up to 18" or 14".

They are HEAVY, about twice as heavy as redwood.

They need ventilation. Some products need a few feet high of ventilation on three sides or they will fail. While made of recycled pop bottles, they also contain some cellulose type fibers. They will expand and contract, but not as much as wood. They will warp and curl if they do not have adequate ventilation.

They are also a lot more expensive than wood. There is, however, little concern about warped or split boards when puirchased, so waste is less. They do not have any real structural value, in my opinion. Screws will pull out easier than in wood, and they may not take nailing without a predrilling.

A good product, but not for every installation. If you consider this stuff, make sure you're fully aware about the limitations.

They do not hold their color and tend to turn "silver".

Good luck with your installation.

Having said that, It sounds like it might be OK on your project. I don't know about th evinyl decking shown on the web site referenced.

EddieWalker · Jun 3, 2006

I'll second a trip to Home Depot or whatever box store you have near you, but not for them to design it for you, but for you to go to the book section.

I've never heard of them designing your deck and that's a great option to have. Especialy with a materials list!!!!

First you need to know how a deck is built and get some ideas of what you want. Sunset and some other books will have the details from digging the holes, spacing and materials to use.

Basically a step by steph how to on what to do.

Decks are pretty basic and simple to do, just don't try to take any shortcuts and spread your joist spacings out. I've seen more than one deck that was springy or spongy to walk on as a result of this.

Is the trailer on wheels or blocks? With trailers, I prefer a free standing deck. Don't attach it to the trailer like you would a house. Just build as close as you can and give yourself a small gap for movement on your decking.

You'll want railings for safety, especially if you have kids around, or ever will. Rule of thumb is to have the rales close enough together that you can't get your fist through. If you can, then kids can get their head through as wel.

Code varies from area to area, or is non existant, so that's on you have to do. On projects like this, I always over build to Code. Never cut corners when people can get hurt because of it.

Good luck, take lots of pictures and have fun,
Eddie

EddieWalker · Jun 3, 2006

I'll second a trip to Home Depot or whatever box store you have near you, but not for them to design it for you, but for you to go to the book section.

I've never heard of them designing your deck and that's a great option to have. Especialy with a materials list!!!!

First you need to know how a deck is built and get some ideas of what you want. Sunset and some other books will have the details from digging the holes, spacing and materials to use.

Basically a step by steph how to on what to do.

Decks are pretty basic and simple to do, just don't try to take any shortcuts and spread your joist spacings out. I've seen more than one deck that was springy or spongy to walk on as a result of this.

Is the trailer on wheels or blocks? With trailers, I prefer a free standing deck. Don't attach it to the trailer like you would a house. Just build as close as you can and give yourself a small gap for movement on your decking.

You'll want railings for safety, especially if you have kids around, or ever will. Rule of thumb is to have the rales close enough together that you can't get your fist through. If you can, then kids can get their head through as wel.

Code varies from area to area, or is non existant, so that's on you have to do. On projects like this, I always over build to Code. Never cut corners when people can get hurt because of it.

Good luck, take lots of pictures and have fun,
Eddie