What Materials Do You Need to Build a Deck?
There’s no better place to be when the weather is nice than your own backyard deck.
From hosting friends on a warm evening to sipping your morning coffee as the sun rises, it’s the perfect setting for an inviting outdoor living space.
If you’re thinking of building a dream deck of your very own, there are many styles to choose from. You could go with a classic attached deck or a detached floating deck. Other options include a screened-in deck for more comfortable year-round use, or an above-ground pool deck for a splash of summer fun.
And whether you plan to build your own deck or hire a pro, choosing the right materials is essential for completing a successful project. To help you start your shopping list, here’s an overview of what you’ll need to look for.
Decking Components from the Ground Up
From the support framing that anchors your deck to the flooring you walk on, here are the basic components of a typical backyard deck.
Posts & Beams
The weight of your deck must be supported by vertical posts topped with horizontal beams that run parallel to the house. If your deck will hold heavy objects like a hot tub, it will require more substantial foundational support. A smaller deck that sits close to the ground may be supported by concrete blocks instead of posts.
Vertical posts determine the height of your deck. They are inserted into concrete footings that are sunk into the ground. To reduce the risk of rot, you can secure wood posts to the concrete footings with galvanized metal connectors. Horizontal beams provide stability and hold the joists that will support the floor. For attaching posts and beams, galvanized decking screws offer superior durability and strength as opposed to traditional nails.
Ledgers & Flashing
If you are building an attached deck, it must be secured to the side of the house with a sturdy ledger board. This horizontal piece of lumber is attached with bolts running into the studs in the wall of the house. The joists that support the floor are then attached to the ledger.
The ledger must be same size or larger than the joists, and siding must be removed so the ledger board can attach directly to the wall. Improper ledger installation is the leading cause of deck failure, so proper fastening is absolutely critical.
Flashing installed on top of the ledger pr water from seeping between the ledger and the wall. This protects the wood from rot and helps keep water from entering the home through cracks in the wall.
Joists
Joists are wooden planks that serve as a foundation for the floorboards of your deck. You will place them perpendicular to the house atop the beams. The outer joists are known as rim joists. For an attached deck, use galvanized metal hangers and fasteners to connect the joists to the ledger board.
Flooring
Perhaps the most visible part of your deck, the floorboards rest on top of the joists. Here are three of the most popular materials used for deck flooring.
- Pressure-treated wood: Affordable and easy to find, pressure-treated wood is a quality material that tolerates all weather conditions. It is also insect-resistant. Because it tends to splinter, you may want to avoid walking barefoot on it. In addition, you’ll need to check for signs of warping or cracking as the years pass.
- Composite wood: This low-maintenance option is typically made from recycled materials such as plastic or wood fibers bound with a resin. It doesn’t need staining or coating and resists splintering, warping, splitting and rotting.
- Cedar: This natural hardwood offers good weather tolerance and insect resistance. It’s also highly amenable to staining. It is more expensive than pressure-treated wood and may split or splinter.
Stairs & Railing
You may wish to include a staircase to provide access to the house or to the ground below your deck. A stylish railing adds beauty and safety.
A deck staircase requires additional posts, beams and joists for support. Stair railing materials may include cable, metal, glass, vinyl or wood. At Mid-City Lumber, you can also find ADA-compliant handrails and attractive balusters.
In many cases your deck railing will be made of the same material as the flooring, such as pressure-treated wood. You may also opt for composite wood, exotic woods or stainless steel cables. Other popular extras include lighting for evening activities, or an elegant trim to conceal hardware such as joists and screws.
Other Special Considerations
There are many factors to think about when planning your project and choosing the best deck materials.
- Location: Look for materials that are appropriate for the climate where you live, such as high humidity or extreme hot or cold temperatures.
- Size and complexity: A small, square-shaped deck will need fewer components than a large, wrap-around design. A second-story deck will have different requirements than one that sits close to the ground.
- Amenities: Will your deck include electrical work for lighting or plugging in appliances? If so, talk to an electrician for suggestions. Consider whether you’d like other nice-to-haves like built-in benches, a grill or fire pit. Deck skirting is another great option for concealing the area underneath the deck. Popular designs include simple wood sheets or a lattice pattern.
If you have questions about an upcoming deck project, pay us a visit at Mid-City Lumber. We offer a wide selection of quality decking materials from reputable manufacturers, including low-maintenance deck boards and railing. In addition, our friendly professionals are happy to provide helpful advice for building a deck you’ll be proud of!
Stop by a location near you or contact us online at any time.
