BUILDING A DECK-BUILD A SAFE ONE!
BUILDING A DECK-BUILD A SAFE ONE!
Building a new deck or replacing an older one will prove to be and excellent investment, however there are certain pitfalls that a person should be aware of. Be sure to spend some time checking these before beginning construction.
Spend a little extra time in planning the layout of the deck so it will be large enough for all your planned activities. It is important that the layout blends or goes well with the surrounding area, consider the angles of the sun and shading.
Take your sketches and ideas of what you want to your local lumber dealer or favorite supplier and be sure to consider their suggestions and ideas. They can probably draw up a plan for you and give you a pretty close estimate of the materials needed and the cost. As decks become more popular, suppliers and contractors are more familiar with the construction methods and will make sure that you choose the right type and makeup of materials.
Most decks are still being constructed with treated lumber, how- ever there is a new player on the scene. A new composite board that requires no sealers of painting is being used by some builders, however it will increase the cost of materials about 80 to 100 percent. If your pocketbook allows it you might want to opt to use this new material.
Before the year 2003 the pressure treated wood was treated with chromate copper arsenate (CCA), however the EPA forced manufacturers to stop using this process, still allowing lumber companies and dealers to sell out their inventory of CCA products. The problem that popped up after several years of these treated timbers being in the ground caused a leaching of arsenic into the surrounding soil.
Lawrence L. Hoyle http://www.web-landscape-design-ideas.com