Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Decks PDF
Preview Black & Decker The Complete Guide to Decks
The Complete Guide to DECKS Updated 5th Edition Plan & Build Your Dream Deck Includes Complete Deck Plans Contents The Complete Guide to Decks Introduction Gallery of Inspiring Decks Deck Planning & Design Evaluating Your Site Deck Building Codes Determining Lumber Size Understanding Loads Developing Your Deck Plan Working with Building Inspectors Deck Materials & Tools Footings & Structural Lumber Wood Decking Non-wood Decking Fasteners & Hardware Metal Connecting Hardware Screws & Nails Flashing Footings Specialty Tools HOW TO BUILD A DECK Structural Support Installing a Ledger Locating Post Footings Digging & Pouring Footings Installing Posts Installing Beams Hanging Joists Framing Low-profile Decks Framing Multi-level Decks Framing Decks on Steep Slopes Working with Angles Creating Curves Framing for Insets Decking Decking Patterns Laying Decking Stairs Building Stairs Building Stairs with Landings Deck Railings Deck Railing Basics Curved Railings Composite Railing Systems Glass-panel Railings Steel Cable Railings Copper Tube Railings Deck Accessories Deck Planters Privacy Screen Deck Benches Deck Skirting Finishing & Maintaining Your Deck Cleaning, Sealing & Coloring a Wood Deck Finishing a New Wood Deck Maintaining a Deck Repairing a Deck Cleaning Vinyl & Composite Decking CUSTOM DECK PROJECTS A Deck for Entertaining A Deck for Livability A Deck with Power Under-deck Enclosure Runoff Gutters Spa Tub Deck Boardwalk Deck on a Slab Floating Octagon Island Deck Ground Level Walkout Deck Second-story Walkout Deck Inside Corner Deck Wraparound Deck Angled Deck Square Platform Deck Multi-level Deck Casual Curve Deck Deckbuilding Glossary Reference Charts Acknowledgments/Resources Photo Credits Index Introduction The right deck can transform your yard, home, and life. It can extend your usable living space outside, provide a platform for relaxation, cooking, socializing, and much, much more. A deck can also add to your home’s value for a relatively small investment—especially when you build it yourself. Building a deck may seem like a daunting project, but it is really quite manageable if you have knowledge and guidance at your fingertips. That’s where The Complete Guide to Decks comes in. This new edition of one of the bestselling deck books ever has been revised and updated with crucial new information, including changes to construction techniques, materials, and building codes. This version offers all the information you’ll need to quickly and safely build the deck of your dreams. Start with the gallery section that, along with photos throughout the book, will inspire you with examples of stunning decks of all sizes. These ideas set the stage for the essential sections on planning and design. There, we’ll walk you step-by-step through the process of assessing your site and designing your deck. You’ll learn about building codes and best practices that affect deck construction. We’ll show you how to draft plan drawings that will be accepted by your local building department. You’ll learn about all the fundamental techniques, tools, and materials that together form the art of deck-building. Once we’ve covered the basics, we provide you with an in-depth, blow-by-blow guide to the entire deck construction process. Each chapter in the How to Build a Deck section focuses on an essential stage in the process, covering such topics as: building a sturdy foundation and structural support system; laying decking; constructing stairs and railings; installing lighting; and applying the perfect deck finish. The last section of the book includes actual working plans, illustrations, and step-by-step instructions for a variety of decks. You can build any of these exactly as shown, or adapt a plan, modifying it to suit your own circumstances. You’ll also find instructions and background information for adding any of a number of luxuries such as a spa tub, outdoor kitchen, seating, or a privacy screen. Combine the comprehensive information in this book with a bit of time and work on your part (and maybe help from a friend or two), and you’ll experience the overwhelming satisfaction that comes from building a spectacular deck. When you’re done, you’ll understand exactly why The Complete Guide to Decks is the deck-building manual for do-it-yourselfers and pros alike. Gallery of Inspiring Decks Like any major home improvement project, a deck should be designed to suit your family’s lifestyle while it improves the value and beauty of your home. Realistically, you should build your deck with a budget in mind. But a budget doesn’t have to squelch your freedom to dream about that ideal new outdoor space. As you begin to plan your project, let your imagination inspire its design. A deck doesn’t have to be boring, even if you are a novice do-it-yourselfer or are working with limited finances. A curved metal railing, some attractive lighting, or common decking laid in an eye-catching geometric pattern can transform what might otherwise look like a boat dock on stilts into a compelling feature of your yard and neighborhood. The following gallery of stunning decks is intended to help you explore the possibilities of what your deck could be. Granted, the bigger the deck the more it will cost, but even a small deck that doesn’t suit your needs is an expensive investment if you never use it. So, whatever your budget may be, let these images serve as a way to gather ideas. Who knows... one small aspect of an elegant design could be just the key to unlocking the perfect deck plan for your home. Now is your chance to let any and all ideas be fair game. Multi-level Decks A basic, linear design such as this can make planning and building the complicated structure of multi-level decks far easier and quicker. Pressure-treated pine, as used throughout this deck, keeps costs to a minimum and ensures the longevity of the deck. Multi-level deck designs are ideal for making the most of a slope. The redwood used in this deck is a traditional choice because the wood’s appearance fits perfectly into the naturalistic surroundings, and it is inherently rot-resistant. A multi-level deck can be a significant commitment in time, effort, and expense. Planning is crucial to ensure the deck is as usable as possible; make sure you know what activity each level of deck will accommodate. The layout should be logical. Here, cooking is done nearest the kitchen, with a social area down one platform. A hot tub is positioned underneath to keep it level with the pool.
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