DIY Checklist

Building the deck of your dreams requires some important prep work before you can jump in. You’ll need to sweep the area and plan where you’re going to put furniture and even think of all the tools that you’ll need. You’re in more luck than you had imagined because composite decking works just as easy as wood with the same set of tools.

The Prep Stage
* The first main thing that you’ll need to do is determine the area of your deck.
* Next you’ll need to research how to calculate the number of boards that you’ll need for the job.
* Since you’re going to be doing some work, you may be missing a couple of essentials.
* Before you being, re-evaluate your tools to see if anything crucial is missing.

Plan Ahead

The Composite Decking
Before beginning, it’s a great idea to mix and match all of your boards on the site before installation. This gives you an idea of the finished product and if you need to rearrange the dark and light tones to suit your taste.

Railing
* You’ll firstly need to select the style of railing that you want.
* The spanning base will then need to be calculated for the railing you’ve previously selected. During this step, you’ll also need to determine the final baluster count based on your railing selection.
* Before installing your deck, it is recommended that the locations be selected for the posts. However, posts are usually installed before the decking can be installed.
* You’ll also need to contact your local building official to determine if an ADA Handrail is required. In the case where it is required, you’ll also need to plan to position the posts to accommodate the ADA Handrail. Typically, ADA rails tend to need a span of 6′ OC.
* When it comes to placing your grill, it is important that your grill not be too close to your railing. Sufficient airspace of 6″ or more is needed between the sides or back and the railing to prevent damages such as staining or charring.

Lighting
* In this step, you’ll need to plan where the lights, the timer, the dimmer, and the power supply are going. Be sure to place them in a comfortable spot if ever they should require servicing.
* A rule of thumb is to have all of your deck wiring done before the railing and decking are installed.
* It is advised that wires shouldn’t be run between deck boards and joists.

Deck Drainage System
* It’s always better to plan for the decking layout in order to facilitate the correct placement of the joist system.
* Joists should always be square and straight.

Hot Tubs, Seating, And Planters
I* When it comes to these beautiful additions, proper planning of joist spanning is necessary especially if you’re installing a hot tub.

Fire Pits Or Fireplaces
* Firstly determine if you’re burning wood or using gas for the fire.
* In the case of wood, pits are not recommended for decks. This is due to the fact that they easily damage the decking because of the heat. Pits have also been known to shoot embers on the deck.
* For gas pits, fire-resistant materials as a must and should be installed at the bottom of the pit. This creates a protective barrier between the stone and the materials placed.

Installing A Pergola
* If you’re planning to place a pergola on the deck, you’ll need to have complete access to the underside. Pergolas mount to the underside with a standard 254 mm by 254 mm solid aluminum plate. This secures both top and bottom for max strength. However, it should be noted that any underside coverings will need to be removed in order to install your pergola posts.

* Additionally, you’ll also need to select the perfect location for the pergola posts as they relate to the joists. The plates don’t necessarily need to be mounted between the joists and instead could be mounted at the bottom. When mounted at the bottom, the pergola brackets could be mounted through the blocks.

Call UglyDeck today at 952-736-3308 or visit our online store at https://uglydeck.com/store/