How to properly build a deck in linden Tennessee.

10 tips on How to build a deck that lasts

There are billions of websites so thank you for flying gold square construction company, now buckle up because it’s gonna be bumpy and possibly offensive to those that build decks. According to insurance companies more people die every year on decks than anything else around your home.

1. Nails or screws?

For the love of all that is green do not use nails on any part of the deck with the exception of joist nails with joist hangers and that is it. You want to hang a plant off the deck with a nail, go for it. Now when it comes to joist hangers if you want to get really specific the nails go in with the nails facing the proper way that runs with the wood grain because the tips of them are flared a bit to help separate the wood grain as they go in. Screws go into the angled holes of the joist hangers. When it comes to screws they are all pre drilled no exceptions. Sure the screws are shaped to pretty much drill themselves but they will last a whole lot longer being pre drilled. And unless you know how to do fancy joinery that will last 100 years this is the way to build a deck. Sure most deck builders wont disagree with me about pre drilling every screw but with the way I build it all stays together without me ever having to worry about the safety of my clients.

2. Screws or bolts?

When it comes to attaching your post to the band around the deck you will need carriage bolts, washers, lock washers, and nuts. Width and length of the bolts are dependent on how you build. Do not use screws only to attach the posts. At least 2 bolts will be needed to do the job. 

3. Types of railing.

Depending on your style of building this varies wildly. For strength I enjoy putting the 6x6 post through the deck and notching for the double band around the deck. If it’s not too high up and I’m comfortable doing it I enjoy ghost railing and it can look amazing if you have a good miter saw. As long as a baby can’t fit its head through the balusters, wire, or whatever your heart desires to put between the posts you are good. Depending on where you live your codes most likely reflect about the same, 4 inch spacing maximum. Even if your county doesn’t have these codes this should be followed because this is how a baby or pet will get broken. Always build railing with children in mind, words to live by.

4. Decking

This also varies wildly, there is everything from 5/4 board and Trex board that they say will last a lifetime. I’ve seen guys put 2x12’s down and the deck lasted a good long while. The only problem with 2x12’s is that it held water and rotted faster. In North America they use 2x6’s and used motor oil to treat and they can last 10-20 years maybe longer depending on who takes care of it. In the south they typically use 5/4 board which typically last 2-10 years even when treated. I personally like recommending Trex to people, I have had a lot of luck with it and it has been an amazing product. No matter what you use, be sure to treat it correctly and look after it because the sun and rain are going to destroy it eventually. 

5. Wood or composite?

Finances can dictate this a lot of the time. Most people think that Trex is the more expensive product for a deck when in reality Trex is the cheapest product you can buy because it’s going to out last wood. Wood will need to be treated every 2-6 years which will cost more money every time depending on whether you do it yourself or hire someone. You’ll buy composite one time at double maybe triple the price depending on color and that’s it. You’ll buy wood at a cheap price and spend extra in the years to come. If you can afford trex do it!

6. Joist tape

Joist tape will allow your deck to last way longer. The box says 20 years more than if you don’t use joist tape. If I were you, I would use joist tape. This allows the water that will inevitably stay between the joists and decking to do a lot less damage if any at all. Joists can sometimes rot the deck faster than decking because the water will sit under the decking longer and may not dry out as fast depending on where the sun is. Joist tape has been a money saver for people wanting their decks to last longer.

7. Free standing or bolts to the house?

If you can bolt it to the house, do it. If you can’t, overbuild it. I believe in the KISS method (keep it simple stupid) most of the time with the exception of decks. The elements are going to demo it for you given enough time so overbuild your decks! and if your deck is free standing and there is a lot of sway to the deck where you feel like you have sea legs, connect some diagonal sway bracing from the posts to the band on all the corners at least to help get rid of the sway.

8. Posts go on Simpson strong ties.

Dig the holes, pour the concrete, and either put a J bolt in there for the post holder or let the concrete dry and pre drill a red head into the concrete and attach the post holder to keep it steady. most people still bury the post and for a treated 6x6 post that will likely last a long time depending on the elements but if you have the option, purchase the simpson strong tie post holders and install them.

9. What to do with concrete.

When digging the holes and pouring concrete you really only have one option, mix the concrete. I’m not against dry pouring, I have concrete guys on the job that dry poured the concrete and swore it would be alright. And after a lot of research believe it or not dry pouring concrete will keep the post straight and harder to get out if you are putting a 6x6 in the ground. But just know that if you are putting wood in the ground that you are cutting the life of the deck down. So do it the long way and just mix and pour the concrete. Set the joist holder and pre-drill screws into the strong tie holes and post.

10. Stair stringers

Put simpson stair stringer connectors on the stair stringers. Don’t just toe nail the stringers into the band and think that’s going to be okay. Stair stringers come apart easily whether you cut them yourself or bought them from a supplier. Depending on where you source your materials, if you have the option choose the wood you get and make sure the crown is humped up to eliminate unnesesary sagging. That goes for joists as well. If your stringer is cracked but not completely cracked off then take some 6-8 inch screws and pre drill some long holes in it in order to insure that it stays together no matter what.

I could write a book on how to build a deck properly but I’ll start with this blog. There is much more to it and it gets even more complicated. 

The best advice I can give is to never stop learning how to better your craft. By the time you read this there will already be a new product or tool that can make life easier, so keep learning and don’t think you know everything because there is always someone that knows something you don’t. Im Zack Fair, holler at me on my website Goldsquareconstructionco.com some time and lets see if we can put you on the schedule!

My philosophy on finish carpentry

Until A.I. develops a soul Im going to write these blogs myself. finish carpentry isn’t rocket surgery but for some people in this business it may as well be the same thing. My philosophy on finish carpentry is that it cannot be rushed. If you or your workers come to the job site tired and start making bad cuts and throwing the boards up there when they are gapped far enough apart for your fingers to fit, go home. Thats right, my philosophy is to go home if you start making too many mistakes. Your reputation is on the line here and if the trim isn’t near perfect than you must take it off and redo it. I say near perfect because once the wood goes up it is going to expand and contract.

keep the trim inside and if you have the option, turn the air on. If you are installing crown molding it is critical that the temperature of the wood matches where its going to remain. If you can, put the crown molding on scaffolding as close to the ceiling as possible in order to get it to the temperature its going to live at. The reason for this is because heat rises and affects the wood shape.

personally, I may only work 3-8 hours a day depending on feeling when it comes to trim. I am creating art that I am putting a lot of love into. I am also saying good bye to my art that someone is paying for but I would be lying if I said it doesn’t affect me. There is something so meditative about working with wood and giving it life one last time. Take pride in your work and do a great job.

Construction Poetry: These Walls

I build my soul into these walls

Intent that a temple will rise

For the wanderer that seeks 

Silence allowing these walls to whisper

In your silence, feel eternity 

In your depths, bury me

So that I may sow

To become another tree

When you reach the peak of me

That’s where I’ll be

Waiting for you all along

Building my soul into all you see

Never thought of myself as a poet, I simply prefer things I have never heard. For me there is deeper emotion when doing carpentry work. I will let it go, but I will contend with myself as I do. This is my art, it is my love, and it is the reason my work glows.

Zack Fair