Synopses & Reviews
Decks continue to be one of the most popular additions to homes as more and more homeowners seek to enjoy outdoor living and expand living space.
Decks: Plan, Design, Build leads the homeowner through the process of designing and building a deck whether as a do-it-yourself project or working with a contractor. Hundreds of step-by-step color photographs highlight the clear, concise, and friendly text. The author provides helpful advice on generating ideas, selecting materials, and using tools as he leads the reader through the complete process. Three different deck projects, complete with plans and materials lists, are also included so even a novice can create a finished deck with this complete guide.
Review
"Do-it-yourselfers seeking a formidable challenge should consider building a deck.
'Decks' has the necessary step-by-step instruction, plus several hundred color photos and drawings."
The Sacramento Bee
July 7, 2001
Synopsis
How to add the perfect deck whether doing it yourself or working with a contractor. 605 color photos and illustrations.
Synopsis
Ultimate Guide to DecksDECKS: Plan Design Build provides the information you need to build the deck of your dreams. Design and planning guides help you create a deck based on the latest design trends. Comprehensive instructions show you how to build like a pro.
Over 650 photographs and illustrations to guide you through your project
More than 60 detailed step-by-step photo sequences
Information on the latest deck products
About the Author
Author Steve Cory resides in Chicago and has spent more than 20 years as a deck builder and remodeler. In addition to authoring Creative Homeowner's Deck Designs (
Table of Contents
Ultimate Guide to DecksTable of Contents
Introduction...8
PLANNING AND DESIGNGallery of Design Ideas...14
1. Designing Your Deck...18 Beginning Your Design...20 Choosing a Design...22 Improving House and Yard...30 Design Challenges...36 Overlooked Deck Locations...39
2. Developing a Plan...40 Making the Drawings...42 Forgiving Designs...46 Planning Reminders...48 Basic Terms...50 Plan to Avoid Waste...52 Plan the Framing...54 Decking Size and Pattern...58 Planning Stairways...59 Railings and Benches...59 Final Drawings...60
Step-by-Step Projects Drawing an Elevation...44
3. Planning for Construction...62 Planning the Job...64 Who Will Do the Work?..66 Organizing the Work Area...69 Permits and Inspections...69 Realistic Scheduling...73
Tools and MaterialsGallery of Materials...76
4. Deck Building Tools...80 Tools for Building Decks...82 Excavation and Concrete...83 Measure and Layout...83 Cutting and Sanding...86 Fastening Tools...88 Accessories...91
5. Materials For Decks...92 Lumber...94 Lumber Species...98 Lumber Defects...101 Synthetic Decking...103 Concrete...103 Fasteners...104 Deck Hardware...106
Step-by-Step ConstructionGallery of Design Ideas...110
6. Building Techniques...114 Measuring and Marking...116 Cutting with a Circular Saw...118 Nailing...126 Drills and Screw Guns...128 Decay-Resistant Design...128 Laying Out and Cutting Curves...130
Step-by-Step Projects Cutting Rabbets and Dadoes...123 Cutting Corner Curves...131
7. Footings and Foundations...132 Distributing the Load...134 Site Work...134 Laying Out the Foundation...138 Footings...141 Digging Postholes...144 Pouring Concrete...145
Step-by-Step Projects Removing Shrubs...135 Removing Sod...136 Preparing a Gravel Bed...137 Laying Out Lines...138 Mixing Concrete...145 Building Piers...146
8. Framing Support Members...148 Framing Basics...150 Sizing and Spacing Frame Members...150 Preparing the Ledger...154 Attaching the Ledger...159 Positioning the Posts...161 Making and Installing Girders...167
Step-by-Step Projects Removing Siding...152 Installing Ledgers on Wood...159 Installing Ledgers on Stucco...160 Placing Raised-Deck Posts...160 Anchoring Posts...164 Establishing Post Height...166 Making and Setting a Built-Up Girder...167 Packing Out Girders...169 Making Spaced Girders...170
9. Deck Joists...174 Modular Layouts...176 Using Practical Tools...178 Framing Hardware...178 Special Cases...181 Installing Joists...182 Bracing...184 Building Around Trees...188 Bridging...189 Framing for a Curved Section...192 Decking Over a Slab...194 Roof Decking...197
Step-by-Step Projects Setting the Inner Joist...179 Setting the Outer Joist...180 Setting Joists...183 Trimming Joists...184 Setting the Header Joist...187 Installing Bridging...190 Aligning Joists...191
10. Installing Decking...198 Decking Options...200 Estimating Materials...205 Installing the Decking...206 Fascia Boards and Skirting...213
Step-by-Step Projects Laying Out Decking Boards...202 Deck Board Spacing...204 Installing Decking...207 Edge Trimming...208 Breadboard Edging...211 Installing Fascia...212 Installing Skirting...215
11. Adding Stairs...216 Design Options...218 Installing a Platform...222 Installing a Landing Pad...224 Stairway Layouts...226 Building the Stairs...229
Step-by-Step Projects Framing a Platform...220 Setting a Platform...223 Platform Post Details...224 Stringer Layout...227 Installing Solid Stringers...228 Setting Carriages...230
12. Railings and Benches...234 Railings: Basic Choices...236 Railing Materials...236 Railing Basics...238 Railing Design Choices...238 Railing Design Options...239 Installing Railings and Balusters...242 Benches...248
Step-by-Step Projects How to Make Posts...242 How to Install Rails...244 How to Install Balusters...246 Installing Deck-Top Benches...250
13. Finish and Maintenance...252 Sources of Deterioration...254 Coatings...254 Finishing Products...257 Applying Finish Coatings...258
Step-by-Step Projects Renewing a Wood Deck...256 Repairing Damaged Deck Edges...258
14. Deck Plans...260 Low platform deck...262 Raised railing deck...267 Canopy-covered deck...271
Resource Guide...280
Glossary...282
Index...284
Photo Credits...287