Preparing a deck design for your backyard is all the
rage as a home improvement project for this summer,
however there is great temptation to build a pallet like
structure that just sits on the ground outside your back
door.
Yes there are many ways to prepare the ground so that an
unconnected deck design structure will sit level to the
ground, for example by using concrete slabs in four
corners... but it's still just a big pallet sitting on
the ground and the slightest soil erosion below will
result in a rocky deck!.
The only way to make a deck design that you can be proud
of, that will stand the test of storms and wind AND that
you can build onto as years go by, is to prepare firm
LEVEL foundations before you start to build up. A ground level deck design shouldn't just sit flat on
the ground, its important to raise the deck frame off
the ground to allow for drainage AND to protect the
wood, however, keep in mind that the top level of your
deck should not be higher than the entrance to your home
- so that the rain doesn't run off your deck design and
through your back door.
The importance of anchoring your deck design at the very
start of your project cannot be over emphasized and are
an essential requirement for:
- Complying with planning permits for your area.
- Hopefully improving the value of your home.
- Quality workmanship will improve the usefulness of
spaces in and around your home.
- Adding value to the time you spent doing the work -
it's much more worthwhile when the job is done
properly.
- Allowing you to extend your decking later - for
example if you want to add an extension for a BBQ area
or a step up to encompass your new hot tub with deck
surround...
Your First Step in preparing the ground for your deck
design foundations will be to find out where any
underground pipes extend out into your backyard, you
don't want to dig into any electrical or water pipes of
any sort.
Your second step, (with the details from step one in
your posession) should be to apply for a building
permit and benefit from their sound advice regarding
deck design in your area. There is no guarantee, but if
your deck is going to add any value to your home you
must have your paperwork regarding the proper building
permits in order.
Once your permit comes through you will have permission
to create an anchor ledger at the side of your home to
which you can connect your deck design using masonry
anchors and you will know where you can dig to place
your concrete footings where your post anchors go.
Get all these initial components nice and level and
firmly placed and it's plain sailing for the rest of
your deck design construction.
Arpad Nyikos has written numerous articles dedicated to
home improvement trends to add value to your home or
simply add quality to your home life, plus improvement
projects and different ways that you can finance them.
You can read more about deck design here at home-improvement-and-financing.com A great way to keep ahead with your home improvement
project is a FREE subscription to Home Improve E-zine