With the fine weather finally here, it’s time to look at improving the exterior of your house. Adding a deck is perhaps the favorite do-it-yourself project. With a little planning, you can spend the summer in comfort and safety on your new deck.

A common mistake is to make the deck too small. Allow 20 square feet for each person who will use the deck. For a patio table and chairs, allow 60 square feet per person. Around furnishings, provide three feet of clearance for easy traffic flow. If there are built-ins such as a barbecue, seating, planters or storage for gardening tools, increase the amount of space accordingly.

The topography and lot size affect the deck configuration. To ensure things will work, stake out the deck size and shape on the ground with string. Then, see if you can comfortably arrange your outdoor furniture within the area. As well, ensure the deck location does not block access to underground water, sewer, gas or electrical lines.

On a sloping lot, a multi-level deck is more architecturally interesting. However, a tiered deck may be dangerous to small children or those with physical limitations. In any case, blend the built elements with the landscaping features to achieve the best looking arrangement. Incorporate trees, shrubs, or a rock garden to get that “close-to-nature” feeling. Add-ons such as a bird feeder, lights or a small greenhouse enhance the visual appeal.

Think of solar orientation. A north facing deck receives little sunshine, whereas a deck completely exposed on the south may be too hot. A west facing deck is ideal for roasting marshmallows during the sunset. If you like to entertain, locate the deck off the kitchen with a pass-through window. Consider the prevailing wind direction when locating the barbecue station.

If you have nosy neighbors, consider building a privacy screen on their side. The screen need not be of solid construction. An inexpensive wood lattice combined with greenery on the outside will provide a visual and acoustic shield. For some welcome shade on the hottest days, a small roof over part of the deck is useful. It also allows you to barbecue during the warm, summer rain.

If the deck is more than two feet above the adjacent grade, or an adjacent lower level of the deck, a 42 inch high guard railing is required. For the safety of small children, openings in the guard railing should be no wider than 4 inches. Vertical balusters made from 2 X 2 inch lumber, at 5 inch centers, are best for this purpose. Horizontal intermediate rails are not recommended as they are easy for children to climb.

Along stairs, the railing should be 36 inches high and easy to grip. If the stairs are wider than 44 inches, two handrails are required. For best traction, use 2 X 12 inch lumber for the treads. Avoid using a slippery finish coating on walking areas. Similar to the kitchen, a fire extinguisher is recommended near the cooking area of the deck.

When selecting lumber, buy the best quality wood you can afford. The cheaper grades of wood have a higher moisture content which causes splitting, shrinking and warping as the wood dries out. Cedar is the most aesthetically pleasing. It is lightweight, easy to work with, and has its own preservative oils. Cedar weathers naturally, resists cracking and makes an excellent base for a protective coating.

The most attractive decks have an interesting geometry. Since the deck is constructed from simple, straightforward materials, it is relatively inexpensive to build a deck with a visually attractive design. The deck geometry can relate simply to the house design, or better, be a more elaborate variation of it. Likewise, the geometrical theme can be carried through the design of surrounding planters and landscape elements.

Adding a deck also offers a financial benefit. The resale value of your home is increased by adding a deck, especially if you have the only house in the neighborhood without one. Build a well-designed deck, and enjoy every available minute of summer outdoors!

EXTERIOR WOOD FINISH

Wood decks require maintenance to keep them looking good. They are subject to high moisture levels – sometimes water pools on the deck for days – causing warping, splitting and splintering. Mildew and fungus cause staining. Foot traffic and scraping of garden furniture cause further wear and tear.

Stains designed for vertical surfaces flake off a horizontal surface. Similarly, paint, varnish, or urethane tend to chip and peel. Unlike stain, they are not absorbed into the wood fibers. Look for products specifically designed for decks.

Semi-transparent stains allow the wood grain to show through. Solid or opaque stains hide the grain but show texture. If you want the wood to grey naturally, apply a water-based sealant which keeps moisture out, but allows ultraviolet rays in.

Dry the boards before staining for two warm, windy days and remove grease, oil and dirt. Test the absorbency by sprinkling a few drops of water on the wood. If the water is rapidly absorbed, it’s ready for stain. Always stain lumber prior to assembly. All fasteners used for your deck should be either stainless steel or galvanized steel.