DECKS

There are several reasons that people choose cedar over treated lumber, including the following.

• Cedar is naturally insect- and rot-resistant.
• The chemicals used to treat wood can be toxic.
• Cedar is less likely to twist or warp.

The easy answer is life expectancy and maintenance. However, not all composites are created equal. There are cheap composite decks that won’t last as long as decks made of natural wood. If you’re considering going for a premium deck, make sure it’s with a reputable manufacturer that will be around to honor its warranty.

Assuming the deck is installed correctly, it will vary depending on the frequency of preventive maintenance and the materials the deck is made from.

• Z-bar flashing over the ledger board. The ledger board connects the deck to the house, and the flashing needs to cover this and extend up under the siding. Special spacers can be used on certain projects to push the ledger board away from the siding when the flashing is not an option.
• Post bases are installed to ensure that the bottom of the posts, which are your main supports, don’t rot away. They keep the wood a minimum of one inch off the concrete so the post can dry out after it rains.
• It is crucial that the correct fasteners are used for their intended purpose.
• Railing height should be at a minimum of 36” for residential applications and 42” for commercial applications.
• Balusters should be spaced to a maximum of 4” but are typically set at 3.5” apart to exceed code.