Decks : Plan, Design, Build

by Cory, Steve

• ISBN13: 9781580111485
• ISBN10: 1580111483
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-02-01
• Publisher: Creative Homeowner Pr

Summary

Decks continue to be one of the most popular additions to homes today 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.

Author Biography

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 (ISBN: 1580110703, $16.95, 2000), he has been a contributing writer on several other books. Steve resides in Chicago, IL.

Table of Contents

Introduction	8	(14)
Planning and Design
Gallery of Design Ideas	14	(4)
Designing Your Deck	18	(22)
Beginning Your Design	20	(2)
Choosing a Design	22	(8)
Improving House and Yard	30	(6)
Design Challenges	36	(3)
Overlooked Deck Locations	39	(1)
Developing a Plan	40	(22)
Making the Drawings	42	(4)
Forgiving Designs	46	(2)
Planning Reminders	48	(2)
Basic Terms	50	(2)
Plan to Avoid Waste	52	(2)
Plan the Framing	54	(4)
Decking Size and Pattern	58	(1)
Planning Stairways	59	(1)
Railings and Benches	59	(1)
Final Drawings	60	(2)
Step-By-Step Projects
Drawing an Elevation	44	(18)
Planning for Construction	62	(18)
Planning the Job	64	(2)
Who Will Do the Work?	66	(3)
Organizing the Work Area	69	(1)
Permits and Inspections	69	(4)
Realistic Scheduling	73	(3)
Tools and Materials
Gallery of Materials	76	(4)
Deck Building Tools	80	(12)
Tools for Building Decks	82	(1)
Excavation and Concrete	83	(1)
Measure and Layout	83	(3)
Cutting and Sanding	86	(2)
Fastening Tools	88	(3)
Accessories	91	(1)
Materials For Decks	92	(22)
Lumber	94	(4)
Lumber Species	98	(3)
Lumber Defects	101	(2)
Synthetic Decking	103	(1)
Concrete	103	(1)
Fasteners	104	(2)
Deck Hardware	106	(4)
Step-by-Step Construction
Gallery of Design Ideas	110	(4)
Building Techniques	114	(18)
Measuring and Marking	116	(2)
Cutting With a Circular Saw	118	(8)
Nailing	126	(2)
Drills and Screw Guns	128	(1)
Decay-Resistant Design	128	(2)
Laying Out And Cutting Curves	130	(2)
Step-By-Step Projects
Cutting Rabbets and Dadoes	123	(8)
Cutting Corner Curves	131	(1)
Footings and Foundations	132	(16)
Distributing the Load	134	(1)
Site Work	134	(4)
Laying Out the Foundation	138	(3)
Footings	141	(3)
Digging Postholes	144	(1)
Pouring Concrete	145	(3)
Step-By-Step Projects
Removing Shrubs	135	(1)
Removing Sod	136	(1)
Preparing a Gravel Bed	137	(1)
Laying Out Lines	138	(7)
Mixing Concrete	145	(1)
Building Piers	146	(2)
Framing Support Members	148	(26)
Framing Basics	150	(1)
Sizing and Spacing Frame Members	150	(4)
Preparing the Ledger	154	(5)
Attaching the Ledger	159	(2)
Positioning the Posts	161	(6)
Making and Installing Girders	167	(7)
Step-By-Step Projects
Removing Siding	152	(7)
Installing Ledgers on Wood	159	(1)
Installing Ledgers on Stucco	160	(1)
Placing Raised-Deck Posts	160	(4)
Anchoring Posts	164	(2)
Establishing Post Height	166	(1)
Making and Setting a Built-Up Girder	167	(2)
Packing Out Girders	169	(1)
Making Spaced Girders	170	(4)
Deck Joists	174	(24)
Modular Layouts	176	(2)
Using Practical Tools	178	(1)
Framing Hardware	178	(3)
Special Cases	181	(1)
Installing Joists	182	(2)
Bracing	184	(4)
Building Around Trees	188	(1)
Bridging	189	(3)
Framing For a Curved Section	192	(2)
Decking Over a Slab	194	(3)
Roof Decking	197	(1)
Step-By-Step Projects
Setting the Inner Joist	179	(1)
Setting the Outer Joist	180	(3)
Setting Joists	183	(1)
Trimming Joists	184	(3)
Setting the Header Joist	187	(3)
Installing Bridging	190	(1)
Aligning Joists	191	(7)
Installing Decking	198	(18)
Decking Options	200	(5)
Estimating Materials	205	(1)
Installing the Decking	206	(7)
Fascia Boards and Skirting	213	(3)
Step-By-Step Projects
Laying Out Decking Boards	202	(2)
Deck Board Spacing	204	(3)
Installing Decking	207	(1)
Edge Trimming	208	(3)
Breadboard Edging	211	(1)
Installing Fascia	212	(3)
Installing Skirting	215	(1)
Adding Stairs	216	(18)
Design Options	218	(4)
Installing a Platform	222	(2)
Installing a Landing Pad	224	(2)
Stairway Layouts	226	(3)
Building the Stairs	229	(5)
Step-By-Step Projects
Framing a Platform	220	(3)
Setting a Platform	223	(1)
Platform Post Details	224	(3)
Stringer Layout	227	(1)
Installing Solid Stringers	228	(2)
Setting Carriages	230	(4)
Railings and Benches	234	(18)
Railings: Basic Choices	236	(1)
Railing Materials	236	(2)
Railing Basics	238	(1)
Railing Design Choices	238	(1)
Railing Design Options	239	(3)
Installing Railings and Balusters	242	(6)
Benches	248	(4)
Step-By-Step Projects
How to Make Posts	242	(2)
How to Install Rails	244	(2)
How to Install Balusters	246	(4)
Installing Deck-Top Benches	250	(2)
Finish and Maintenance	252	(8)
Sources of Deterioration	254	(1)
Coatings	254	(3)
Finishing Products	257	(1)
Applying Finish Coatings	258	(2)
Step-By-Step Projects
Renewing a Wood Deck	256	(2)
Repairing Damaged Deck Edges	258	(2)
Deck Plans	260	(20)
Low Platform Deck	262	(5)
Raised Railing Deck	267	(4)
Canopy-Covered Deck	271	(9)
Resource Guide	280	(2)
Glossary	282	(2)
Index	284	(3)
Photo Credits	287