Perhaps it’s been a home improvement dream for a while. You want a beautiful deck as the centerpiece of your outdoor relaxation and entertainment. But what will it take to get there? Adding a backyard deck is a great way to create an outdoor living space you’ll love for years to come. Although it can seem like a daunting task, here are a few tips to make your backyard dreams a reality.
The first step in starting your project is proper planning. Why are you building the deck and how will you use it? Do you want a place to entertain family and friends on special occasions, or do you want a place for routine relaxation and simply enjoying the view? The answer can be both, of course, but having a vision in place will guide you along the way. If you need help, check out yellawood.com for inspiration and ideas. Also, be sure to understand local building codes prior to beginning your project.
Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to start building. Building a proper substructure will ensure your deck will last for years. Using high quality lumber such as YellaWood® brand pressure treated pine is essential for your frame. In addition to lumber, required materials such as joist hangers, flashing, and joist tape will enhance the strength and longevity of your frame.
Once you’ve completed your frame, it’s time to lay your decking. We generally think in terms of two choices: wood or composite, right? Wrong. These days, there are many choices and even more confusion. The best way to navigate the puzzle is to think on a scale of good, better, and best in each respective category.
To determine whether pressure treated pine falls under good, better, or best, start by looking at how the wood was graded. Lumber is graded based on factors like strength and the number of imperfections—such as knots, rough edges, or bark. Lower grades like Standard and #2 are typically used where appearance isn’t important, since they have more visible imperfections. Higher grades like #1 and Premium or Select are stronger and have a cleaner, more attractive look—ideal when appearance matters. In general, fewer flaws mean better strength and appearance.
Take it a step further by requesting that your decking material be KDAT, or Kiln-Dried After Treatment. Normally, treated decking arrives wet since it has recently been treated with a preservative. With KDAT decking, the material is shipped dry, so you can paint, stain and seal immediately. The faster you can seal a deck from moisture, the less susceptible it will be to weathering from UV damage, splitting, checking or cupping.
While “composite” is often used as a catch-all term for synthetic decking, not all products labeled as composite are created equal. Composite decking consists of two main parts: the core and the cap. The cap is a thin outer layer that adds color, texture, and protects the core from moisture and wear.
To evaluate composite decking as good, better, or best, look at how many sides of the board are capped. Boards capped on three sides offer basic protection and are considered entry-level. Those capped on all four sides provide improved durability and moisture resistance. Fully capped boards with a high-performance core offer the highest level of protection and overall performance. In general, the more complete the capping, the stronger and more resilient the core— and the better the board will resist the elements.
Fastening your decking to the frame is not a task to overlook either. The days of nailing down a deck are gone. Screws do a great job of holding tension, and, due to their spiral threads, prevent boards from pulling up. Make sure to choose a high-quality screw appropriate for your project. YellaWood® Outdoor Fasteners come in a variety of sizes and finishes for your specific need. Epoxy coated fasteners are suitable for inland decks, but for saltwater docks or piers and structures exposed to frequent moisture (such as pool decks), stainless screws are the better choice.
Finally, it’s time to put the finishing touches on your outdoor dream. Railing actually has the most visible effect on curb appeal. In the same way there are many options for decking, there are many railing categories as well. Treated wood railings are a cost-effective way to add appeal to your deck, while stepping up to composite or metal railing can give an even more appealing look to visitors. There are many types of decorative handrails, post caps, and lighting ideas that can take the look of your deck to the next level.
Once you’ve completed your dream deck, take a step back and enjoy your masterpiece. Be sure to follow proper cleaning, upkeep, and maintenance recommendations to keep your deck looking good, help it withstand the elements, and prevent mold, mildew, or discoloration.
When making these decisions, we recommend YellaWood UniversityTM, a free online resource that can be found at www.yellawood.com/resources/ yellawood-university. It’s not only the perfect place to start your planning, but YellaWood UniversityTM also has step-by-step videos for each phase of building your deck.
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