DECKING GUIDE WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUILD Brought to you by Fiberon
TABLE OF CONTENTS • Deck Construction............................4-5 • Designing Your Deck....................... 6-11 • Decking Materials......................... 12-17 • Budgeting for Your Deck................ 18-19 • Cost of Ownership........................ 20-21 • Working with Contractors............... 22-24 • Enjoying Your New Space.................... 25 • Resources...................................
Building a new deck is fun, exciting, and sometimes a bit overwhelming. This guide was designed to eliminate the guesswork so you can enjoy the process from start to finish. From decking basics and design tips to choosing materials and finding a contractor, we’re here to help every step of the way. page 3 | fiberondecking.
DECK CONSTRUCTION WHAT GOES INTO A DECK? Although we may live and breathe decking, we understand that most people don’t. Here’s an overview of the elements that make up a deck.
RAILING 1. TOP RAIL: Railing placed horizontally that attaches above the balusters and posts. ST E PS 2. POST CAP: Weather-protective finish that tops each post and provides a more finished appearance. 7. TREAD: The flat, walkable surface on each step of a set of stairs. 3. BALUSTER: Vertical rungs between two posts that connect the top and bottom rail. 4. POST SLEEVE: Strong yet hollow material that fits over lumber posts. 5.
DESIGNING YOUR DECK DECK BASICS A well-designed deck will expand your home’s usable square footage, integrate seamlessly with your yard, and expand your options for fun and leisure. DECK SHAPE If you are partial to curved decks, keep in mind that curved designs require more board cutting, which increases waste and construction time. Also, furniture placement may be tricky.
BALANCING SUN & SHADE A pergola or awning will make outside dining or lounging more pleasant during peak sun hours. RULES AND REGULATIONS Consider homeowner association (HOA) restrictions, if applicable, property lines and setbacks, and underground sprinklers and utilities. A professional contractor should be well-versed in these topics and able to guide you. Consult local building officials for help if you’re building the deck yourself. page 7 | fiberondecking.
DESIGNING YOUR DECK DECK USE Will you use your space for relaxing, entertaining, or a little bit of both? Designate areas for eating and unwinding. They can be separated physically by small sets of stairs or visually by strategic furniture placement. For the dining area, be sure to allow enough space to move around the table comfortably. Will you throw large parties, or smaller, more intimate gatherings? This will impact how much seating space you will need.
hink about how guests will T enter and exit your space. This will impact stair placement. Many homeowners opt for one set of stairs near the driveway and another leading directly into the backyard. Also, consider the design of any stairs. Two shorter runs of stairs with a landing in between may be easier and safer to navigate than one very long, steep set.
DESIGNING YOUR DECK HOT TUBS A deck with a hot tub needs a decking material that can withstand a lot of splashing. For the safety of your guests, consider a product that is slip-resistant as well. ot tubs also require additional structural support and H surrounding space. Even on a small deck, there must be enough room around the hot tub for the cover lift to function and air to circulate. On a larger deck, you’ll need to consider traffic flow around the hot tub.
ROOFTOP DECKS AND CONCRETE PADS Ground-level and rooftop decks present unique challenges when it comes to water management and air circulation. You will first need to install a sleeper system. A sleeper system is a substructure comprising joists that sit between a solid surface such as concrete and the decking. A sleeper system enables adequate drainage and ventilation as well as easier access to the area beneath the decking, either for clearing accumulated debris or maintaining the surface material.
DECKING MATERIALS PRODUCT OPTIONS Consider price, maintenance, durability, and long-term costs of ownership. WOOD OVERVIEW • Wood offers a warm, natural beauty initially, but the look can fade quickly without regular, diligent maintenance. • Most pressure-treated (P/T) lumber is Southern Pine. • Cedar and Redwood are also popular but more costly. • Exotic hardwoods such as Ipe and Jatoba are harder to get and expensive. PROS • Pressure-treated is inexpensive and plentiful.
FYI To learn more about long-term costs of ownership, turn to pages 20-21. C APPED C OM POSITE DE C K ING OVERVIEW • Contains recycled plastics and wood scraps (up to 94% depending on brand), along with UV inhibitors, color additives, biocides. • Fiberon composites are co-extruded: board has a durable composite core and bonded cap layer that resists staining, fading, and decay. • Long lasting and low maintenance. PROS • Innovations in composite technology have enhanced the natural wood look and feel.
DECKING MATERIALS RAILING Railing adds aesthetic appeal, enables easy customization, and keeps your space safe. If you are building a deck that is higher than 30" above ground, you need railing. Consult local building codes for details. Also, consider the following as you make your railing selection. YOUR VIEW: If you want an unobstructed view, consider railing that offers a longer span to minimize the number of posts. Also, check out round metal balusters.
PRO TIP: Choose a railing profile that complements your home’s architecture; modern homes, for example, look great with a sleek flat-top rail like Horizon Railing. Match your house trim and rail color for flawless coordination. Always test railing color against your deck board choice. page 15 | fiberondecking.
DECKING MATERIALS LIGHTING Lighting is key to creating ambiance and ensuring safer footing after dark. Options include: POST CAP LIGHTS A band of light around the cover on your rail posts that adds a warm, subtle glow. RISER LIGHTS Designed to fit flush against stair risers, these are an ideal option for safer footing on stairs.
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BUDGETING FOR YOUR DECK MATERIALS, LABOR, AND PERMITS Here are some costs to consider. MATERIALS This includes everything from framing materials to the deck boards, fasteners, railing, and infill. Prices vary widely, so it is difficult to provide specifics. Start your search online; then, visit local decking dealers or lumber yards. Most will only stock a limited number of decking lines, so you may want to visit a few to get a better understanding of your options.
WHAT WILL YOUR NEW DECK COST? Here’s what a standard 500 sq. ft. deck would cost (including labor), based on contractor estimates. Pressure-treated lumber....................................... $13,242.00 Cedar (2x6)........................................................... $17,110.00 Fiberon Good Life composite decking.................. $15,352.00 Fiberon Symmetry composite decking.................. $17,889.00 What’s included: deck boards, support posts, beams, floor joists, and hardware.
COST OF OWNERSHIP MAINTENANCE EXPENSES Over time, it can really add up. WOOD The beauty of a new wood deck is undeniable, but the truth is, that beauty begins to degrade very soon after construction is complete. Consider the costs associated with a newer wood deck as well as maintenance costs for aging decks. Professionals generally recommend an application of sealant roughly a month or two after the deck is completed.
The reason: Wood fibers can “rise up” as they expand with water and could lead to splinters and a less-thanideal surface for staining. Sanding a deck requires the right tools and know-how. If you do hire a deck refinishing pro, expect to pay up to $3.82 per square foot and labor charges from $350 to $650, according to a popular homeowner advisory website. Sources: homeadvisor.com, homewyse.com, costowl.com, fixr.
WORKING WITH CONTRACTORS HOW TO FIND A CONTRACTOR The right decking contractor can spare you frustration and missteps. ASK AROUND Know someone with a fabulous deck? Ask them who built it. Personal recommendations are a great way to find reputable contractors. CHECK OUT CONTRACTORS ONLINE Consult online forums or research tools to read reviews of local builders. Reputable resources like the Better Business Bureau are great for background research. However, don’t rely exclusively on online information.
FYI For a reputable list of contractors, use the Find a Builder tool on our website. QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR CONTRACTOR Ask questions now to avoid problems later.
WORKING WITH CONTRACTORS BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP You’ve chosen a contractor. Here’s how to ensure a positive working relationship: 1. COMMUNICATION IS KEY. Go over any issues as they come up to avoid compounding problems. Be clear about your expectations to eliminate miscommunication. 2. TRACK ALL CHANGES IN WRITING. Sign off on any changes that will increase costs and make notes of changes as they happen. 3. BE A GOOD CUSTOMER. Make timely decisions and ensure payments are on time.
ENJOYING YOUR NEW SPACE FYI Consult the Resources tab at fiberondecking.com for a complete Care and Maintenance Guide. CARE AND MAINTENANCE To maintain the integrity of your space and keep it in shape, consider the following:* 1. Complete and return your warranty right away. This way, if damage does occur, you’re in the best position to make an immediate claim. Confirm with your contractor if you should submit the form or if he/she will be taking care of it. 2. Clean stains as they occur. 3.
RESOURCES Symmetry Decking in Burnt Umber with Warm Sienna border. Symmetry Railing in Tranquil White. Shown on Front Cover. Horizon Decking in Ipe. Custom railing. Shown on page 6. Horizon Decking in Ipe with Tudor Brown accents. Custom railing. Shown on page 8. Horizon Decking in Ipe. Custom railing. Shown on page 11. Symmetry Decking in Warm Sienna. Symmetry Railing in Tranquil White. Shown on pages 2-3. Symmetry Decking in Burnt Umber. Symmetry Railing in Tranquil White. Shown on page 7.
Symmetry Railing in Simply Brown. Shown on page 14. Symmetry Railing in Tranquil White. Shown on page 16. Symmetry Decking in Burnt Umber with Warm Sienna border. Symmetry Railing in Tranquil White. Shown on page 17. Horizon Decking in Ipe. Horizon Railing in White. Shown on page 23. Symmetry Decking in Graphite. Symmetry Railing in Tranquil White. Shown on page 14. Symmetry Decking in Cinnabar. Symmetry Railing in Tranquil White. Shown on page 16. Symmetry Decking in Cinnabar.
DECKING GUIDE18 fiberondecking.com | 1.800.573.8841 Fiberon, Paramount, Horizon, Permatech, ProTect Advantage, Good Life, and Symmetry are trademarks of Fiber Composites, LLC, registered in the U.S. and other countries.
