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Buyer's Guide: Your Planning-to-Construction Guide To Wood Decks

A deck is built from the ground up in sections. Here we will go through the names of the most important sections beginning with the ones that are built first.

Footings are concrete pads or blocks that provide the foundation for the deck. These are what make a deck sturdy and where posts, ramps, and stairways are rooted. Next we have the frame.

The frame is the overall support structure for the entire deck. It consists of joints, beams, and posts. These pieces also shape the appearance of the deck.

Then come the decking boards, which are the “floor” of the deck and its most visible aspect. The decking boards require more attention and care than some of the other parts of the deck. You want to choose good-looking boards that are known for their longevity.

For most decks, stairs are an important ingredient for their functionality and aesthetics. Stairs range from being one step up from the ground to a long flight attached to an elevated deck. They can also connect different levels on a multilevel deck.

Last but not least are the accessories and decorative elements, such as built-in benches, privacy screens, post caps, low-voltage lighting and arbors. These are crucial to the final appearance of the deck and will also enhance your deck’s usefulness. You should give thought to these elements before construction begins to ensure that all of these elements will work with your particular design.