Ensure Your New Deck Is Up To Code

Are you thinking about building your own deck? Can you imagine yourself kicking back, enjoying the outdoors, and relaxing under the sun? Before you get too ahead of yourself, ensure that you have a solid plan. Deck codes change quicker than a nail in a nail gun, and that’s why true professionals in the construction industry work hard to keep up with the ever-changing landscape. 

Below, we’ll go over what you need to know to ensure your new deck will be up to code: 

Understanding Codes

All codes depend on where you live and the type of building the deck is attached to. It’s not as simple as just crafting a design and getting ready for the construction phase; you’ll need to do some research. 

By Province or Territory 

The deck building codes in Manitoba will differ from New Brunswick or Ontario. The National Building Code of Canada set the limits on decking builds. Why? Well, each province and territory in Canada has deck modifications based on the climate.

In colder areas of Canada, frost level is something to consider when building decks. Because of the frost issue, you have to ensure the bottom of the footings is deep enough in the soil that the moisture from the frost can’t expand and cause too much pressure or movement. This is something you’ll have to take into account when coming up with your deck design in Winnipeg. 

The differences can vary by city or municipality. The city of Winnipeg has created a simple document to follow for requirements of residential decks. 

By Building 

Much like the provinces and territories across Canada, decks can vary based on building codes. The size, type, and occupancy of the building can impact the type of deck you install. Bigger buildings like high-rises or office towers have stricter construction standards to accommodate safety, accessibility, and structural stability regulations. 

And there are differences between commercial and residential decks. According to the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), those distinctions include the following factors: 

• Commercial deck stairs must be standard size, while residential deck stairs can be much steeper.
• The 107 cm / 42-inch deck railing height must be higher with commercial decks.
• Commercial decks require a larger live load-weight requirement of around 45 kg / 100 pounds per square foot. 

Using Codes for Deck Evaluation

Not only do you need to think about codes by province and building type, but you should use them to ensure you cover all the elements that go into a proper deck build. 

Some aspects to look out for include:

• Ledger connection
• Post-to-beam connections
• Joists and joist connections
• Posts and footing
• Deck stairs
• Deck boards 
• Railing systems

Looking at the deck codes relevant to your area and building type can help determine whether a deck needs repairs or rebuilding.

NADRA offers a deck checklist that can help with your deck evaluation:

• Evaluate the rails, guards, and stairs
• Look out for water stains, rot, corrosion, and/or cracks
• Review the condition of the screws and board connections
• Is moisture entering the building?
• Does the deck sway?
• Is the deck sinking?
• Are the deck stairs solid?

Those are just some factors you need to consider when building a deck from the ground up. 

Building Your Deck

Once you’ve reviewed the proper deck codes for your location, you can create a design that suits your landscape. There’s a lot to consider when you build a deck. Doing your homework and learning about the different types of material, such as pressure-treated wood vs. composite decking can help narrow down a look/design. Consulting with professional deck builders is always a good idea. They’ll know everything from footings and railings to deck permits and boards. Once the design is completed, you will need to apply for a permit, once approved, you can start building your new deck.

Want to build the best deck around? Consult the professionals at STAR Building Materials. Our team has extensive experience with deck codes, construction, and everything in between. Contact us today to learn more about our Winnipeg building materials and services.