Essential Tips For Building A Safe & Durable Deck
A deck is an extension of your home—a wonderful outdoor area for barbecues, gatherings, enjoying the fresh air, and watching the world pass by. But if you're dreaming of building a new deck or expanding an existing one, it's crucial to be sure that you take the time to plan and construct it properly to realize a safe, durable, functional, and attractive outcome.
While there are many steps and skills involved in building a secure and long-lasting deck, the tips below provide an overview of the major considerations to keep in mind.
For more specific deck-building questions or advice, speak directly with a friendly and knowledgeable STAR Building Materials representative who will be happy to assist you with your project.
You can also use our deck estimator to figure out the cost.
Planning and Permits
Before you grab a bunch of materials and tools and start haphazardly cutting decking boards, take a breath and remember that a clear and properly carried out plan will yield the best results (not to mention a finished project that is legal and structurally sound).
Within the City of Winnipeg, decks are defined as outdoor structures with a total area of more than 3.4 square metres (36 square feet) and a height of more than 60 cm (2 feet) above the ground. All Winnipeg decks require development and building permits.
You'll need to submit a deck building plan that takes into account your future deck's distance from property lines as well as its structural integrity. In addition to defining your deck's area, height, location, and overall design, your plan will also need to provide details about its foundation.
Keep in mind that all elements of your deck may be subject to inspection by the Housing Inspections Branch to ensure that it's in compliance with applicable codes, standards, and bylaws.
Building a Durable Deck Foundation
In the City of Winnipeg, decks under 130 cm (4 feet, 3 inches) in height may be built on surface pad foundations while higher decks are typically built on pile or pier foundations. A foundation using ground anchors may also be approved, provided that the anchors extend below the depth of frost penetration.
When designing the foundation for your deck, you'll need to consider the qualities of the ground you'll be building on and carefully calculate the distance between supports. Your deck foundation must be able to safely support the weight of your deck plus everything on it (furniture, people, plants).
Depending on how extensive your deck design is and whether or not it may include a roof in the future, plans reviewed by an engineer may be recommended or required.
Choosing Deck Surfaces
Deck boards have traditionally been constructed from treated lumber, but many deck builders today are opting for more advanced materials like composite decking. The material you select for your deck construction project will depend on many factors including your budget and aesthetic preferences.
Here are some of the advantages of wood decking and composite decking:
Advantages of Wood Decking Materials
- Less expensive
- Lighter weight
- Authentic natural wood appearance
Advantages of Composite Decking Materials
- Low maintenance
- Slip resistant
- Resists damage from moisture and insects
- Less likely to warp
Avoid Common Deck Building Mistakes
Following the proper procedures and selecting the right materials are both key elements of constructing a safe and durable deck. If you're planning to design and construct your deck yourself, the team at STAR Building Materials strongly recommends avoiding common mistakes by having an experienced builder look over your plans to offer feedback and act as a resource throughout the construction process.
STAR Building Materials is your go-to quality materials provider for Winnipeg decks and fences. Visit our store today to learn more!