Decking Contractor Vancouver WA | Portland OR

Decks are exterior platforms that are usually built in front of a patio door or back door to allow the person to go outside the house, and be able to stand above the ground level. Decks usually have recreational purposes only. They are not required to be at residential housing by code in most cases, but decks play a big role of the house design and add value. Some decks can be a part of the house structure, if designed in such a way.

There are many different deck styles, the very basic one is a wooden platform built out of wood joists with proper support, covered with flooring boards.

The structure can get more complicated if the deck has to be built on the second floor of the house. Then the framing system of the deck has to be built on concrete pads, large enough to hold all the weight that will be distributed on them. It is essential to use a proper sized post and beam system and the right flooring joist size as well. Joist spread will depend on what kind of floor covering you will choose (Cedar, Composite, Hardwood, etc.). 

Another option of the deck to mention, is when you want to build a roof over your deck. In this case your support pads and your post and beam system will have to be even more severe because the roof will add a lot more weight to your deck. Also you will have to deal with attaching your deck roof to your existing roof or to the wall of your house. It usually involves redoing parts of your existing roofing or siding. The roof over your deck plays a big role in protecting and maintaining the deck. Decks with a roof over it, require very little maintenance because its protected from all the weather by the roof. Another very important part of a second story deck is the railing. Railing is required on all decks if they are built on the height from which a person can fall and get injured. Stairs leading to a second floor deck also are required to have rails on them.

A further deck option to consider is a flat roof deck. It's a completely unique style of decking that is usually built above the house living space. It is designed to work as a roof and a deck. This allows protection of your home and gives the homeowner the ability to utilise the outdoor space. It has a completely covered insulated floor to prevent water intrusion into the living areas. It has to be built at a minor slope with proper water drainage. The flooring is covered with a durable membrane that can withstand heavy foot traffic which is either rolled onto the deck with a brush/roller or applied as a whole piece cut to the deck parameters.

Important Facts about decks: