Building a patio is the ultimate DIY project for homeowners. Adding extra living space to your property makes it easy to entertain guests in style. This blog post will cover everything from planning the project to building decks in Christchurch.
Site assessment:
Before building your sundeck, you must check the site for any obstructions. For example, if your property has a pool or shed, these need to be moved before work can begin.
You should also check for any drainage issues or surface problems that may affect the stability of your new deck. For example, are there trees hanging over one side? It could result in water damage to your newly-built structure if left unchecked.
Choose a deck style:
Before starting on your project, think about what kind of style suits your home and lifestyle. The most popular styles are traditional (or “colonial”), raised and screened-in, contemporary and modern pressure-treated pine decks. If you want to go with something more modern than that, consider cedar, composite or steel.
Check your local building and construction rules:
It’s important to check your local building and construction rules before getting started. If you’re building a new deck, check with your local building department about the required permits and inspection requirements. If you’re replacing an existing deck, ensure that your plans comply with the codes in place at the construction time.
Choose materials for the frame, platform, railing and decking:
Before building your deck, choose the frame, platform, railing and decking materials. It will help you decide on a design that suits your needs and lifestyle.
The frame is the structure that holds the deck together. You can use many materials to build your frame, including steel, aluminium and wood.
The platform is the surface where you’ll be standing or sitting on your deck. You can make it from concrete pavers, bricks or stone.
Balustrades are railings that surround decks; they add safety and style to any outdoor living space. Decking comes in many different styles, sizes and colours.
Preparing the ground:
Before you start building your deck, you need to prepare the ground. First, pour a concrete pad for the post. The deck posts need to be anchored firmly into the ground, so you must dig a hole and fill it with concrete. Use your shovel to dig at least 6 inches (15 cm) below ground level.
Set a wooden form inside this hole, then fill it with water until it flows through holes in its sides. It will help keep your form in place while you pour the rest of your concrete later.
Make sure no rocks or other debris are mixed in with your soil; these can cause defects in your finished deck surface!
Prepare and lay the timber framework:
Cut the joists to length using a circular saw. Lay them in a square pattern on top of your concrete base, spacing them about 4 feet (120 cm) apart. Use stakes to hold them in place until you’ve driven nails through each one into your postholes; this will help prevent them from moving during construction. Use a mason’s level to make sure all the joists are at the same height as each other. Nail them together using 16d nails. Then use a tape measure to determine the length of your joists.
Cut your decking material to fit between each joist using a circular saw or handsaw; this will form the surface of your deck. Lay down several boards over each layer of joists so that you can walk safely throughout construction. Use 3-inch galvanised screws to secure the decking boards together. Leave a small gap between each board so you can fill it with wood putty later.
Paint the Deck:
Once you have completed the decking, it’s time to paint. First, use a roller to smooth out any imperfections on the surface of your boards. Then use a paintbrush or sprayer to apply two coats of stain or paint over all sides of your decking material.
Conclusion
Building a deck in Christchurch is rewarding, but it can be frustrating if you need to know what you’re doing. The most important thing to remember is that you must research and plan the project before you start building. You also need to ensure that your deck will be durable for many years. Once completed, it’s time to relax and enjoy your new outdoor space.
Tips To Find the Best Home Addition Contractor
So you are planning for a home addition project to upgrade your property. To get the best results, you need an experienced professional to get the job done. Luckily, there are plenty of reputable home addition contractors in San Francisco. If you are not sure which company to choose, take help from the guide below. We […]