DecksGo Blog - Building Tips

I think I might be over-engineering this but I live in CT and I'm also worried about snow weight. Adding a 8x10 deck attached to existing deck, 2x10's

https://www.decksgo.com/10x8-6-person-spa-deck.html

I won an inflatable 6 person inter hot tub. I have a large deck. 12x 20 on both sides of the house. With a header to the house and the deck was built 6

https://www.decksgo.com/hot-tub-weight.html

I'm putting a swim spa into an inground concrete bunker and will build a deck around it. I have been advised to keep the deck joists a minimum of 6 inches

https://www.decksgo.com/deck-around-a-swim-spa.html

concrete pool deck - will it adhere and what is the expected life

https://www.decksgo.com/concrete-pool-deck-will-it-adhere-and-what-is-the-expected-life.html

I am installing a 27ft above ground pool. Can I use these device with a spacing of 6 1/2' to 7 1/2 ft using 6X6 posts? Also my frost line is 30 so was

https://www.decksgo.com/titan-post-footer-spacing.html

I want to center a hot tub over a deck beam sitting on concrete pillars. A structural engineer has suggested adding a joist to make it a double joist in

https://www.decksgo.com/adding-a-joist-to-make-it-a-double-joist-across-beam.html

I am building a freestanding, 8' x 8' deck to support a hot tub. The hot tub will weigh 4,100 pounds when it's full of water. I did use your footing calculator

https://www.decksgo.com/enough-to-support-a-hot-tub.html

I am building some redwood deck around a new hot tub at my Airbnb. Everybody says you have to let wood dry before you can successfully stain it. This

https://www.decksgo.com/no-wait-finishing-of-hot-tub-deck.html

I am wanting to put a hot tub on a second story deck above the 1st story deck. The height above ground is approximately 12 feet. The hot tub manufacture

https://www.decksgo.com/hot-tub-on-a-high-deck.html

my deck is 12 x 20 with the joists on 16 center nial to 4 x post that are 4 feet apart

https://www.decksgo.com/spa-on-deck.html

I built a deck that has 6 beams that are roughly 48-56 inches between them - they sit on concrete filled silo tubes 36 + inches in the ground - each post

https://www.decksgo.com/2x6-x-1000-hot-tub.html

What height should my deck/stair railings be and from what point to I measure the height; from top of tread just above the riser corner...or ???

https://www.decksgo.com/home-owner-diy.html

I have a two steps stairs off my porch that land on a concrete sidewalk. There is no railing so the stairs float with the sidewalk with the winter frost.

https://www.decksgo.com/homer-the-fixer.html

My HOA needs to have the exact building code # for mandating 'risers' on the deck stairs. Does anyone know the Building Code # for this requirement?

https://www.decksgo.com/what-is-the-building-code-for-mandating-risers-on-the-deck-stairs.html

A simple question I think, are there any building code requirements concerning the thickness of the concrete pad the bottom of the steps rest on ? These

https://www.decksgo.com/mike.html

I looking for architect to get a permit to rebuild a stair deck

https://www.decksgo.com/what-are-the-decks-codig-in-ct.html

I have a porch with colonial posts that hold up the roof. I have a one step stairs now that floats on the side walk. I want to replace that with a two

https://www.decksgo.com/retired-home-worker.html

I am Calculating steps for a 27 Rise. I ran the calculations two ways. First one outside frame level with deck and it calculated a total run of 41.52.

https://www.decksgo.com/possible-bug-in-your-calculations-for-deck-stairs.html

Hello all, I have been looking for a good way to construct the footer for deck stairs. My research has lead me to believe that it is not necessary but

https://www.decksgo.com/deck-stair-footer-below-frost-line.html

Is there an established regulation that determines at what height of the deck you need to have steps to the deck? or as long as your able to jump to the

https://www.decksgo.com/deck-stair-regulation.html

Width of stair railing that you grab onto at the top ??

https://www.decksgo.com/jb.html

I’m putting a deck on a concrete slab. It’s 14 inches from pad to bottom of slider door. The deck will be 12’x12’. I want to wrap the deck with a step.

https://www.decksgo.com/14-inch-rise.html

I have a deck that is approximately 20 high from grade level and want to add 2 steps. I'm in Mt Airy MD which has a frost depth of 32. I plan to use stringers

https://www.decksgo.com/home-owner1.html

Hi, How do you recommend building stairs on a low rise deck? 3 steps to run of 12', the lengths. The deck. Do I need to Box them or can I run stringers.

https://www.decksgo.com/home-owner.html

Hi everybody, I am considering replacing wooden treads with a composite. What's a good slip-resistant brand/line to use? I found a few that say slip-resistant

https://www.decksgo.com/good-composite-for-outdoor-steps-tread-to-minimize-slip.html

We have removed a rotted deck that was elevated 36 off the ground to meet the height of the entry door and are replacing it with a paver patio that will

https://www.decksgo.com/box-steps-from-house.html

In Ontario Canada, is there a minimum depth and height for walker stairs (to be used with a frame walker for mobility issues) in the Ont Building Code?

https://www.decksgo.com/walkerhandicap-stairs.html

I recently purchased a home and have been working on repairing the deck. The support under one of the stairs has split badly and I'm looking for advice

https://www.decksgo.com/stair-support-is-splitting.html

What is the number of stringers required for stairs 42 wide?

https://www.decksgo.com/number-of-required-stringers-for-stairs.html

Is there a reason that no one seems to attach stringers even with the top of the joist with first tread at decking level - ie, no step down to first tread?

https://www.decksgo.com/stringer-attachment.html

The stairs we currently have on our log home deck are 48 wide, but we are replacing them with ones that will completely fill in the space between the vertical

https://www.decksgo.com/extra-wide-and-deep-deck-stairs.html

Does anyone know where I can find the cheapest woodworking plans? I found brandonandted site which I believe is the cheapest.

https://www.decksgo.com/cheapest-woodworking-plans.html

I'm trying to calculate my layout to cut a stringer for deck stairs from second story deck to landing. Tbe bottom of the stringer still attach to tbe

https://www.decksgo.com/deck-stair-stringer-that-butts-up-against-elevated-landing-not-sitting-on-top.html

I have someone replacing the steps, handrails and posts on my deck. They cut the treads to be flush with the stringers. The stringers are mounted inside

https://www.decksgo.com/bottom-rail-location.html

What are advatages / Disadvantages between solid or notched stringers....

https://www.decksgo.com/solid-or-notched-stringer.html

I currently have deck stairs with wood treads; stringers are spaced 14 inches apart. I want to replace the wood treads with AZEK PVC deck boards. I have

https://www.decksgo.com/pvc-stair-tread-support.html

I have an 8' 4 5/8 stair and am using Trex. The stair calculator doesn't have a 1 tread so I used the 5/4 option. Will this work? If not do you have any

https://www.decksgo.com/trex-tread-type.html

My question is would you attach the stringers to a concrete pad that is floating (without a frost line footer)?? Would there be concern for frost heave

https://www.decksgo.com/sam.html

I'm replacing a small ground level porch with composite decking. I'm researching all of the different brands and getting overwhelmed. Looking for a little

https://www.decksgo.com/composite-deck-under-covered-porch.html

We had a new deck installed in November, and the contractor did a great job with it. We noticed something weird though yesterday when we were outside

https://www.decksgo.com/green-piece-exposed-in-composite-wood-board.html

Looking to add low voltage recessed lights on my trex deck steps. Would really like to have the option of changing colors of lights. Any suggestions on

https://www.decksgo.com/lighting-for-deck-steps.html

Has anybody ever tried laying trex or any number of composite decking products directly on top of a treated wood deck? All of the door sills are sufficiently

https://www.decksgo.com/homeowner-in-ruidoso-nm.html

Our brand new swimming spa leaked water during its first weeks of use during winter. We are concerned for our actual structure made of wood (it's protected

https://www.decksgo.com/would-composite-material-such-as-trex-be-strong-enough-for-my-swim-spa.html

We have a new Trex deck and we chose our color(Spiced Rum) based on online pics. We saw the sample and it really looked more dull than the pics showed.

https://www.decksgo.com/trex-color-enhancer.html

Wondering with price of lumber skyrocketing if we've seen similar price increases on composite decking?

https://www.decksgo.com/historical-composite-pricing.html

Composite decking started warping on metal deck and spiral staircase. Pulled up the composite on the top. What can I do in order to keep it from happening

https://www.decksgo.com/composite-decking-on-metal.html

Bought a home with composite decking on platform and spiral staircase. Boards were warping and coming off. I’m sure moisture in between the composite and

https://www.decksgo.com/existing-composite-decking-warped.html

My husband and I have been looking for ages to match this decking into our cabin but we cannot find it. It was put on by previous owners and no paperwork

https://www.decksgo.com/what-make-is-this-synthetic-decking.html

What would you recommend as the best composite?

https://www.decksgo.com/best-composites.html

I’m about ready install timber tech pro and I’m concerned about gapping. I have a few qts: 1. I have watched many videos and looked at many photos and

https://www.decksgo.com/gapping-questions.html

I'd like expert advice if this is something defecting the PVC warrant? The truck delievery dumped the support materials (Beam, Posts and IPE stringers)

https://www.decksgo.com/whats-the-right-way-of-unloading-the-pvc-deck-plank.html

I live in the Northeast and was wondering what decking material would have the least maintenance, most scratch resistance and realistic look. The deck

https://www.decksgo.com/most-scratch-resistant-and-realistic-looking-boards.html

Im try to match Trex decking to natural Mahogany wood. Home owner has a natural mahogany porch, and enclosed deck, and they want Trex decking on a small

https://www.decksgo.com/builder.html

I have Fiberon boards, 2 of them are damaged underneath on the groove. The bottom portion of the groove is broken. Being the bottom is it ok too still

https://www.decksgo.com/newbie-builder.html

Hi guys So I have trex composite decking and was wondering what is the best way to protect it during the winter. I see a lot of comments about covering

https://www.decksgo.com/to-cover-or-not-to-cover.html

In no particular order: Composite wants straight joists; it is not as forgiving as wood. Irregularities will show. Shimming may still be necessary. 5ft.

https://www.decksgo.com/what-i-learned-about-composite-decks.html

I have a cabin that sits at 9,600 ft. elevation. We are able to use the cabin approximately 4-5 months per year. The balance of the time on an annual basis,

https://www.decksgo.com/best-material-to-build-deck-at-high-elevation.html

I am thinking about replacing the wood slats on our patio cover with composite decking slats and have some questions: - Is there a tongue and groove decking

https://www.decksgo.com/composite-decking-on-patio-cover.html

Hi, Am borrowing two Heatcon strip heaters and want heat a scalloped bottom 10' piece of Trex (Enhanced Basic .92 thick) so I can bend it for my deck.

https://www.decksgo.com/temperature-needed-to-bend-scalloped-bottom-trex.html

750sq ft trex deck 5yr old. Deck frame is 9 yr old, inspected prior to trex install. I have one 2x10 joist that has rotted and the trex hidden fasteners

https://www.decksgo.com/how-do-you-fix-this.html

For the sake of my question I’ll describe my starting point as follows: Simple arbor on top of a Trex deck. The arbor is a cube. 8’ x 8’ x 8’. The ceiling

https://www.decksgo.com/recommendations-for-framing-for-screening-on-top-of-trex.html

I purchased a house which has a 48 x 8 hidden fastener composite deck on the rear of the home. There are several boards which are damaged or not fastened

https://www.decksgo.com/brite-manufacturing-hidden-fastener-boards1.html

I purchased a house which has a 48 x 8 hidden fastener composite deck on the rear of the home. There are several boards which are damaged or not fastened

https://www.decksgo.com/brite-manufacturing-hidden-fastener-boards.html

I have some areas with white stains that I wonder if comes from the pool or hottub. Is that normal and how can I get rid of it or prevent it?

https://www.decksgo.com/how-do-i-get-stains-out-of-my-decking.html

I was designing a deck using Menard's deck design software and started using the UltraDeck Quickcap but found out it was for resurfacing an old deck and

https://www.decksgo.com/ultradeck-quickcap-questions.html

Purchased Fiberon Good Life product. I have purchased this last year without issue. The current batch is full what a Fiberon rep is calling tears which

https://www.decksgo.com/tearing-during-composite-extrusion.html

Hi, My deck extends off the second level and is covered with Duradek. I'd like to install a composite like Trex because the Duradek is weathered and

https://www.decksgo.com/can-i-install-trex-over-duradek.html

I bought it on facebook and do not know the manufacturer or style. The guy said he got from Lowes yet I asked a guy at Lowes and he said no.

https://www.decksgo.com/looking-for-the-brakets-for-this-rail1.html

I bought it on facebook and do not know the manufacturer or style. The guy said he got from Lowes yet I asked a guy at Lowes and he said no.

https://www.decksgo.com/looking-for-the-brakets-for-this-rail.html

I recently purchased a sizable amount of Menards top quality decking from Menards (UltraDeck Fusion Composite) and hired a professional deck contractor

https://www.decksgo.com/please-help-me1.html

im hearing that trex decking cant be installed on a floating substructure.i want to use ur product for a floating deck with trex can we do this.i cant

https://www.decksgo.com/homeowner.html

I have a repair I am doing on a high end deck and am having problems finding a match to the existing composite deck boards. I can't find a manufacturer

https://www.decksgo.com/estimator.html

Last fall my contractor installed a deck at my home using Fiberon Paramount PVC Decking. I didn't notice any pooling of water on the deck boards during

https://www.decksgo.com/is-it-normal-for-water-to-pool-on-composite-deck-boards.html

But it says lifetime performce warranty. Anyone ever used there PVC decking? How do it hold up to fading? I can get it for the same price as Trex (top

https://www.decksgo.com/fiberon-paramount-no-stain-and-fade-warranty.html

I see the recommendation to secure the Titan Wood Post Anchors into concrete is concrete screws like tapcon or GRK. Is it overkill to use sleeve anchors

https://www.decksgo.com/are-sleeve-anchors-expansion-bots-overkill.html

I am building a pressure treated deck and want white painted posts and railing with the look of real wood. I understand 4x4 and especially 6x6 have issues

https://www.decksgo.com/wrapping-4x4-post-with-1x6-for-deck-post.html

Replacing my southeast MI 30-year-old deck, was hoping just to replace the surface boards but many of the posts were set too deep and rotted at ground

https://www.decksgo.com/replace-or-reuse-and-protect-old-beams-and-joists.html

I am looking to install privacy screens on my concrete patio. I just want to put up two 6x6 posts with Titan Wood Post Anchors, either 35 or 70 apart,

https://www.decksgo.com/privacy-screens-how-high-can-i-go-with-titan-wood-post-anchor.html

I am building a 10'x12'deck (not attached to a ledger board). My plan was to pour concrete footings, then run doubled up 2x8 beams setting on the footings

https://www.decksgo.com/total-height-of-low-level-ground-level-deck.html

My wife is a stroke victim, and she wants this deck to be as easy as possible for her to walk out on. She would like it to be as high as possible, with

https://www.decksgo.com/height-of-deck-against-door-threshold.html

I am building a ground level deck (max 24 of the ground). It is L shaped and will have 2 long beams (27.5' and 31'). The beams will be 3-ply PT SP#2 2x12's

https://www.decksgo.com/how-to-build-a-threeply-laminated-2x10-beam-and-what-fasteners-to-use.html

The outer edge of my deck is supported on 6x6 beams on P3 Helical Piers. I want to attach a ledger board halfway down the posts to begin the 2nd level.

https://www.decksgo.com/adding-a-second-level-to-a-deck.html

I have a 10x16 foot deck that I'm about to replace the decking and railings on. The deck was built before I bought the house and they used 16 foot 2x6's

https://www.decksgo.com/joist-spacing-depending-on-deck-board-dimensions.html

Has anybody used post setting foam in place of concrete for post footers? Editors Comments Yes, you can use the new foam that is available to stabilize

https://www.decksgo.com/setting-foam-in-place-of-concrete-for-deck-posts.html

Can the titan post anchor be used on-top of composite deck boards the same way it is installed on wood decking? I will be installing a Timbertech deck

https://www.decksgo.com/post-anchor-mounted-on-composite-decking.html

I'm in the process of building a western red cedar deck. I've been installing the decking boards such that the end grain forms a dome (bark-side up).

https://www.decksgo.com/installing-decking-with-grain-curving-up.html

I’ve recently had a large deck built by a professional decking company. Only a few weeks ago we began to notice the boards are cupping and twisting. It

https://www.decksgo.com/6-tips-to-minimize-deck-board-cupping-and-make-your-deck-last-longer.html

I have a few questions about framing according to the Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide based on the 2012 ICC standards for deck building.

https://www.decksgo.com/ledger-bay-window-chimney-framing-problem.html

I am finishing a deck started by the previous owner. I am finished with everything except guardrails and stair handrails. From all I've found online

https://www.decksgo.com/code-for-guardrail-height-on-decks-over-30-high-in-nc.html

I am planning to build a deck and patio cover over the next several months. But I'm not exactly sure which to do first. Any thoughts on how to tackle this

https://www.decksgo.com/which-comes-first-deck-or-patio-cover.html

Eight months ago new decking was built with vitex hardwood and was never oiled. We have so far used a mould remover (sodium hypocloride) and a deck cleaner.

https://www.decksgo.com/hardwood-decking-next-steps.html

Great site, learned a ton here for footings/loads/psf etc. When i use the load calculator I get numbers for the tributary area and their actual loads vs

https://www.decksgo.com/calculator-question-actual-load-imposed-on-the-soil-versus-the-maximum-soil-bearing-capacity.html

I've read a few posts asking about the sandy Florida soil and installing the Titan Deck Foot Anchor™ system. The deck I'm looking to build is 18'x30'.

https://www.decksgo.com/using-the-deck-foot-anchor-to-build-a-lowlevel-deck-on-florida-sandy-soil.html

Can use your product to build a 14'x 14' shed. basically build a deck for the shed to sit on. Editor's CommentsThe Titan Deck Foot Anchor is a great

https://www.decksgo.com/using-deck-foot-anchor-for-shed-platform.html

Okay, so I have a client that wants a 8x10 deck built at ground level to put his grill on. Problem is, the ground tends to pool water whenever it rains.

https://www.decksgo.com/building-a-deck-on-soggy-ground.html

How do I fix the treated wood on my deck from peeling? The treated pine deck boards are peeling in certain spots, as part of the wood is lifting up. How

https://www.decksgo.com/how-to-fix-treated-wood-peeling-on-deck.html

I have a deck about 2' high and I'm planning to build stairs along the entire 18' side away from the house. I'm looking at about 4 steps with 10 treads.

https://www.decksgo.com/screw-piles-for-stair-footings.html

I would like to build a wooden deck on top of an existing concrete patio. The top of the deck will only be 8.5 inches above the concrete. How do I proceed?

https://www.decksgo.com/building-deck-close-to-a-concrete-surface.html

I realized made a mistake on the 4X4 wood post after installing the anchor. How can I remove the anchor from the post? Editor's Comments This is an interesting

https://www.decksgo.com/how-to-remove-titan-post-anchor-from-a-post.html

I recently had a deck built and when a friend came to look at it I was told the contractor should not have used drywall screws on the Pressure Treated

https://www.decksgo.com/using-drywall-screws-for-building-a-deck.html

We are screening in our deck and as part of this project we'll need to replace the existing railing. The deck is approximately 10 ft. above ground level.

https://www.decksgo.com/railing-height-for-screened-in-deck-in-ontario.html

What is the typical code requirement for a counter top near a railing? If the countertop is built into the railing (like at the perimeter of a deck) and

https://www.decksgo.com/railing-height-behind-outdoor-bbq-counter-top.html

Does the Titan deck foot meet all IRC building code requirements for footings (floating deck only). The county planning board must have this information.

https://www.decksgo.com/titan-deck-foot-anchor-and-irc-code-for-free-standing-decks.html

What would should one do when building a deck on or over disturbed soil such as back fill? Would it be wise to use a surface resting deck block or a ledger

https://www.decksgo.com/deck-blocks-or-ledger-attached-deck-when-building-a-deck-on-disturbed-soil.html

I am rebuilding a front porch with composite, and reusing the framing. The framing connects 2x8 joists to a 4x8 beam directly. Most of what I see puts

https://www.decksgo.com/attaching-railing-post-to-a-4x8-beam-and-flush-2x8-joist.html

One of the three main deck support posts supporting my deck is rotting just above the ground. The other 2 may be starting to rot just below the ground.

https://www.decksgo.com/replacing-or-repairing-rotting-deck-support-posts.html

I am on the Board of Directors at a condo, and currently there is a debate raging regarding the issue of allowing or not allowing deck tiles on balconies.

https://www.decksgo.com/railing-height-and-deck-tiles-on-condo-balconies.html

Finally some manufacturers are putting effort into reducing the heat build up of the heavy capped composite decking material. This is a welcome relief to southerners and northerners too.

https://www.decksgo.com/whats-new-with-composite-decking.html

I would like to use the titan anchor for a free standing deck. You mention lots of familiarity with the OBC and also deck heights up to 6'. I have been

https://www.decksgo.com/where-does-the-ontario-building-code-set-out-the-allowable-height-for-freestanding-decks.html

We bought our house in Tacoma, Washington last November. Sometime last year the previous owners painted the deck and I've included a picture of what they

https://www.decksgo.com/problems-with-acrylic-deck-stain-peeling-off-decking-boards.html

Although I would be satisfied with a treated 4x4 or 6x6 post, I can't paint or stain it right away. How do deck pros provide an immediate deliverable for

https://www.decksgo.com/ready-to-paint-post-options-for-treated-lumber-deck.html

I have a deck that I want to cover with 5/4 x6 and I'm wondering if I should copy the existing pattern... angle pattern or is it OK to do a more linear

https://www.decksgo.com/54-x-6-over-existing-deck-following-original-pattern-or-change-direction.html

Hi folks, totally did not know about this site but just found it.. heh. Please forgive me if I confuse you all and ramble or if I type more than I should.

https://www.decksgo.com/need-input-on-a-large-free-standing-deck-design-and-roof.html

I have a second story deck that is 17' x 20'with a pergola roof. I am considering converting the roof to another deck level and need some advice if it

https://www.decksgo.com/second-story-structural-question-of-deck-with-pergola-roof.html

The contractor that is building my home poured the porch footings for my front porch and a few of the support post brackets do not line up well with the

https://www.decksgo.com/porch-footings-and-position-of-support-post-bracket.html

I'm currently in the process of upgrading my existing deck. It has 8 foot rail sections with 4x4 posts on each end. In the middle it has 2x4s with wooden

https://www.decksgo.com/retrofitting-wood-railing-with-a-composite-drink-rail-and-aluminum-balusters.html

I would like to build a 11' x 11' deck in corner of the house. I have two questions. 1) The house is double brick. Can I use ledger plates on the two

https://www.decksgo.com/ledger-board-on-brick-and-sloping-a-deck-in-corner-of-house.html

I have a deck that's settled and moved about an inch and a half laterally over the past 2 years. It's a ground level deck built on a slope and it's moved

https://www.decksgo.com/reinforcing-existing-ground-level-deck-moving-down-slope.html

I own a carpet cleaning business. I cleaned this house about a week ago and today I received an email saying that I put theses stains on her deck. Not

https://www.decksgo.com/dark-stains-on-deck-not-mold.html

I am a homeowner who contracted a guy to do build a 16x40 foot deck using ipe decking. The deck is almost done but the ipe doesn't look like what was

https://www.decksgo.com/can-someone-help-me-tell-the-difference-between-ipe-and-cumaru.html

Is there a limit to the size of a floating deck I can build using the Titan Deck Foot anchoring system? Editor's Comments The IRC has a provision in Section

https://www.decksgo.com/maximum-deck-size-area-for-free-standing-deck.html

I plan on building a 6' horizontal privacy fence on top of my 5' retaining wall and I would like to use the Titan 4x4 post anchor with 4x4 redwood posts.

https://www.decksgo.com/titan-4x4-post-anchor-maximum-post-height.html

Over my (outside) patio I am going to install a cover, extending 9 horizontal feet from the (outside) wall of my house. The length of the cover will be

https://www.decksgo.com/6x6-titan-post-anchor-on-concrete-for-patio-cover.html