Adding a deck is similar to building a house. It involves creating a foundation, floor, walls and sometimes even a roof.
This article will help you understand deck construction and terminology. Whether you’re hiring contractors or constructing the deck yourself, you can use this guide to familiarize yourself with the different parts of a deck.
- Deck Foundation
The deck’s foundation is the support. Unlike a home’s foundation, the stress on a deck foundation is focused on specific spots on the ground rather than the entire perimeter. Although decks are lighter than houses, point loading requires careful consideration of the foundation design.
- Deck Surface
The deck surface is made up of one main component: decking. Decking is dimensional lumber that is nailed to the joists to form the deck surface. Other words for the deck surface are cantilever and fascia. The cantilever is the section of the deck that supports the beam below.
The fascia is a decorative component that outlines the deck framing’s edges. Materials for decking boards are plentiful. Most decking planks are between four and six inches broad, with rounded edges to minimize splintering.
- Deck Framing
A solid foundation and frame are essential for a safe and durable deck. After laying a firm foundation, framing is where the deck begins to take shape. The frame is the deck’s skeleton, supporting the surface, stairs and railing. A deck is framed in parts and then linked together.
- Stairs
Sliding deck stairs are the next deck component. Treads, risers and stringers are all found on deck steps. On the stairwell, you step on the treads. The risers are the “face” of the stair. Finally, the stringers are the visible sides of the staircase that support the risers and treads respectively.
Their design determines whether they are open or closed. The stairwell will be supported by a concrete foundation, much like the rest of the deck is.
- Deck Railings
If your deck is close to the ground, you may not need railings. However, most contractors utilize railings for aesthetic and safety reasons even when not necessary. These vertically oriented components (typically 2×2) are located between the bottom and top rails to provide a barrier and support the railing.
Twin Cities Siding and Roofing is your leading provider of deck and siding installation services. Give us a call at (651) 967-0873. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Minneapolis and the surrounding communities.
