Decking Questions

[ukdaasfan]

I am going to build a deck out of the back of my kitchen about 1.5 - 2 foot off the ground and I have the following questsions:

1) Should the deck boards run parrallel to the end of the house or away... if the run away from the house or doesn't it matter.

2) Can I use the posts that raise it as newel posts or will this cause problems... they are nice enough looking and they are tall enough.

3) If the joist nearest the wall is attached should I leave a gap between it and the wall ? Have had 2 different perspectives on this.

 

[Steve]

for 2, the supporting posts are ideal for the newel posts, as they are more rigid, being in the ground and having the weight of the deck on them and all! Just buy longer posts. If not, its easy enough to firmly attach some newel posts and board around them.

 

[Thermo]

I am going to build a deck out of the back of my kitchen about 1.5 - 2 foot off the ground and I have the following questsions:

1) Should the deck boards run parrallel to the end of the house or away... if the run away from the house or doesn't it matter. Doesnt matter, although they can help with any drainage if they are running away from the house on a slight fall

2) Can I use the posts that raise it as newel posts or will this cause problems... they are nice enough looking and they are tall enough. Yes much stronger

3) If the joist nearest the wall is attached should I leave a gap between it and the wall ? Have had 2 different perspectives on this. No can be attached straight to the wall

 

[Steve]

to add, if you have grooved deck boards, make sure they slope with the groove slightly, so water drains out of the ends, otherwise water will sit and rot.

 

[megawatt]

A lot depends on the size of the deck, the rigidity you expect (i.e. how much "bounce" you are comfortable with) and the sub-structure you plan to build to ensure the strength and rigidity is there.
Traditional construction for anything other than the most basic deck will utilise beams attached to the posts supporting joists (spaced at 16" or 24" intervals) running at 90 degrees to the beams topped with the decking boards running (normally) at 90 degrees to the joists.
The direction you would like the decking boards to run obviously dictates how you design and build the supporting sub-structure.
I would always plan to run decking boards away from the house with a slight run off to allow drainage but this is only personal preference and, as others have already said, doesn't really make much difference.
In terms of using extended posts as newals this is fine and strong but not as aesthetically pleasing as dedicated turned newals but it depends really on the final look you are aiming for.
Remember though that careful planning of the post positions is vital if you are to use them as newals
Deck projects for the DIY'er really can be very satisfying but take time to plan and measure thoroughly ... Pro's can cut corners more easily because they have this useful quality called experience
The more time you spend with paper, pencil, ruler and eraser planning the deck (or software if you're that way inclined) and the more time that you spend making sure everything is square and accurately marked on site the more likely you are to end up with a finished project which "floats your boat".
Go for it and enjoy

 

[ukdaasfan]

Thanks everyone...

Running then away from the house makes life easier so will go for that....

I have spent time with the open and paper and just wanted to check my design would cause problems.

Cheers everyone...

 

[WabbitPoo]

The other thing I would add is that the frame, if attached to the wall, should not really be nearer the dpc than 6", and there's no harm in spacing it off the wall with a thick washer to set your mind at rest. I never do though!

Personally I think boards look better running away from the house.

My 2 cents worth.

 

[Steve]

The thing with grooved boards is that they can be slippery when walking parallel with them. Especially when only wearing socks. We layed our deck to account for this in terms of the main foot flow. I wouldn't get grooved boards again. They aint nice to walk on bare foot either.

 

[Thermo]

depends what ones you go for. travis perkins do a good one. the grooves on one side are to big, but on the other side they are very small, more like a gripped finish. Safe and comfortable to walk on barefoot