Decks 101
Course Description
Decks are fun and straightforward to construct, a great return on investment, a super way to learn about building, and very nice to relax on when done. This building course will cover the design, layout, materials, footings, fasteners, and finishes for outdoor decks.
Things to Bring
A pencil and notebook are highly recommended, along with outerwear, work boots, and sunscreen. Yestermorrow provides tools for all courses, but you are encouraged to bring your own tools if you prefer. Helpful tools for this course include:
- A basic toolbelt
- Sturdy work gloves
- Hammer
- Tape measure
- Speed square
- Eye and ear protection
- Utility knife
- Chisel
- Nail puller/Cat's paw
- Level
- Chalk line
Be sure to label your own tools!
Class Project
The beginning lecture/discussion portion of the class will take place at Yestermorrow, and then students will work on the site in the afternoon and on Sunday.
Course Outline Deck Design
- Basic Considerations
- Variables in Deck Design
- Bells and Whistles
Elements of Deck Construction
- Piers: deck meets the ground
- Ledger: deck meets the house
- Posts: tie beams to piers
- Beams: support joists; carry weight across the deck span
- Joists: carry the decking
- Railings
- Decking
- Stairs
Materials
• Treated Southern Pine
• Treated Western softwoods
• Redwood
• Cedar
• Tropical Hardwoods
• Composite Decking
• Vinyl Decking
Other materials you should know about
The absolute minimum tools for building a deck efficiently and properly
Finishes
• Film-forming
• Penetrating
Tips and techniques for applying finishes |
