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Common Deck Building Issues (And How To Avoid Them)

February 23rd, 2018 | 1 min read

By Michael Flory

2 story deck with rock posts and brown fascia

A deck, in the architectural sense, is referred to as the flat surface that is meant to carry or support a certain amount of weight. Therefore, a deck builder assures that the construction of such a floor-like structure that is usually installed outdoors at an elevated spot is sturdy enough to withstand the pressure that will be exerted unto it. Such structures are built outdoors to serve as a link or connection of a building to the outside world.

Planning to Build a Deck

Any great deck builder should have a clear plan in mind. A well defined plan will enable you to have a comprehensive guide throughout the process of the construction of your deck. This will assure you that throughout the process, everything would move forward accordingly with the proper codes, scale, and strength that are necessary. As a rule of thumb, if you want to succeed in your deck building project, you should make sure you and your Lansing deck builder have a good plan.

Common Issues in Deck Building

Decks are especially useful for a number of reasons – improving the landscape, extending the house area, and as an alternative to stones. The following are some issues that you might encounter in deck building:

Deck layout in connection with the layout of the house: One should carefully consider the existing design of the house when building a deck outdoors. In addition, the deck should not in any way be a hindrance to the access points within the house. You should also consider the existence of plants and trees.

The issue of attachment: Should a deck building contractor connect the deck to the actual house structure? The answer is actually up to you. Remember that decks can actually stand alone without attaching the decks to the structure.

The number of posts that should be installed depends on how large the deck is. Engineering principles dictate, as the deck becomes bigger, it will require more posts and footings as support.

There are other issues that you might encounter. Consult with your Lansing deck builder for more advice and the best results.

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Michael Flory

Michael brings over 2 decades of building and remodeling experience to his position as the Owner and Visionary of Custom Built. Michael’s passion to make an impact on the home building industry has led him to serve for over ten years at the local and state Home Builders Association, culminating as President of the HBA of Michigan in 2020.