CUSTOM DECK BUILDING

There are many methods for building a deck. The wrong method is asking for future problems. When attaching deck beams to wooden posts, you must consider the amount of weight that will be supported by those posts. Due to gravity, you can have multiple tons of weight constantly applying downward pressure. The beam will often support more than half of the weight of the deck and anything that will eventually be on the deck. The floors joists, decking and furniture will rest on the beam, which transfers the load along its entire width. We use structural supports, framing and hardware that far exceed county regulations. Each year, people are seriously injured or worse, due to deck collapses. There are many reasons for structural failure; however, none of the reasons should be related to design flaws.

Our passion is evident in the design and finished look of your project. Our success is attributable to our enthusiasm and intricate attention to detail in every project we complete. Let one of our design specialists show you the endless possibilities of your project.

FROST LINES

Decks that need piers or footings must have them installed below the frost line. This will keep the piers from heaving up out of the ground from the strength of the freeze.

The frost line is a distinct depth in your local soil to which frost can be expected to penetrate during the coldest part of any given year. This line is generated from years of historical data and it can vary widely depending upon weather conditions.

The importance of the frost line is significant. When water freezes it expands in volume by about ten percent. This enormous expanding force is enough to crack driveways and foundations. Since most soils retain water, they freeze, expand, and almost always lift upwards. Soil that is against exposed retaining walls also freezes and expands sideways. This expanding soil can tip over retaining walls and lift up structures. The lifting force is extremely powerful. If the lifting force is not equal and consistent at all points, stress can build within the deck and cause it to twist. This helical motion can cause severe structural damages.

The frost line depth is not consistent around the nation because there is such a dramatic difference in climate from state to state. For example, the frost depth in the Midwest stretching eastward is 36 inches below the top of the surface. But in the recent decade, there have been winters when the frost penetrated only three inches into the soil. The frost line in southern Florida is less than a foot while in northern states such as Minnesota and upstate New York the frost line is over six feet.

Because Urban Deck and Development, LLC builds our deck foundation supports below the frost line, you can rest assured that your deck will not move as the ground freezes. We ensure the concrete piers or columns are formed so the bottom of the hole is wider than the top. This upside-down cone shape helps lock the foundation into the soil. The flared base acts like the head of a screw or nail. For the pier to lift upwards the enlarged base would have to force through the frozen soil. This is highly improbable. The larger diameter base also helps spread the concentrated load over an even greater area.

FOUNDATION PIERS

One of the biggest challenges facing deck builders is how to accurately locate any and all foundation piers. The margin for error is minimal and it is crucial that deck support posts are properly aligned.

Our method, derived from years of experience, is to simply build the outer frame of the deck first. As it is being built, we support the frame with temporary posts placed at least two to three feet away from the planned vertical support posts. We add extra temporary posts so the deck frame will not collapse as we work beneath it.

Using a level, tape measure and simple geometry, we proceed to make the deck frame level and square. We brace this frame so it doesn’t move and then use a plumb bob to transfer the outer corners of the deck down to the ground. This thousand year old method allows us to locate all foundation piers efficiently and precisely. Once framed and decked, we then we proceed to dig the foundation piers and set the permanent posts.

This method, while tedious and painstaking, serves two purposes:

1. It ensures a cleaner job site; the area beneath the deck stay clean until the project is done. Mud is not tracked onto the deck or spread throughout the property.

2. The deck post will be square and centered on top to the foundation piers.

COPPER DECK FLASHING

Deck flashing is an extremely important component of a deck. The type of metal used for the deck flashing should be the same type used in the wood decking preservatives; copper in the case of ACQ or AC treated lumber.

The best metal is pure copper. Professional roofers use copper to make all sorts of flashings and window pans. The copper will perform flawlessly as it is completely compatible with the chemical in the new treated lumber. The liquid chemicals used in the treated lumber contain large amounts of copper. Copper is also easy to work with and it is easy to solder, if inside or outside corners or lap joints need to be created.

LEDGER ATTACHMENT

For most decks, the ledger board acts as a primary support beam. Along with the posts, this attachment to the house is the one of the most critical components. The ledger board is attached to the house’s rim joist via non-corrosive lag screws or bolts. The deck joists are then fastened to the ledger board with special non-corrosive structural metal joist hangers. At the end of the deck opposite the house, we place another beam under the joists or in the same plane of the deck joists. The deck’s ledger board at the house often carries 50 percent of the combined weight of the deck structure, as well as any furniture or persons on the deck. There are specific requirements that have to be met dictated by many factors. Urban Deck and Development, LLC builds our decks to support a minimum of 40lb psf live load taking into account the size, span and shape of your custom designed deck.

JOIST AND BEAMS

The underside of your deck is rarely seen and talked about but is the most fundamental aspect of your deck. Therefore, we will not neglect it. Urban Deck and Development, LLC will not use any joist that is less than 10” high and a minimum spacing of 16” on center. Your deck is not the only thing resting on the beams and joists, our reputation does as well.

RAILINGS

Our railings are built to county regulations, typically 36” high where deck floors exceed 30” above grade, balusters are 4” on center, and bottom rail is less than 4” from the floor.

STAIRS

Stair building is an art. We feel that stairs are the most important component to the deck and also the most neglected feature among deck builders. Stairs requires a lot of fore thought and layout. A beautiful deck can be blemished by poorly constructed or unbalanced stairs. We have found the most comfortable steps are those with 10” treads and 7.5” risers. This means we must to plan our landings and deck heights precisely. We use 3 to 4 stringers depending on the lighting design. Our stairs are rock solid. When you walk up and down our stairs you will feel absolutely no bounce. If you compare, you will see that our stairs are among the industry’s best and most beautiful.

EXTRA FEATURES

Hand Rails
Unless you opt for synthetic, our 2”x6” hand rails are visually selected, routed and hand-sanded for a smooth and professional finish with no rough edges.

Decking
Not every piece of 2”x6” is created equal and qualifies as decking. Therefore, we visually inspect every piece of decking for excessive knots and naturally occurring blemishes. We lay our decking in a diagonal pattern. This breaks up the monotony of the typical deck while adding beauty and character. Structurally, diagonal decking makes for a sturdy deck with absolutely no lateral movement.

Upgraded Stair Case
We build our stair cases using 3-4 stringers sandwiched between two 2×12’s, enclosed risers and 4×4 or 6×6 posts set on concrete piers. We build a structurally solid stair case that endures both Mother Nature and years of abuse.

Hardware
Hardware is the final components of a dependable and lasting deck. We use hot-dipped galvanized, spiral shank nails and screws. We also use hidden fastener systems, vinyl or copper flashing, ledger beam spacers, hot-dipped galvanized, triple zinc, or stainless steel joist brackets and post saddles to resist the corrosive effects of the copper preservatives in lumber. Also, we use hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel nuts and bolts. These are often neglected components of decks but the aggregate effect is monumental. Their size is minor but there roll is major. That is why we will never overlook them.

Composites
Once we have designed your deck, you’ll want to build it with the best material available. Consider the beautiful, low-maintenance alternative to wood when you’re ready for us to build your new deck. Choose one of our synthetic decking and railing solutions. Unlike wood decks, synthetic resists fading, weathering, rotting, and warping. It stays beautiful year after year. In fact, composite decking systems are backed by a 25-year warranty. Composite decking is very attractive, but not all composite decking materials are the same. As you start to analyze composite decking you might be overwhelmed by the myriad of manufacturers, color combinations, and textures. Let our experience winnow through the hundreds of options for you.