Deck Design 101


Decks might seem to be very simple additions to the back or front of your home, but there is a lot of intentionality that can (and should) go into decking. The engineering of the deck of is of course very important to get right, and we always recommend building through a certified contractor. For those who want to DIY a deck project, or want to understand what goes into the parts of the deck that you can’t see, read further.

 

Railings

 

Deck railings are both very important in terms of form and function. There are local codes that dictate how tall railings need to be, how much space can be between each balusters, and generally what type of materials go into the design. The basic design of a railing includes several posts with balusters in between, with a handrail that connects everything together. The posts can include a decorative cap or can be simple in design. Many designs can include painted accent pieces or mesh in between to protect small children and/or animals. 

 

Deck Boards

 

Another important feature of a deck is the type of board you choose to use. You want to select something that is both visually appealing and the type that will last for many years to come. The main considerations of how to choose the type of board you use are how you intend to use the deck, your budget, and the location. If the deck is intended to be used sparingly versus a deck that is used every weekend, that could change the board chosen for longevity and durability. Your budget could also be a strong indicator of what type of wood or composite to choose. Some products will last a couple years before boards will need to be replaced or there will be extra maintenance, and some products will last for decades.  The location is also important because decks that are exposed to the elements may begin to deteriorate faster, or those that have a lot of debris from being underneath trees could have maintenance issues sooner, depending on the type of wood or composite. There are several great options that are on the market today to address these considerations.

 

Deck Clip Fasteners


For some folks, deck boards with visible screws are unsightly, and they may wish to use hidden fasteners instead. This is a very popular trend with higher-end decking projects. For these projects, we recommend the best hidden fasteners for decking from Black Talon. Many manufacturers insist on using their own deck clip fasteners, but that's not a requirement. Black Talon Universal Fasteners Create a long-lasting and durable connection of your deck boards to your deck. If you are looking for the very best hidden fastener on the market, look no further than Black Talon.

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