Need To Know Facts About Deck Installation?

Here at DeckWise^®, we want to help you create the best quality deck. We desire to accomplish this by offering top of the line tools and helpful building tips. Below we have answered a few questions that readers found themselves thinking about prior to building their decks. If you have any questions that we have not answered thus far, please submit them to our blog.

Q: Do I need a permit to build a deck?

A: Yes. A deck is considered to be structural work. Before building, you should check with your local Division of Building Code Enforcement, which typically require building permits with specific code regulations. Failing to check with them may result in a fine or having to tear down the deck and start over.

Q: What are the best tools to use if I am building my deck solo?

A: When constructing a deck by yourself, you could end up struggling with a few tasks that typically need more than two hands. One issue that typically requires more than two hands is the straightening of warped deck boards. However, DeckWise^® offers the Hardwood Wrench™ along with a number of other tools that will help you get the job done as a “one-man” operation.

Q: What do I do if some of the my deck boards are warped?

A: Most bundles of wood come with a few slightly to severely warped boards. There is no need to panic, when this happens you simply use a deck board straightener. This tool will straighten your boards into place making them look practically perfect. When choosing a deck board straightener you want to make sure it is durable and strong. We recommend the Hardwood Wrench™. This heavy duty tool is expandable and reversible, which allows you to straighten deck boards with ease, making it a true “one-man installation.

Q: How do I attain proper gap spacing?

A: Proper gap spacing is one of the key elements to making your deck look beautiful. We suggest using pre- constructed gap spacers, such as our DeckWise^® Board Spacers, to achieve a professional look. These spacers are easy to use. You simply slide them in between the boards, and once the board is installed you slide them out. Also, our spacers were designed to help to prevent denting and marring of hardwood during installation.

Q: Should I use screws or nails to attach the deck boards to the joists?

A: Ideally, you want to purchase stainless steel deck screws, whether you are face screwing or using hidden deck fasteners. We believe nailing down deck boards is never a good idea. This can result in dangerous and unattractive nail pops. Here at DeckWise^®, we have created a solution to unattractive nail pops and exposed screws. Our Colormatch Stainless Steel Screws, which are offered in three different colors, that can be purchased in three different colors deliver optimum performance while camouflaging the unsightly appearance of screws heads.

Q: What should I look for when purchasing a hidden deck fastener system?

A: Hidden deck fastener systems are not all created equal. There are a few things you want to look for when purchasing these items. First, look for a system that only screws into one side of the board. This system allows the wood to expand or contract, preventing loose deck boards. Second, make sure that the screws go into the joist at a 45 degree angle. This creates a much stronger holding power than when the screws go straight in. Third, you want something that will last. Make sure you purchase a fastener system that is created to last even in the most extreme climates. We suggest our DeckWise^® Hidden Deck Fastener systems, because they meet all the requirements listed above and will leave you with a beautiful, blemish-free free deck.