I know it is the middle of winter and being out on the deck is probably the furthest thought many of you have right now. However, if you are thinking you need to replace or build a deck, it really is not too early to start the planning. I get a lot of calls in the spring when time lines are compressed and contractors are busy, and then time is a major issue. Let’s avoid that.
As I look over the past year some questions and factors are repeated time and again. Calls have covered almost every topic possible, eco-friendly products, natural woods, low maintenance, ease of renovation and installation, cost comparisons of the choices, etc.
Western Red Cedar is the traditional decking material, a rich brown color that is a naturally durable softwood. We sell direct from the mills, all fresh stock and ready to use. It is known around the world and used for roofing, siding, decking, panelling,window and door framing etc. Cedar is an excellent choice. Check out the website for decking, panelling 1×6 T&G, siding and roofing. We cover the whole house. For those who want the natural wood look, this is the species.
The main line for us is composite decking, Yakima and Rever brands. Yakima is the strong and heavy one, the Rever is reversible ( pun intended) and both come with a hidden clip system. These are low maintenance and are a mixture of plastics, sawdust and rice husks. Low maintenance? yes but please don’t ask for a no-maintenance product, I don’t think they exist.
We have other products as well, but will leave that for another day, if you have a few minutes check out the website www.builddirect.com and go the the decking section for decking and railings
Regards, Glen
Just to start us off, here is an article that might interest you about cedar roofing, and another one about cedar siding.
The first thing to do is lay out the detailed dimensions of your deck, whether it is a replacement railing or still to be built. Some simple graph paper will definitely help.
Here is a railing layout worksheet that will definitely help.
In basic terms,
- add up the lineal feet of railing
- starting at one corner of the deck, measure out the position of the deck posts making sure the placement balances with the dimensions. ( not 3’ at one end and then 6’ at the other end)
- determine the quantities and types of posts you will need whether end posts, mid-posts, corner posts, or even the 135 degree post. Add to the shopping cart.
- Now look to the spacing measurement and determine what quantity and lengths of railing sections work best, 6’ up to 14’, they can be cut so if you have 5’ sections then the 10 railing section will work. Add these to the shopping cart.
- Determine what type of pickets you like and then order the number of sections you will need, they come with spacers. Add these to the shopping cart.
- Then just to finish add base caps, and you have the basic requirements covered.
Stairs
For stairs, the posts and rails are a different size and therefore consider these separately. For gates, these are a max of 4’ wide, but can be adjusted for width and come with all fasteners to attach to the posts.
Glass panels
If you want to use glass, the maximum post spacing is 5’ and remember to order the glazing strip accessory, this fits into the channel to hold the glass pane. (the glass is shipped within a frame and is well protected).
A note on accessories
we have universal, wall and post brackets if you will be attaching railing at an angle, or to a wall, or to a bracket in an unusual manner. Please read the installation instructions carefully.
Hi Everyone,
Here’s a couple of links we think you might be interested in - a great article about cedar decking, another about composite decking, and yet another about shorea wood, which is a popular wood from which decking tiles are made.
