2018 Fall Home

Page 12 2018 Fall Home & Garden Lincoln Daily News Sept. 26, 2018 For the ends of the deck that need to be trimmed, a saw can be used to make a straight cut. See the process they use at It is important for the deck to be durable with a strong foundation and framing. Matt Risinger of the Build Show gives tips for building a durable deck. Risinger says the foundation and framing must be right. He warns that water can kill decks, so keeping the deck dry is important. Risingers first piece of advice is to choose lumber carefully. Copper infused into wood is a great choice because it keeps wood preserved over time. Second, space the ledger board against the area where you are building the deck. Near a pool where he is building a deck, Risinger attaches the ledger board to concrete attached to a pool deck. He first takes three stainless steel fender washers, then epoxies dowels in to attach to the ledger board. The ledger board is bolted on to the dowels, leaving a small gap between the board and the concrete. Risinger says the gap makes the ledger easier to dry because moisture will not be trapped against the concrete. Third, for posts, Risinger says using an above grade concrete pier and metal post base is important for setting wood off the ground. An end sealer is also needed. Fourth, Joist tape helps protect the deck. Putting the tape on top of joists and ledger board reduces the amount of water the boards will soak up, which helps them last longer. Fifth, joist spacing is important. Risinger says most decks are framed on 16 inch centers, but he uses 12 inch centers to give it really good support and durability. Risinger says following these deck tips will make a deck that will last up to 50 years. No matter what approach you take, knowing the right steps for planning, designing, and building a deck will give you an outdoor space that you can enjoy for many years.