Plan Before The Plan: Carrying Out Your Decking Projects

Learn about the basic stages in preparing and executing a successful cedar decking project.

A cedar deck offers all kinds of aesthetic and practical benefits to a property. It also adds value to a property as a whole. Making sure that all of the details necessary to the success of a project are taken into account, will mean less time working, and more time enjoying the outdoors from the comfort of a new cedar deck!

Steps to planning a decking project:

Consider the location – judge it for convenience and continuity in relation to the rest of the property, issues of privacy, and health of the deck’s surface as it stands up to elements such as wind, rain, and sun exposure. Also, think about what you want to use the deck for; will it simply be a place to enjoy outdoor meals, or will it serve as a staging area for hot tubbing. For the latter, consider the issue of privacy yet again!

Design & Materials – For cedar decks, ask your customer rep by what standards the cedar decking you are interested in is graded. Find out about warranties, and pay close attention to any issues that might void them. Choose, or design, a deck plan and make sure that it is compliant with your local building codes. Seek out any legal information and documents necessary to begin the construction of an addition to a property.

Construction – take stock of the tools and other elements you’ll need. Start researching decking professionals who may be able to help you get the best result.

Finishing – Make sure that the finish you choose is the best you can buy for cedar, as well as the most suitable for your particular climate. Ask your local retailer about the best brand names to seek out. When you make your choice, read the instructions and follow them carefully. A good idea is to test out the product on a small area of the deck and monitor the results. The addition of a finish is vital to add to the defenses against the cedar deck’s natural enemies, moisture and UV rays. A water repellent finish will seal the cedar from any excessive moisture, and must be applied to the deck’s surface before it weathers to allow it to penetrate most effectively. Be careful not to overdo it; the cedar deck will only absorb so much. Too much finish may result in an unsightly and uneven surface.

Also, when sanding, be careful not to overdo that either. Remember: red cedar is softwood! The best strategy if you are unsure of yourself is to seek the help of a professional decking installer. This may help you to avoid costly mistakes, and get you the best possible result. If you do choose to install and finish a cedar deck, always read the instructions of any stains or finish products you buy.

For further details, always consult the experts!

About the Author:

Rob Jones is Communications Coordinator with BuildDirect (http://www.builddirect.com/Composite-Vinyl-Cedar.aspx), a leading online wholesaler of building products. Rob writes articles for commercial contractors and DIYers on features, installation, and maintenance of building materials used in commercial and residential projects.

 Rob Jones

More Articles 

Do You Really Need An Air Purifier? - Jason Uvios
As people world over are crusading against air pollution outdoors, only a small percentage is yet aware of how serious air pollution indoors is an issue. As amazing as it may seem but pollution levels inside your home are actually higher than what...

How To Use Biennials & Perennials In Landscaping Your Garden - Paul Curran
Biennials Biennials are generally very beautiful plants, with most attractive flowers. They are somewhat more trouble for the gardener, since they keep growing during their first year and do not bloom until the second. Their great advantage...

Gardening Tips and Tricks for Late Autumn--Part Two - Karen Cole Peralta
Watering Your Lawn and Garden You can't forget about watering in the middle of fall. The summer's long over, but proper moisture now is key to your plants' survival over the cold winter months. You're likely to hear two pieces of advice on...

Invasion of the Mold Spores - Timothy K Clark
Mold spores. They almost sound like alien invaders from a 1950's sci-fi movie --"Attack of the Killer Mold Spores!" But that description may not be too far off the mark. Mold is dangerous. It can be more prevalent and can cause more health...

Fall Bird Feedings - LMMcGee
Food for Fall! During Autumn, all of the birdfeeders and birdseed go on sale. So why not feed birds all year long! But how do you attract the kinds of birds you want? We have six foods that will help you attract the birds you adore. 1....

Wooden Garden Furniture - Matthew Anthony
Wooden Garden Furniture can be the ideal solution to various seating problems in your garden. You can add new seating areas to your garden by perhaps turning a path into a destination for a sit down or consider adding a few pieces of wooden...

Self-cleaning Glass - Sarah Manners
The chore homeowners most detest is cleaning windows, not only is it a time consuming task but when you're balanced on a flimsy ladder with a bucket of soapy water in one hand and a cloth in the other you tend to realise it's a rather dangerous...

The Gazebo - Why Everyone Should Own One - Dion Semeniuk
THE GAZEBO – RELAXING BENEFITS With the high cost of gas and rising costs of airlines, we now see more and more families investing in their own home, creating an oasis in the backyard. For instance, the gazebo is a great way to get started. With...

Marble Information - Joey Lewitin
Marble is any limestone or dolomite that can take a high polish and still be usable. Marble is generally formed from limestone undergoing metamorphism. When exposed to extremes of pressure or heat limestone turns into calcite or dolomite...

"DECORATING YOUR ENTRANCE FOYER" - Donna Jolean
The foyer is the room that greets you as soon as you step through the front door. This is the first space and sometimes the only space guests see of your home, yet often foyers or entryways are neglected. This strikes me as odd. Somehow, I always...

Installing A Vinyl Porch Fence - Carlo Morelli
A vinyl porch fence can provide you with privacy while still allowing you to enjoy the scenery and beauty of your home's outdoors. In addition, there are many benefits to a vinyl porch fence, including the fact that it lasts a lifetime, and it...

Bar Stools - Jason Gluckman
This article provides useful, detailed information about Bar Stools. Bar stools serve their purpose in commercial bars, restaurants and game rooms, as well as kitchens and home bars. They are often referred to as...