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Pressure-treated lumber is the logical choice for the structural part of your deck—the posts, joists, beams and other members you normally don’t see. Pressure-treated lumber can support more weight and span longer distances than cedar, redwood or other woods commonly used for building decks.
What kind of wood should you use to build a deck?
Wood Materials The three common choices when it comes to wood decks are redwood, cedar and pressure-treated wood that can be made of various types of wood species. Redwood and cedar are both naturally insect and rot resistant and have a natural look, but each has its own inherent issues.
What material do I need for a 12×12 deck?
You will need 18 boards of 2-by-6-inch lumber or nine 2-by-10 inch boards to build the joists, also known as the beams. You should purchase an additional 25 percent wood to allow for framing pieces and waste.
What material do you need to build a deck?
Here are a few essential accessories that you need for building a deck. Measuring and Layout Tools. Framing Squares and Speed Squares. Excavation Tools. Shovels. Pipe and Squeeze Clamps. Wrenches and Pry Bars. Fastening Tools. Nail Gun with Compressor.
Do you need pressure-treated wood for a deck?
This is why non-pressure treated wood is still required for use indoors, and why builders recommended that you only use pressure treated lumber for the support structure of a deck and switch to untreated wood for the surface. Any location where pets and kids spend time regularly should be built with non-treated wood.
Can I use regular lumber for a deck?
Yes, you can use untreated wood to build a deck, but not without preparing it first. You can’t, of course, pressure treat it yourself, but you will need to seal; the wood and stain/paint it to ensure the wood is ready to take on the harsh external weather.
What is the best wood to use for a dock?
According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the best wood boards for building a dock are Western red cedar, redwood, cypress and eastern white cedar. Permanent dock piles or dock cribs should use stronger hardwoods, including Douglas fir, tamarack and hemlock.
How much does a 12×12 wood deck cost?
An entry level deck with basic materials costs $15 per square foot, while a deck built with premium materials costs $35 per square foot.Cost To Build A Deck By Size. Deck Size Square Feet Average Cost 8×10 80 $1,200 – $2,800 10×10 100 $1,500 – $3,500 10×12 120 $1,800 – $4,200 12×12 144 $2,160 – $5,040.
How much does a 12×12 deck cost?
A 12 x12 deck can range in cost from $2 200 to $13 000, but the average will be $6 000. Costing $40 a square foot but can be as little as $15 or as high as $85, depending on the deck’s features. A pressure treated deck is the most economical, with composite being the more expansive option.
What is the cheapest way to build a deck?
Pressure-treated wood, or chemical-treated wood, decks are generally the cheapest material to build decks with.
Can I use 2×6 for deck joists?
2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards. Most decks use 16″ on center spacing for joists. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16″.
How many posts do I need for a 12×16 deck?
A standard deck will need four footings parallel to the house, but they will need to be temporarily braced by 6 inch-by-6 inch posts. Using doubled boards, you will then need to build beams on the top row of the posts to frame the edges of the deck. These must be topped with adjustable post caps.
Do you need a permit to build a deck?
As a simple rule, you need a permit for any deck that is higher than 30 inches off the ground. This rule applies to most decks. Anything lower than 30” is often considered a patio or “porch deck,” and no permit is required.
Do termites eat pressure-treated wood?
Even pressure-treated wood and naturally durable woods are susceptible to termite damage and infestations. That’s because termites can tunnel over treated wood easily to get to untreated wood or other cellulose-containing substances in a home.
How long does pressure-treated wood last on a deck?
It depends on the climate, the type of wood, its uses, and how well it’s maintained. While pressure treated poles can stay up to 40 years without any signs of rot or decay, decks and flooring might only last around 10 years.
Should I use deck boards or 2×6?
2×6 is thicker and is stronger, but is also more expensive. Spacing between deck boards provide a few critical functions. The primary function is to drain water from the deck. Gaps that are narrow (1/8”), can catch debris, specifically on top of the joists, and can be difficult to clean out.
Can you leave a deck untreated?
It is highly unlikely that the deck will rot, splinter or decay if you choose not to have it finished and you can always choose to stain and protect the deck at a later date.
Why is pressure-treated wood cheaper than untreated wood?
Affordability. Pressure-treated wood is notably cheaper than cedar, redwood, and other types of wood. And, because of its durability, you’re much less likely to experience a need for costly repairs in the future. It is a great choice for those operating on a smaller budget.
Can you treat lumber yourself?
A very safe process does exist to treat lumber, so it’s not so tasty to bothersome insects and wood-destroying fungi – although it’s rapidly being forgotten. You simply soak the lumber in the borate solution. Most people just build a trough using 6-mil plastic sheeting.
Can I use pressure treated lumber for a dock?
Treated Wood is the most preferred material for docks. Choose the right treatment level depending on the kind of water you are building in: Fresh water: A minimum of . 60 pcf pressure treated wood.
How long will a wood dock last?
How Long They Last: A well-maintained wooden dock made with pressure-treated lumber could last between 10 to 20 years. Unfortunately, even with regular maintenance, there’s always a risk of rotting, warping, splitting or splintering. Nails in the wood may also come dislodged over time.
What is the difference between 1 and 2 pressure treated lumber?
Number 2 grade lumber often has more knots and blemishes than #1 grade but may be clear enough on one face to be deemed select or premium. The wood grain has a 1 in 8 slope, and there may be bark edge or wane visible.
