deck rules

Take this little test if you are planning on building a deck this summer:

1. Do you need a permit to build a deck if it is less then 24” off the ground?

           

2. Can treated wood you buy at the big box stores be buried in the soil?

3. What is standard minimum footing depth, 42” or 60” below grade and is that to the top of the footing or the bottom of the footing?

4. True or false…you must put a railing on a deck if it is 24” off the ground

5. Are all deck hardware and fasteners you can buy code approved? ...

6. Can you attach a deck rim to the rim board of all homes with all types of rim boards?

7. What is a “squash” block?

8. What is the minimum railing height for a straight rail?

9. What is the minimum rail height for a rake rail?

10. What is a rake rail?

11. What does a 4” diameter sphere have to do with deck building?


If you don't feel so confident to take this on alone.. for reasonable fees we will come along side you to help. You still do the work and we will make a smooth seam with you and your inspector. Check out our services- Better Together– Good old-fashioned sweat equity. Roll up your sleeves to save money, by doing part of the project yourself with our supervision or Let Us Help You … get organized!– Help with pulling permits, finding subcontractors, scheduling inspections. We handle the paperwork, phone calls and schedule to start your project on the right foot. You do the rest!  http://applewoodremodelers.com/services/

There's still time to have plenty of time to enjoy a beautiful new deck this summer!

~ The Carpenter

answers: 

1. yes

2. yes, if it is rated "below grade"

3. standard is 42" but is standardized by the community where you live. measured from the bottom of the footing.

4. false. needs to be more then 24" off the ground.

5. no

6. no

7. a block that is added inside your house to attach a deck rim board to, if your existing house rim can not adequately hold the weight of the new deck.

8. 36" above the deck boards

9. 34" above the leading edge of a step

10. the angled rail that goes down parallel to steps

11. there can not be any space large enough for  4" ball to pass through