Some Decking Supplies You'll Need To Build Your Own Deck
Posted on: 13 October 2022
If you have home improvement skills, you might consider building a deck as a DIY project. If you already maintain fencing and outbuildings by yourself, then you may even have most of the tools you'll need for deck building. Here are some decking supplies you'll need and some of the options available.
Sheet Decking
While decks for lounging and entertaining are usually made from boards, there are instances where sheet decking might be better. If you're building a deck on a flat roof, near a pond, or as a floor or roof on an outbuilding or animal shelter, you might want to buy aluminum sheet decking. Metal may not be the most attractive choice, but it is durable and easy to install.
Vinyl is another option in sheet decking. It can be used on a balcony or over a traditional deck frame. If you already have an old deck that's still sturdy or that can be repaired, you might want to cover it in vinyl sheet decking to save time on the installation. Sheet decking is easy to install since it goes down like vinyl flooring.
Deck Boards
You can choose from composite or real wood boards depending on the look you prefer. If you choose real wood, then you can choose the type of wood you like best. Some boards are soft and easy to nail while other species of wood are hard and difficult to work with. If you're used to nailing fences, you may already know the type of wood you want.
You can choose based on appearance, cost, or durability. You may want pressure-treated wood since it is more affordable and treated to resist termites. Cedar and redwood are usually more attractive options, and they repel insects naturally. However, cedar and redwood cost more.
Railings
You can choose the type of railings you want for your deck to create an appearance you like. You might want plain wood, composite, or a combination of aluminum and wood. Railings are important for safety reasons if your deck is elevated off the ground. Plus, they can make your deck more attractive.
Stains And Sealers
You'll probably want to finish a wood deck with either a stain or sealer so it has a longer life and a nicer appearance. Sealers are usually clear, so they won't affect the appearance of the wood. You can tell if the deck is sealed if water forms beads on it. Some sealers also contain UV inhibitors that keep the wood from slowly oxidizing and turning gray.
Stains contain pigments that affect the color of the wood. You might prefer a stain on lower grades of wood that aren't as attractive as high-quality cedar or redwood. Stains also protect against rain and UV rays. You have more choices in stain products since you can choose the amount of pigment and the color the product has.
For help selecting the wood and supplies for your deck, contact a professional decking service such as Oswald Wholesale Lumber.
Share