The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/296223
the Press-dispatch spring home and Garden Wednesday, april 16, 2014 d-7 Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau Housing Survey indicate that home- owners annually spend bil- lions of dollars improving outdoor living areas. One of the most popu- lar ways to do just that is to add a deck to a home. Decks are beneficial in many ways. Grillmasters love decks be- cause they make the perfect place to set up a grill and a table and cook for fami- ly and friends. Those who simply love being outdoors find decks the perfect place to relax and soak up some sun or idle away the even- ing hours. But homeowners who want to build a deck should know a few things before that process begins. • Permits are necessary. Unless the deck is going to be especially small, you will likely need a permit to build it. Before buying any mate- rials or consulting any con- tractors, make certain you know which permits you need and how to get them. If the proper permits are not secured before the project begins, you might have to tear down the whole project and start all over again. • Decks don't have to go on the back of the house. If the back of your house sits in the blazing sun all day, then it's probably best to build the deck elsewhere, and that's perfectly alright. So long as the property and permits allow, decks can be built on the side of a home as well, and putting a deck on the side might be more comfortable. • Decks don't have to be made of wood. It's easy to as- sume all decks are made of plain wood. However, decks can be made out of a wide variety of materials, natural or synthetic. Pressure treat- ed wood is perhaps the most popular material for deck- ing because it's not very expensive. But manmade materials that are a mix- ture of recycled plastic and wood bits or sawdust are al- so popular because they re- quire no maintenance. But homeowners should know that manmade materials can get hot in the sun, which will require those enjoying the deck to wear shoes. • Expect to do some digging. If you're going to build your own deck, ex- pect to do some serious dig- ging. Local building codes will dictate how deep you will need to dig for the pier footings, which support the deck's weight. Just how deep you'll dig depends on your climate's specific frost line, but it's safe to assume you'll get a workout in when digging. • The deck can have multiple levels. Though many people associate decks with one level, it's possible to have a multi-lev- el deck if you simply don't have enough room to build a deck that will be big enough to meet all of your needs. A multi-level deck can break up those long flights of stairs while ensuring you will always have somewhere to go to escape the sun on a hot day. • You will want to pro- tect the deck. Decks are a costly investment, and you will want to protect that in- vestment. If you're building a wood deck, keep in mind the sun will beat down on the deck for most of the year. You can protect the deck by painting it. Paint provides sunscreen for the deck, stopping the sun from breaking down the material. Once you've fin- ished painting, apply seal- ant, whether it's oil- or wa- ter-based. • Don't forget fasten- ers. Fasteners will hide the screws for aesthetic appeal. But not all woods and fas- teners are the right fit, as certain woods are only com- patible with certain fasten- ers. Find out which fasten- ers make the right fit ahead of time. Because fasteners conceal the screws, they al- so make it possible to go barefoot on the deck. A deck makes a great ad- dition to many homes, but homeowners should learn as much as possible about decks and what goes into building them before mak- ing any decking decisions. things to know before Building your deCk one of the most popular ways to add value is to add a deck to a home. decks are beneficial in many ways. but homeowners who want to build a deck should know a few things before that process begins. ARE YOU FOGGED UP? Home Glass Service *Replacement or Repair Storm Doors & Windows *Replacement or Repair Patio Doors *Desk and Table Tops *Mirrors *Commercial Windows REPLACEMENT OF RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL INSULATED UNITS SIEMERS GLASS CO. INC. 902 Newton St., Jasper 1251 E. Broadway, Princeton (812) 634-6500 (812) 386-1100 OR 1-800-793-1676 Satisified Customers Since 1943 Awnings *Patios *Porches *Room Enclosures *Store Fronts *Restaurants *Retractables *Marquees *Flexible-Faced Signs *Back-Lit Awnings Free Quotes Residential and Commercial Made to Order Home Glass Service • Replacement or Repair Storm Doors and Windows Screen Repair/Replace • Desk and Table Tops Glass and screen replacements for: Doors & Windows Home & Auto Residential & Commercial The Glass Replacement Specialists • Replacement or Repair Patio Doors • Mirrors • Commercial Windows 902 Newton St., Jasper (812) 634-6500 DOUG SEITZ CONSTRUCTION, LLC 1983 E. Third Avenue, Jasper, Indiana 47546 812-482-2221 HOME FURNISHINGS 19 N 4th Street, Vincennes 8 1 2 - 8 8 2 - 2 4 5 4 STOREWIDE SALE We have the LOWEST prices... Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. 12 MONTHS Same as Cash • Discounts for Cash • FREE DELIVERY IN YOUR AREA! 4 YEARS PEOPLES' CHOICE "Best Furniture Store in the Area!" HUNTER PAVING & CONSTRUCTION • FREE ESTIMATES • SAME QUALITY SERVICE Call Kurt Schurz ( 812 ) 309-2833 We're here for your... Chip & Seal • Paving • Seal Coating & Striping Needs