FAQ

DECK QUESTIONS 2010

What is new in the decking industry?

This industry changes very fast and it is hard to keep up with all of the new products that keep coming out.

Every year the products get better looking – more realistic & easier to maintain.

Decking now has streaks, more grain patterns, more textures and different colors.

Also it doesn’t fade, stain, mold or scratch under normal wear.  The newest trend with  railings are new colors and styles you can mix & match.

 In your opinion, why is cellular pvc decking better than composite decking?

Cellullar pvc has little to no fading, doesn’t stain and easy soap & water clean up.

It doesn’t scratch under normal wear & tear, and there is no wood fiber or flour in it so it doesn’t mold. It is easier to work with.

What is the most important board of the deck?

All of the framing is important, just like the links in a chain, it’s not good if one link is weak.

The ledger board holds up basically ½ of the deck, the other ½ is the beam, if either one comes off you are in big trouble.

Can I remove my existing wood decking & put on a new low maintenance decking?

Yes, this is called a ReDeck. 

As long as joists are 16” on center for parallel and 12” on center for diagonal.

Why should I put lighting on my deck when I already have 2 flood lights above my patio door?

Low voltage lighting is more of a soft, subtle, mood, safety and security lighting.

-Security, with a photocell the lighting comes on & off automatically with no need to flip switches.

-Safety, for steps or level changes. In some states it’s already a code for steps.

What type of screws & fasteners are available for low maintenance decking?

There are special screws & fasteners for just about every different board on a deck. There are special screws for hollow decking, and special screws for solid decking that eat the mushroom or bulge. There are counter sinking plugs and colored screws that match decking.  Make sure you read the instructions on decking installation. If you use the wrong screws or fasteners you could void the warranty.

Am I required to have railing around my deck?

Yes, if your deck is over 30” from the ground, or if your stairs have more than 3 risers.

Do I need a building permit?

Most of the time, yes, if your deck is attached to the house or above 30” from the ground. You should always check with your local building department as codes may change.

How will a deck effect the resale of my home?

As quoted in 2009 Smart Money.com, ” The latest cost vs. value survey from Remodeling Magazine shows that at resale time, an investment in a deck recoups 85% of its cost. The best return of any remodeling project.”

What is the main reason why decks collapse?

The ledger board, the most important board of the deck, was not properly attached.

Why shop here rather than a big-box store?

We offer the best service options.

We have experience in the decking industry, product knowledge, design knowledge and construction background experience.

DECKMASTERS is a specialty store that is locally owned. Our experts will save you money & frustration.

Our selection of products cannot be matched.

I would like a great deck, but I’m not a do it yourself person. Can you help?

Yes, we can install the deck or recommend a # of subcontractors that have met the DECKMASTERS criteria, or we can build the hardest part of the deck. 

          Option #1 – Design and engineer posts, footing size, placement & install.

          Option #2 – Install all posts & framing.

Does running diagonally cost more?

Yes, there is 15% more decking and fasteners & up to 25% more framing.

Do you rent post hole diggers?

Yes, we rent and sell Little Beaver post hole diggers.

Do you need to go somewhere else to get your framing and hardware?

No, we carry everything you need for the complete deck construction from concrete footings to the post caps.

Do you help with design ideas / drawing / materials list?

Yes, one of our most important tools in getting you down the road to a successful deck project is our design service, which includes drawings for the building department and the builder, 3D drawings to help the end user envision the proposed deck. We have many years of experience in deck design.

How much will a new deck cost?

This is like asking how much does a house cost. It all depends on type of design, material, decking directions, borders, patterns in decking, types of railing,  lower or upper level, wrapping posts or beams below the deck, lights, post caps, etc.. etc… etc…

If I want to do the project myself, can I buy the material & build it myself?

We can provide you with the correct material needed to complete your project and help you with proper installation procedures or any questions you may have.

What type of treated do you use for substructure?

We carry Kiln Dried After Treatment pressure treated lumber for the substructure. .

Out of all the Low Maintenance Products, none can be used for the structure like posts, beams or joists.

Do you have product samples or displays for me to look at?

Yes, we have a large showroom with indoor and outdoor product displays. Our trained representatives can answer any decking questions you may have. We have a large variety of decking samples and products you can take home.

Our displays give the customer a great idea of what they can come to expect when they use our products on their deck.

Are you competitively priced?

We buy our decking in direct semi loads. Therefore it’s the best price for our customers.

If you compare apple to apples, YES.

Do you have delivery?

Yes, we have driveway delivery.

Does DECKMASTERS pull & package the material & is there a charge?

Yes, we pull & package the material.

No, there is not a charge.

What is the main reason why decks wobble?

There probably was no diagonal bracing; it was installed wrong, or the joist or beams could be over spanned.

Is there a difference in Composite decking?

Some big-box stores offer a cheaper decking which is less wide, thinner & does not have mold or UV inhibiters. What this means to a customer is more boards, screws and labor needing to be purchased. Therefore the price on the actual decking is higher. More joists are needed because it may have to be spanned closer, or another higher price along with more screws & fasteners. More $$$$$$$

Big-box questions. Is the board width 5” vs 5 ½”?  Does it have uv or mold inhibitors? What does it span? How long has it been out in the market? What is the warranty?

Can I fasten deck boards without screws showing?

Yes, there are many different clips, brackets, plugs, and fasteners. Which one you use depends on the type of decking, solid or hollow.  Is the deck so close to the ground that you can’t get to from underneath? This depends on many variable decking types, elevation of the deck, and money.

 

Do you store your material inside?

We keep all of our framing material and most of our decking inside the warehouse, out of the elements.

We know that these are only a few of the questions you may have encountered, so to get the answers to more questions….. Visit our store! Our staff is eager to help you reach a decision that you will be proud of for a lifetime.