Deck Building In Cape May County

Planning your Deck

You need to consider several things: Does your deck require permits? Before you dig, have you checked for utility lines? How will the climates affect your deck space? What type of deck boards would you like?

Digging Holes for Posts

Mark the locations of the corners for your new deck. Lay out the perimeter for the deck using batter boards and mason’s line. Square the corners. Mark hole locations using spray paint. Use a post hole digger to dig holes for the piers/footing. Place concrete tubing forms into the holes. Center the tubes, and use a long level to have all the piers the same height. Backfill the holes around the tubing forms padding the soil down.

Pouring Concrete and Placing Post Anchors

Mix ready-mix concrete bags in a wheelbarrow. Pour the concrete into the tubing form and place the post anchor bolt into the center of each footer before the cement hardens. Allow time for the concrete to cure. Once cured, set post bases over each anchor bolt.

Attach Posts or beams for Post Base

Set the posts in the post base and attach with the appropriate nails/screws. Attach the beam to the post bases. Check beam alignment.

Attach Rim Joists and Angle Brackets

Attach the rim joists to the posts to create the perimeter of the deck. Secure the joists. Cut the posts flush to the top of the rim joist.

Attach Inner Joists to Beam Faces

Lay out the joist spacing on opposing rim joists. Install joist hangers. Cut joists to the appropriate length.

Install Boards and Add Fasteners to Joists

Start against the house and move outward. Drive fasteners through each board into the center of each joist.

Trim Decking Boards in a Straight Line

Once the boards are in place, it’s time to trim the endsUse a measuring tape and chalk lines to draw a line at the end. Use a circular saw to cut along the line. Use a router or a sander to ease the edges.

The average cost of building a deck is about $35 per square foot. A low-cost deck built with basic materials costs about $35 per square foot, while a high-end composite deck costs $55-75 per square foot. Total project costs will also depend on how much customization you put into your deck.

Use cost-effective materials such as treated wood, or bamboo. You’ll want to build the deck in sections. You might even want to consider using sand or rocks around your pool. Textured surfaces with low-heat retention are great for pool areas for their non-slip capabilities and for their long exposure to direct sunlight. Composite decking will help prevent algae from growing.

In most cases, you need a permit to build a deck. Most decks require a permit because of their size and construction requirements. A permit will ensure you comply with local regulations.