A raised composite deck is possible when you’re willing to weatherproof a concrete one. But it requires more work than just laying down new boards.
If you’re looking to build a composite deck that’s weather-resistant and looks fantastic, get started by choosing the right fence. Composite decking is one of the newest styles available and has some great advantages over traditional wood. For example, it’s 100% recyclable because it’s made from recycled plastics and most products are rot resistant and tough against insects.
Studio Composite Decking is a type of pressure treated wood flooring that is designed to provide low maintenance and easy upkeep. It comes in a variety of colors, patterns and textures to suit any decor. This innovative composite flooring looks and performs like natural wood, but performs better in wet areas. If you are looking for an environmentally friendly option, this product will do the job perfectly.
There’s nothing quite like a beautiful composite deck. But, if you want to get the most out of your raised composite deck, it has to be built right and built tall. Composite decks are great for entertaining, but there are some important steps you’ll need to take before building your raised deck. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about how to build a raised composite deck—from gathering supplies and preparing trenches, beams and boards all the way through laying the decks and building corners that will hold up over time.
Gathering Supplies
To begin, you will want to measure the area you want to build your deck on. Then, you can start buying the lumber and hardware necessary for building a composite deck. This includes:
- Decking boards
- Fasteners (for attaching boards together)
- Sealant (to apply between board joints)
Once you have collected all of your supplies, it’s time to get started.
Preparing for Support Beams
- First, you will need to make sure the beam is level. Hold a level across the top of one of your joists and adjust it until it reads level. If your joists are all different lengths, check them individually before proceeding with the next step.
- Next – use a calculator to determine how much material you’ll need for each post (usually 4×4 or 6×6). If you’re using pressure-treated wood, measure out this distance at each corner so that you have enough length for both sides of the deck structure.
- Next – pound in your posts by hammering on one end until they get below ground level; then take a tape measure out and make sure they’re perfectly parallel with one another before pounding additional nails into place if necessary. This step will ensure that everything stays together when building up layers onto these frames later on.
Preparing for Boards
Preparing for boards is the most important step in building a raised deck. It involves using the right tools and materials, as well as implementing safety precautions. Although it can be done by hand, we recommend using power equipment to maximize efficiency and ensure accuracy.
To prepare for boards:
- Measure the length of each board you plan on using. The measurements will be based on your finished deck size (in feet) multiplied by 8 inches (for every eight feet of board). When you’re measuring your wood, make sure that it’s straightened out completely so that you don’t end up with warped boards later on!
- Calculate how much material you’ll need based on this measurement, then cut all boards according to those specifications at once so none are wasted or damaged by being left alone too long in storage areas where other objects might knock into them unexpectedly during construction work sessions later down line within your building project timeline plan schedule one through ten years from now if everything goes according as planned without any unexpected surprises showing up along way like weather delays due bad weather conditions causing flooding issues which happens often when working outside because water always finds its way onto surfaces no matter what kind materials used during process making sure precautions taken place prevent flood damage from happening especially if building has basement levels below ground level therefore drainage pipes installed beforehand before beginning construction work
Laying The Decking
Once you’ve laid out the decking, use a level to make sure it’s straight. Use a hammer and nails to secure the decking into place. Make sure to fasten all of your boards at least 3 inches from the outside edge of your deck so that when you add your trim, it covers up any gaps created by imperfect measurements.
Building The Raised Deck Corners
The most common method for securing the corners of your raised deck is to use deck screws. A deck screw is a specially made screw that has a wide, flat head and threads that are designed to hold fast without splintering or cracking the wood.
To secure the joists to your deck, you’ll need somewhere between 2″ and 3″ of space between each joist — this will give you enough room for them to support each other without being too close together or too far apart. The easiest way to achieve this spacing is by using a framing square as a guide when drilling holes in your lumber. If you don’t have framing squares handy, however, there are other methods that may work better depending on how strong they are:
- Use clamps instead of screws (this works well if one side has been already drilled through). Clamps allow you more control over how tightly secured things are while also allowing access from both sides so no additional tools are needed.
A little patience and some good planning will help you create the raised composite deck of your dreams.
A little patience and a lot of planning will help you create the raised composite deck of your dreams. The first step is to draw your plan, preferably on graph paper. This allows for easy measurement, which is essential for building an evenly balanced deck. Once you have drawn your plan, take it to the hardware store and buy all materials needed for construction according to the specifications in your drawing.
When building a raised composite deck, it’s important not only to know what tools are required but also how they should be used properly:
- Using power tools safely requires proper safety equipment (goggles or glasses with side shields) and following all manufacturer guidelines; this includes wearing hearing protection if using noisy equipment such as grinders or power saws. Using hand tools also requires caution because they can cause injury if mishandled; always use sharp blades when cutting lumber using table saws or circular saws. Measuring accurately when creating cuts can prevent costly mistakes like uneven framing or missing steps.
- Final words
Once the deck is completed, you and your family can enjoy it for many years to come. For those with a little less patience, you might want to consider hiring a professional deck builder for your composite or wood decks.
