5 Common Deck Building Mistakes || Dr Decks

[@chuckhowland5146]

Here is a few more from experienced buyer / repairman: 1. Using yellawood - does not hold up over time even if stained IMO 2. Not using deck tape on top of joists 3. No joist hangers 4. Improper joist to pier/support post method 5. Using too short screws when laying deck boards- gonna be squeaky squeaky 6. Screwing deck boards too close to edge of stringer - causing splits thus water rot Good video Dr Decks!

[@Dr-wheel-barrow-opperator]

You have taught me so much. I know making videos, editing and uploading all takes time. So, I want to send you a very sincere...THANK YOU!

[@extonville]

Good film! I’m in the UK and have been selling timber decking for 20 and Trex for 4 years. It’s a sad part of the timber trade that I’ve learnt more from when decks go wrong! I could write a book on the problems/comebacks due to poor installation. Will ask my customers to watch this. Keep on deckin!

[@jeremy_myers]

so glad I watched this... was about to install metal railing and had planned to just use some good 2x6 for fastening... I got some 4x6 that I will now be using.

[@jb4109]

That six were great!! I knew of the five already, but the sixth was a great tip! I'm going to be building 4 decks myself, and doing a bunch of research now

[@geraldrichards3570]

It's easy to listen too a real carpenter, takes one to know!!! Keep it up Man

[@joewoodyard7572]

All this can be summed up with - read the code book :) I'm a deck builder in central VA - - so many of these issues on the decks I demo to replace and built properly. Most counties here force building plans down to fasteners and each connection to be approved prior to any build. Thus, all these issues are discussed and approved prior to construction. Great info, I'll be subscribing:)

[@farrah886]

In Richmond, Virginia, if I'm building an anchored deck that's 24 inches in height, is a permit required?

[@joewoodyard7572]

@@farrah886 generally speaking, yes. Some of the building departments make exceptions for unattached at less than 256 sq ft. Depending which jurisdiction you are in, there are several zoning requirements that could possibly restrict sizing depending on lot size, placement, etc.

[@BrianFox]

Love the idea of blocking with 6x6.” 2x4 and 2x6 May split leaving it Weak.

[@catsmeow5566]

I'm in the south where it rarely gets below freezing. I'm roughly 100' above sea level but the ground is sandy loam. They almost hit water digging for a septic tank. I want to build two small landings outside the back door and side sliding glass door so I'm trying to figure out what exact size to make them. I don't really want to attach to the house though. I wanted to have them freestanding and fully supported. We don't expect to ever have any parties and the cows don't climb up stairs so that is not a concern. LOL. I think there was an episode with Mike Holmes where two women were on an improperly attached upper deck that fell and flipped over on them. I think the homeowner had collapsed lungs. Both survived but spent a significant amount of time in the hospital.

[@clintchapman5339]

Hey Dr.Decks I live in DM Iowa I install Helical piles for Techno Metal, the company you mentioned out of 🇨🇦 why don't you start a Techno Dealer in your area!? Pretty much all new construction uses us over concrete. Remodeling guys love us because there is no inspection required to start building the second I'm done installing. It takes about 5 mins a hole. I typically drill 15 to 35 a day.

[@jamesmarks8099]

HI drdecks, Engineer here and a Canadian, just wanted to say man do I envy your 16" frost depth. I am installing a deck at my house and just finished digging through rocky soil to the frost depth... 5 feet of anguish and misery. Still have 2 more to go. Thanks for the practical tips.

[@gxm164]

Fellow canadian here, I was thinking the same, thats such a shallow frost line. I have installed helical piles 7 to 8 feet deep, all this for a small deck. Prefer to dig in my pockets than digging my rocky clay soil. I feel your pain though ;)

[@lotuseater6741]

Helicals guys... Way bette

[@georgethinks9431]

That whole 5 ft frost line is a whole lie..all u really need is 12" concrete pads

[@williardbillmore5713]

Ledger boards should be outlawed. It is the stupidest and most dangerous way to build a deck.

[@markbolts4848]

Hey dr. Deck been watching you alot will be building a deck this summer at my cabin in Idaho thanks for the advice and expertise Mark

[@jasond4752]

Hiring an engineer doesn't seem necessary. In regards to decks and their foundations all that engineering is already done. You just refer to the code that applies to your location. It's all laid out in easy to understand charts. I think the most confusing part for someone unfamiliar would probably be calculating proper footings. But there are great articles online that explain all that and also the tributary concept regarding load distribution. I do agree that a person should fully understand all aspects first and then form a plan but it's really not that complicated.

[@everfragozo4410]

Thx u sir I'm az but don't matter if I was in NY I would call my older brother lol

[@jamesz8496]

my approach is always over build can’t go wrong

[@fongcha4933]

Why not put post under the ledger as well to help with the load?

[@ryanbeard1119]

Tips for supports, how to measure for tightened base plate so only the top has to be tapped a little for plumb, after the bottom fasteners are in.

[@suriefrain6209]

All this is a great information bro. Thanks for your tips

[@SultanofSpey]

Good god. I wish a 16 inch footing. Upstate NY here...my new deck has 12 inch tubes at 48 inches below grade. It took longer to dig and pour footings than it did to build the rest of the deck.

[@drdecks]

That’s why I’ve moved on to helical piles

[@danthecarpenterman9463]

In my area you need 36 inch depth footing and if you use 6x6 post , you need 16 inch diameter footing

[@Curious0189]

What was the website you mentioned to find out more information about fastening a ledger to an exterior wall?

[@victoryak86]

200 ea for helical footing installed w saddle for post (e coast US). No brainer for me.

[@Mrdubomb]

an advice on freestanding vs ledger attached decks? thanks

[@glennsiegel60]

I don't agree with tip #4. just don't connect it to the house, add a couple a few more footing.

[@kokiter2674]

In most cases footings and posts next to the house conflict with the house foundation drainage system (drain tile).

[@laserbera19]

What about building a deck off a patio, do I use a ledger board attached to the patio? Or just butt up against the patio?

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

Ledger

[@patrickradcliffe3837]

4:35 simple solution don't attach it to the house. I have NEVER built a deck that uses the house for support.

[@rossh8457]

I like the 4x4 blocking tip for aluminum railings. We've been using double horizontal 2x but obviously one 4x4 cut to size is faster than two 2x8.

[@donatospoony]

Great tips

[@robertburgess6100]

You sound like me when I'm talking to someone about how they're deck is built or how it should of been built.

[@viscabarcaa1]

What deck design software do you use or recommend?

[@alextimacheff7893]

He uses real time landscape architect

[@andrewyoussef2267]

I would assume if you get a building permit than support and amount of screws to ledger board and sized footings would be covered. Correct?

[@alexdumo6593]

Residential build permit agency usually will not do the math for you. It is up to your contractor to properly build to code, and the inspector to make sure that they did. On-site inspectors may sometimes ask for more than is listed on approved plans before they sign off - usually not worth arguing with them.

[@drdecks]

Andrew Youssef they should be confirmed, yes

[@barleyboy13]

Do you need to attach to house if putting deck onto existing concrete pad/patio?

[@JoshMunden-m1v]

You need to check if the patio can carry weight or not

[@sharoncourt75]

Hello i have asecond story 13' x 11' deck atach to the house in 1 side, the bottom has a concrete patio with half walls, that is where the pillars or footings are 4" x 4" thick , could i add a premade gazebo? or is that 2 heavy?

[@drdecks]

maria mahr contact a structural engineer to calculate the loads for you.

[@sharoncourt75]

@@drdecks i got a contractor in my neigborhood he did a beautifull job

[@bugpack6]

If I am building a small 12x20 deck 18in off the ground, do I need to attach it to my house? I had planned on not butting this directly against the house.

[@drdecks]

We use several 15ga finish nails to tack the board in place and then install the hanger

[@strokerace4765]

I have noticed in Georgia, decks are the Wild West! See all kinds of crazy stupid stuff.

[@siamsreynoch9998]

🤣

[@603life7]

Building trades 101. If your builder doesn't know this day 1 basic stuff Then you need a new builder . 👷‍♂️

[@JohnSmith-hl4bb]

Nothing is new at all. One more most important of the Deck is a good flashing.

[@alexandergonchiy1298]

Wait, this isn't about Magic the Gathering . _ .

[@angetodac]

dont attach it to the house!

[@Dollymix001]

I want to like this video but its at 666 likes....So im scared to touch it.

[@drdecks]

Understood. Check back again

[@josechristianreyes]

In other words just hire a architect or engineering lol.

[@robertrock599]

This is hardly a video ... it's virtually all audio! "Don't say it, SHOW it!"

[@craigpombrio939]

Take the hood off and pretend to be an adult. A grown man wearing a hood to be “cool” is sad.