Deck: need ideas/help

[rockhound]

Rockhound, great looking deck, and you are correct about the railing and insurance issue. Want stories about siblings and friends suing each other over such things? I have them.

thanks, I have built some pretty cool ones over the years. it was a nice father son project.

[sniper7]

Went to the ducking superstore today and got some good insight and information. They can't even come close to the choice deck composite price at lowes right now though. So I think I'll get that stuff ordered since it is on sale then figure out the rest. Called the callbeforeyoudig people and they are coming out on Monday to check everything.

I've attached a few pictures of where it is going. Any more insight would be great

[rondog]

JMO, but looking at those photos, I'd want it to run the full length of the house, and come up to almost the bottom of the patio door. That would give you tons of deck space, and you could walk straight out from the house without a step down.

You could also add one of those roll-out awnings over part of the deck to provide shade. Our house has one of those on our south-facing patio, and it's awesome on hot sunny days. It was on the house when we bought it, and we consider it a valuable extra feature.

[sniper7]

I like the idea, but dont want to pay that much or take up that much of our already small yard. and I can't cover up my emergency egress and do not want to build another cover for it over the deck, just adds too much to this project.

anybody have a lowes coupon code?

[jslo]

The only issue I see is the stoop. If it is staying (not being torn out) the proper way to frame around it is:
Double up the joists on either side
Hang a double header off them just outside the stoop
Rip 2× joist to clear stoop (sounds like these are only going to be about 4.5" to 5" joists. I'd probably add extra over the stoop, like 12" centers)
Ledger over stoop will need to be ripped down also

[sniper7]

That was pretty much my plan, other than I didn't think of the double header outside the stoop but that sounds like a good plan.

now to decide if I can fit 2x8 or use 2x6 for joists. The stoop is 7" tall. And I only have 6" from top of stoop to bottom of door frame.

[sniper7]

Question on railing with these composite decks. The choice deck that lowes offers I can't find the composite railing pieces. Only trex stuff around. Is it acceptable to use wood? They had wood railing ore built for a fair price and my wife wants a two tone anyways so I could paint the rails white.

[sniper7]

Also, if I go with no railing for now, is it a pain to add later if I change my mind?

[jslo]

Most decks the railing is added after. 4×4"s are notch and then lagged or through bolted to rim. I like the look of a white rail with a colored deck. At least my wife says I do.

[IceAxe]

Looks really nice. How far about did you do your supports/frame. I have head the composite flexes do I need to space them closer

I ran mine 12" on center as I struggled on whether I would run it diagonal but I think 16" will work fine and will be in code. I believe it calls for conventional spacing.