There are 3 typical types of decking. These are:

1. Patio Style Deck
2. Low Level Deck
3. Elevated Deck

Raft type construction on an area of your garden area that drains sufficiently well.

Post and Beam type construction, where you may have a limited final deck height.

Post and beam type construction, where you may have a sloping site, the need for a multi-tier decks or simply where the final deck height is not an issue.

Choosing the right decking material will help ensure the decking material for your home is a wise investment. The following describe 3 types of decking material available: pressure-treated pine, cedar and wood composites.

Decks made from pressure-treated pine will last for many years if the material is properly cared for, but no matter how often a pressure-treated pine deck is sealed, pressure treated lumber can still warp.

Wood taken from older pine trees and used for decking material is less likely to warp, but where there is a high demand for pine and decking material, younger trees are often used to make pressure-treated lumber. Younger trees aren’t as solid and often contain more knots that make pressure-treated pine weaker. Even still, decking material made from pressure-treated lumber is a good investment.

As Pine is a soft wood, it absorbs more water then cedar or hardwoods. This absorbed water makes the deck slippery, especially in frosty weather. As a result Pine decking boards have a fluted or ribbed profile. This profile helps to prevent slipping on the decking when it is wet or frosty.

Because of its natural oils, cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects. It is light, easy to work with and rated to have half the shrinking and swelling tendencies of other softwoods. It ages to a beautiful, natural silver color so that yearly maintenance is not required.

These woods are more expensive but increase the value of the home without having to replace the deck in 10-15 years. Many people choose to use pressure treated lumber for the structure and cedar for the decking.

Wood composite is often used for decking material, and this popular decking material option is a unique combination of wood fiber and vinyl. More and more decks are being made from this innovative decking material, and it’s no wonder why. Wood fiber makes this type of decking material exceptional decking material.

Wood composite decking material is strong and provides realistic wood texture, and vinyl makes this decking material extremely easy to care for. Wood composite decking material is even more appealing because this decking material won’t warp, shrink, or split the way pressure-treated lumber does.

Although wood composite decking material is more expensive than pressure-treated lumber, it’s well worth the cost. Wood composite decking material will more than likely outlast solid wood decking material. If wood composite decking material is within your budget, it’s an excellent choice for any outdoor deck.

The following gives an explanation of some of the main compomnents used in a Deck:

1. Handrail - The horizontal boards that provide safety.
2. Base Rails - The horizontal boards that are attached to the post to help carry the weight.
3. Decking - The boards that span the area over the joists and form the deck floor.
4. Newell Post - The main support for a balustrade / hand rail system. Newels are larger in diameter than spindles / balusters and are located at the bottom and top of a stairway or at a turn in the handrail.
5. Balusters - The vertical boards that attach to the handrails. Sometimes called spindles.
6. Edge Joint - Timber placed around perimeter of decking on the exposed sides.
7. Foundation - Either a concrete pad or post installed on footers.
8. Bracing - Bracing adds extra support to columns and timber supporting the joists.
9. Bracing - Bracing adds extra support to columns and timber supporting the joists.
10. Beam to column connection - Timber that supports the joists.
11. Noggins - Noggins help support joists and prevent twisting.
12. Joists - Typically 2 x 8 boards that are installed perpendicular and between beams to help distribute weight and hold up the decking boards. Joists are usually installed 16 or 24 inches apart.
13. Wall Plate Fasteners - Mechanical fasteners to fix wall plate securely to the building.
14. Wall Plate / Ledger Board - Wall plate is attached to property with bolts.