Colorado weather perfect for decks

By Dan MacArthur
North Forty News

There's probably no improvement that adds more to a home's enjoyment than decking it out with a deck. They effectively create more living space, improve a home's appearance and in Colorado's relatively temperate climate, they're the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the company of friends and family almost year-round.

As with any home-improvement project, planning is the primary and most important step regardless whether you're one of those handy do-it-yourself types or plan to hire a builder or contractor.

Travis Kerns of Rocky Mountain Fence and Deck said professionals with their extensive design and construction experience could save homeowners a lot of time, trouble and worry.

"It's really good to get it done right the first time," he said.

There's a lot of advice out there, however, for those still determined to do it themselves. Overlooking its prominent promotion of contractors and products, the web site Decks.com offers some good planning advice. It also offers sound advice about choosing a reputable deck builder should you instead decide to go that route.

First carefully consider where the deck should be located on the house, noting obstructions such as windows, dryer vents and water spigots. Most decks are not symmetrical to the back of the house. It's usually preferable for decks to be flush with the doorway that provides access - typically from the kitchen. But in areas with particularly heavy snowfall, a step-down may be preferable to keep snow away from the door threshold.

The average deck is 12 to 18 percent of a home's square footage, according to the web site. To get a sense of the size of deck you want, it suggests starting out by laying a garden hose on the ground to better visualize it. Take into account that lumber is cut in 8-, 10-, 12- and 16-foot lengths. Sizing your deck around those dimensions will save money while reducing waste.

Next take a close look at how you'll use and access the deck. According to Decks.com, the best outside step-up to the deck is usually located on the same side of the house used to reach the back yard. That deck access should be close to the side of the house, if possible, to make use of that otherwise difficult-to-use area and reduce disruptive foot traffic through the main deck area. If you'll be doing a lot of dining on your deck, a "bump-out" accommodating a table and chairs can create a cozy designated dining area off the main deck area. Be aware that strict building codes apply to step dimensions and the requirement for railings.

After planning and designing your deck, there are a number of important considerations for do-it-yourselfers, such as attaching the deck to the house, setting footings and supporting posts and sizing beams and joists.

But perhaps the most important decision today is the type of decking. Composite and plastic materials now are offering a serious alternative to the pressure-treated woods traditionally used for decks.

While more expensive, the alternative materials offer a real advantage of low- or no-maintenance - meaning no splinters and no annual staining and sealing. "The new brands are getting better every year," Kerns said, noting that the composite materials Rocky Mountain Deck and Fence uses should last at least 25 years.

"We probably do more composite decks than we do wood right now," said a harried Kerns, excusing himself to deal with another project.

It's no surprise that he's so busy. Decks are in demand because they're such a delight. So if you too want to get out more without leaving home, consider getting decked out soon.