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Consulting with store bought deck building plans is a great idea for getting general information on how your finished deck will look, but they generally contain major errors. Designers of these generic gazebo and deck building plans have to make many general assumptions about soil type and design loads. If you have less than perfect soil and/or are building a deck or gazebo in an area that gets snow, the lumber, footing, and bolt sizes recommended in pre-packaged deck building plans won't work.
If you plan on designing you're own gazebo or deck building project. It is best to consult with a professional in your area. Local professionals have the knowledge to specifically tailor your deck or gazebo because they are familiar with ground and soil compounds in your area. If your deck-building project calls for cantilevering joists or beams, designing for snow loads or hot tubs, building multiple levels, or anything in-between, professionals will be able to expertly address these issues. A good builder/designer will be able to point out lots of deck building tips that will not only make your job easier, but will also ensure your deck remains trouble-free for a lifetime.
Generic plans are often missing important construction details and frequently suffer from major errors. Take a look at some errors found in typical sets of store bought plans...
Error #1: Design Loads
Pre-packaged plans are designed using an assumed 40 pounds per square foot of live load (people and movable furniture). This value is only accurate for warm parts of the country. If you live in an area that gets snow, all the components will be undersized because pre-packed plans are not designed for heavier snow loads.
Error #2: Footings
Sizing footings depends on the type of soil, the depth of the footing, the diameter of the footing, and the weight on the post. Store bought plans assume an "average" soil type, generally without defining what "average" means. Additionally, they are based on no snow load conditions, and do not show methods on preventing frost heave.
Error #3: Ledger Board
Properly attaching the ledger board to the house is extremely important, as it is a key structural component. Additionally, proper flashing ensures that rain water doesn't get in where it shouldn't, causing the floor or house framing to rot. Generic deck plans gloss over ledger board attachment details.
Error #4: Posts
We often see guardrail posts that are either notched too much, poorly bolted in place, or completely lack the reinforcement required to keep the posts from pulling right off the deck.
Error #5: Railings
Store bought plans don't outline all the code requirements related to building railings. They also only give you one option for building/installing a railing. One standard railing may not be suitable for all types of people especially those with animals or children.
Error #6: Hot Tubs
Stand ard deck plans do not provide sizing specifications for spas. It's no wonder; given the fact that design loads are typically large enough to literally crush the wood on improperly sized frames. You need to know how to determine the load your hot tub imposes on the deck and how to size the footings, floor joists, and beams accordingly.
Error #7: Stairs
Good stair building directions are hard to find. Pre packaged decks supply directions on general assembly and assume that you will only be using certain amount of risers and stairs for your project.
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