With dreams of warmer days and outdoor gatherings, we would like to provide you with a few initial tips when it comes to your log homes outdoor space, specifically decks and railings. Before putting shovel to soil, you will need to do some thorough planning to ensure you’ll build a deck that lasts and fits your needs.
Design Considerations: You will first need to think about the deck location. Here are some considerations:
- Scaling the deck to the size of your property
- Placing the deck in sun and shade for comfort
- Determining wind patterns that can affect usage
- Maximizing scenic views
- Creating privacy from neighbors
- Having easy access from deck to house. More often than not, it is used for outdoor dining. What will be the primary function of your deck?
- Considering where your homes windows are located (you do not want to be looking out the window at a rail).
- Consider certain exterior parts of your home’s structure, such as water spigots, dryer vents and down spouts, and how to avoid them.
Layout: Once you’ve covered the basic design considerations, it’s time to start thinking about the size and style deck you want to build. Take a walk around your yard, or construction site and map out your potential deck using rope or a garden hose. Using 2-foot increments when deciding on the size of your deck will save on lumber costs and labor, lumber is typically cut to 8-foot, 10-foot, 12-foot and 16-foot lengths.
Entrance: Although designing a doorway that walks straight out onto the deck is the most desirable option, if you live in snow country, think about incorporating a small staircase down from the doorway to keep standing snow from sitting on the threshold and leaning against your door.
Deck exits: If you decide to build steps from your deck down to your back yard, you’ll want to make sure you understand pertaining regulations. A width of 36 inches is typically as narrow as you can build your deck’s stairway, and the run of each step should be between 10 and 12 inches deep for proper safety. If you have a second-story deck, consider a landing midway down your staircase to minimize potential falls.
Railing spacing: Typically, deck railings are a good idea, if not required, for any deck more than 30 inches above the ground, and for stairs with five or more steps. The height of a deck railing often needs to be between 36 and 42 inches, but again, this can be subject to various building restrictions. The regulations for spacing between balusters usually calls for 4 to 6 inches, and the space between your deck floor and the bottom of the railing should be 2 to 4 inches.
There are many additional details and deliberations to building a deck or remodeling an existing deck and rail. You’ll have several design options to consider as well, from lumber type, to stain color and log placement. It’s an exciting project and one that can be enjoyed for years to come!
The team at 888-Log-Guys understand the “Ins and Outs” of deck and railing structures. We are here to help answer questions and help you know your building options. Give us a call today!
