Comments on: Yes, You CAN Build Your Own Composite Deck http://www.fiberondecking.com/blog/2010/build-your-own-composite-deck/ the blog from Fiberon Composite Decking, Railing and Fencing Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:41:53 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Building A Composite Deck -- Start To Finish | On Board http://www.fiberondecking.com/blog/2010/build-your-own-composite-deck/comment-page-1/#comment-333 Building A Composite Deck -- Start To Finish | On Board Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:46:27 +0000 http://www.fiberondecking.com/blog/?p=46#comment-333 [...] few months ago, a great debate got going on this blog about whether or not homeowners could build their own composite decks without professional [...] [...] few months ago, a great debate got going on this blog about whether or not homeowners could build their own composite decks without professional [...]

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]]> By: lavrans http://www.fiberondecking.com/blog/2010/build-your-own-composite-deck/comment-page-1/#comment-322 lavrans Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:01:18 +0000 http://www.fiberondecking.com/blog/?p=46#comment-322 The only "bad" advice in there is the omission of checking with the local jurisdiction. Anyone thinking about building a deck would be well advised to visit their local building department or checking in to find if your state or county has recommended practices. Online deck plan tools won't give you information about local conditions. Depending on where you are, you may want to have deep footings or pilings to prevent your deck from heaving due to expansive soils or frost. Size of footings or type of footings may need to be different due to soil conditions. Lastly is knowing your home. The deck plan software I've seen often assumes a ledger is possible, but for many it's probably not a good idea to rely on a ledger to attach the deck to the home unless you are knowledgeable about construction. Most DIY should probably plan on a free-standing deck that doesn't rely on the existing structure to provide support for the deck. The only “bad” advice in there is the omission of checking with the local jurisdiction. Anyone thinking about building a deck would be well advised to visit their local building department or checking in to find if your state or county has recommended practices.

Online deck plan tools won’t give you information about local conditions. Depending on where you are, you may want to have deep footings or pilings to prevent your deck from heaving due to expansive soils or frost. Size of footings or type of footings may need to be different due to soil conditions.

Lastly is knowing your home. The deck plan software I’ve seen often assumes a ledger is possible, but for many it’s probably not a good idea to rely on a ledger to attach the deck to the home unless you are knowledgeable about construction. Most DIY should probably plan on a free-standing deck that doesn’t rely on the existing structure to provide support for the deck.

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]]> By: Marc Brookshire http://www.fiberondecking.com/blog/2010/build-your-own-composite-deck/comment-page-1/#comment-301 Marc Brookshire Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:53:26 +0000 http://www.fiberondecking.com/blog/?p=46#comment-301 Clifford, Paul can be reached at paulp@fiberondecking.com. But feel free to post to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fiberon. Thanks for contacting us. Marc Brookshire Internet and Interactive Service Fiberon Clifford,
Paul can be reached at paulp@fiberondecking.com.
But feel free to post to our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/fiberon.

Thanks for contacting us.
Marc Brookshire
Internet and Interactive Service
Fiberon

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]]> By: John http://www.fiberondecking.com/blog/2010/build-your-own-composite-deck/comment-page-1/#comment-122 John Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:27:08 +0000 http://www.fiberondecking.com/blog/?p=46#comment-122 I agree with anti slip- building a deck is not a simple task, but with the use of the software, instructional video's, it is a job that those with some DIY Skills and common sense can get the job done. You have to know how to read a tape measure and measure twice and cut once, but it a job that can provide a great deal of satisfaction and years of enjoyment. BTW, be sure and check to be sure you are complient with building codes and especially HOA's as no one likes surprises! I agree with anti slip- building a deck is not a simple task, but with the use of the software, instructional video’s, it is a job that those with some DIY Skills and common sense can get the job done. You have to know how to read a tape measure and measure twice and cut once, but it a job that can provide a great deal of satisfaction and years of enjoyment. BTW, be sure and check to be sure you are complient with building codes and especially HOA’s as no one likes surprises!

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]]> By: Anti Slip http://www.fiberondecking.com/blog/2010/build-your-own-composite-deck/comment-page-1/#comment-95 Anti Slip Mon, 21 Jun 2010 07:41:51 +0000 http://www.fiberondecking.com/blog/?p=46#comment-95 It isn't really bad advice though is it? Not everyone lacks the ability to install their own decking, and better to have plenty of info up to help them on their way ( The Deck Designer is excellent by the way ). I have friends who have done things like this without previous experience, knowing they where skilled enough to get the job done, and to take up a new challenge. Mistakes get made by everyone, and problems do get encountered, experienced or not, so what's wrong with putting up some very informative advice and software to help people do a job as efficiently as possible. It isn’t really bad advice though is it? Not everyone lacks the ability to install their own decking, and better to have plenty of info up to help them on their way ( The Deck Designer is excellent by the way ).
I have friends who have done things like this without previous experience, knowing they where skilled enough to get the job done, and to take up a new challenge. Mistakes get made by everyone, and problems do get encountered, experienced or not, so what’s wrong with putting up some very informative advice and software to help people do a job as efficiently as possible.

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]]> By: admin http://www.fiberondecking.com/blog/2010/build-your-own-composite-deck/comment-page-1/#comment-75 admin Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:59:31 +0000 http://www.fiberondecking.com/blog/?p=46#comment-75 Hi Bayn, thanks for your comment. We definitely agree that designing and building a composite deck isn't for everyone. Depending on the project complexity and individual's expertise, we often recommend starting with our <a href="http://www.fiberondecking.com/design/leadManager" rel="nofollow">FiberPros</a>. Thanks for reading! Hi Bayn, thanks for your comment. We definitely agree that designing and building a composite deck isn’t for everyone. Depending on the project complexity and individual’s expertise, we often recommend starting with our FiberPros. Thanks for reading!

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]]> By: Bayn Wood http://www.fiberondecking.com/blog/2010/build-your-own-composite-deck/comment-page-1/#comment-72 Bayn Wood Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:02:48 +0000 http://www.fiberondecking.com/blog/?p=46#comment-72 I personally believe that is bad advice, unless you have a skilled trade background or know someone who is skilled trademens to help you. Did you do your own crown molding in your house? Decking building is along the same lines a being a trim carpenter. On top that - Composite/PVC products are very difficult to work with and experience is almost a must when working with them! At $60-$80 a deck board mistakes can add up, not to mention railings and stairs. I personally believe that is bad advice, unless you have a skilled trade background or know someone who is skilled trademens to help you.

Did you do your own crown molding in your house? Decking building is along the same lines a being a trim carpenter.

On top that – Composite/PVC products are very difficult to work with and experience is almost a must when working with them! At $60-$80 a deck board mistakes can add up, not to mention railings and stairs.

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