Deck Building Basics
Estimating Academy / Estimating Decking Costs / Deck Building Basics
Deck Structure
Deck Installation Steps
What types of materials are used
Who builds the deck?
How long should a deck take to be built
Code considerations
Are premits required?
Deck Installation Steps
What types of materials are used
Who builds the deck?
How long should a deck take to be built
Code considerations
Are premits required?
Deck Structure & Installation
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Step 1: Layout
The first step to installing your deck is laying-out the footing locations. Step 2: Dig holes for footings. When you dig your footings, you will need to dig to a depth below your frost line. If you are in a warmer climate that rarely gets below freezing, you may be able to set the footings on the grade. However, if you are in a colder climate, you may need to dig your footings 48" or lower. Review the frost-line map and check your local building requirements to determine the required depth for your footings. |
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Step 3: Pour Concrete Footings
Calculate the # of bags of Quikcrete needed for each footing, place and mix the concrete in the footing post holes, and set the post anchors. Quikcrete recommends waiting at least a day for the concrete to cure, before the deck can be constructed on the footing.
Calculate the # of bags of Quikcrete needed for each footing, place and mix the concrete in the footing post holes, and set the post anchors. Quikcrete recommends waiting at least a day for the concrete to cure, before the deck can be constructed on the footing.
Step 4: Build the Deck Structure
Once the footings have setup your contractor can start to build the wood structure for the deck.
First, your contractor will install the ledger board, which is attached to your home. The ledger board is anchored to your house using ledger board anchors/fasteners.
Next, your contractor will install the posts/columns on top of the existing footings, and install temporary bracing to keep the posts plumb.
Once the posts are set, your contractor will install the deck beams and perimeter joists to create the outer structure of the deck. The contractor will then install the interior joist framing.
Once the footings have setup your contractor can start to build the wood structure for the deck.
First, your contractor will install the ledger board, which is attached to your home. The ledger board is anchored to your house using ledger board anchors/fasteners.
Next, your contractor will install the posts/columns on top of the existing footings, and install temporary bracing to keep the posts plumb.
Once the posts are set, your contractor will install the deck beams and perimeter joists to create the outer structure of the deck. The contractor will then install the interior joist framing.
Ledger board & posts
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Deck beams and perimeter joists
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Deck joists
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Decking
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After the main deck structure has been constructed, your contractor will build the structure of the stairs.
Once the deck structure and stair structures have been completed, your contractor will installing the railing around the perimeter of the deck.
Once the deck structure and stair structures have been completed, your contractor will installing the railing around the perimeter of the deck.
Stair installation
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Railing installation
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Deck Materials
Treated Lumber
Cedar
Cedar
Deck Materials
Deck Building Basics
Roofing Types
There are several different types of roofing materials that are currently used on residential properties. Below we discuss the different roofing options and their pros, cons, life spans and costs of each.
There are several different types of roofing materials that are currently used on residential properties. Below we discuss the different roofing options and their pros, cons, life spans and costs of each.
- Asphalt Shingles (least expensive, widely available/most common) $250 to $500 / SQ installed
- Wood Shingles (more expensive, rustic natural look, check fire codes) $500 to $800 / SQ installed
- Metal Roofing (relatively expensive, modern look, durable/long-lasting) $500 to $800 / SQ installed
- Tile Roofing (most expensive) $1,000 to $2,000 / SQ installed
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Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt Shingles are the most common residential roofing material in the United States and will likely be your material-of-choice for your flip projects. Asphalt shingles are manufactured in two styles, three-tab or architectural shingles. 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles - Three tab shingles are the most economical and popular type of asphalt shingle Architectural Shingles - Architectural shingles provide more architectural dimension, more durability & provide a longer warranty, but are generally 20 to 40% more expensive than 3-tab shingles. Pros:
.Cons:
Life Span: 20 to 25 years 3-Tab Asphalt Cost Range: $225 to $450 / SQ Architectural Asphalt Cost Range: $250 to $500 / SQ |
3-Tab Shingle Roofing
Architectural Asphalt Shingles
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Wood Shingles
Wood shingles were the go-to roofing choice for hundreds of years, but due to their cost & flammability, wood shingles have lost popularity. Generally, wood shingle roofs on a flip project would only be selected if you were seeking a specific architectural look. Be sure to check with the local HOA & your local building/fire codes to determine if wood roofs are allowed in your neighborhood. Pros:
Life Span: 15 to 25 years Cost Range: $500 to $800 / Square |
Wood Shingle Roofing
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Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are gaining popularity, but would likely only be used on a flip project if you were seeking a certain architectural-look. Again, check with your local HOA covenants to see if metal roofs are allowed in your neighborhood. Pros:
Life Span: 40 to 50 years Cost Range: $500 to $800 / SQ |
Metal Roofing
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Tile Roofing
Clay, Concrete or Slate Tile Roofing are some of the most expensive materials used for roofs. These types of roofs are typical on certain home styles such as Mediterranean, Mission, Southwestern or Spanish style. You would likely only install these types of roofs on a property to match the property architectural design, and meet neighborhood HOA requirements. Pros:
Cons:
Life Span: 40 to 50 years Cost Range: $1,000 to $2,000 / Square Note: If you are changing from a lightweight roof system (asphalt or wood) to a tile roof, there will likely be additional expenses for structurally reinforcing the roof framing. |
Clay Tile Roofing
Slate Tile Roofing
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- Roofing maintenance and repairs ($200 - $500 total) - Miscellaneous roofing maintenance in repair work would include fixing/replacing missing roof shingles, sealing around the chimney's/roof penetrations.
- Roofing, patch section (varies by size) - Patching and replacement of the existing roof will vary by size, but it will typically be at the higher $ per Square range.
- Plywood roof sheathing ($35 - $50 per 4' x 8' Sheet) - Over time the sheathing on a roof can become damaged from water and will need to be replaced. Roofing contractors will generally charge a price per 4'x8' sheet of plywood sheathing. E
- Gutter replacement ($6 - $10 per Lineal Foot) -
- Premium for 2 layer tear off ($150 - $250 per Square) - If your roof has more than one layer of roofing currently installed,
- Premium for steep pitched roof ($150 - $300 per Square) - Work performed on steep roofs (7/12 or greater) is much slower than work performed on flatter roofs. For that reason, your roofing contractor will generally charge a premium for steeper roofs.
- Fascia board ($3 - $8 per Lineal Foot) -
- 12" Soffit board ($3 - $8 per Lineal Foot) -
Factors that Influence Roof Pricing
- Type of Roof - The most obvious factor that influences roof pricing is the type of roofing material being installed. Asphalt shingles are the cheapest and easiest to install roofing material available, with tile roofing being the most expensive and labor intensive.
- Roof Size - In construction, there is a term called economies-of-scale. The larger the project, the more efficient the contractor can be installing the roofing.
- Type of Roof Being Removed & Number of Layers -
- Pitch of the roof -
- Roof shape (hips, gables & features)
- Location
- Seasonality