should it being laid 45 or 90 degrees against the support beam?

KUIPORNG · 08-21-2006, 12:32 PM

I saw decks which laid 90 degree against the support beam(joists)(prependicular), I also saw those being laid 45 degree(diagonally). Looks like the pro would choose 45 degree... could anyone explain why choose 45 degree over 90, is it only because of it looks better, or is there other reason... apart from 45 degree you need to cut the material at least twice, one at each end, whereas for 90, you can, in theory, not cutting any, if you are building a rectangular or square deck...

I have made up my mind to build a deck rather than stones in my backyard... need to gather all info before DIY... thanks...

Tscarborough · 08-21-2006, 09:13 PM

45's are stronger and look better. With careful estimating, you can eliminate most of the waste.

KUIPORNG · 08-22-2006, 09:36 AM

Thanks for the reply Tscarborough, I also saw the web said 45 degree is for the look better reason mainly, but they said look better is very important attribute for a deck as you need to look at it all time.... It is no doubt though, 45 degree requires more skill....

Would it make sense to plan this way, draw the layout on paper, then draw the deck bars how it angles and be cut, and then figure the length of each, then estimate how you cut the product to make best use of it with minimum waste... is it the way you mean careful estimate ... or there is other trade secret... well it probably requires a book to discuss this... but may be it is not that complicated.. if anyone welling to share the experience here...

harleysilo · 09-07-2006, 10:16 AM

Are you dead set on a deck? I have built many patios, and prefer them for numerous reasons. Post up here, and if you wish to discuss the options we shall.

KUIPORNG · 09-07-2006, 10:42 AM

Thank You Harleysilo, although I don't quite unserstand your question, I am not a contractor, and partly my English... but anyhow, I kind of make up my mind after all those research, talking with my wife, my neighbours...etc. I am going to build a pentagon shape deck approx 20 feet by 10 feet using composite materials with rails surrounding, and two steps on the side..etc. using 45 degree laying for the beaty reason... although I have no idea why 45 degree is more pretty... but my wife said so and she is artistics.... I am going to use those what I saw in Home Depot hammer in posts without concrete and the deck is going to attach to the wall as well but I am going to put in a lot of posts for supporting...etc... well this is a, hopefully, next year project, but I am quite determine to do it, as I know a deck will increase our usable space a lot....

Anyone is welcome to give suggestion or see any hole(s) in my plan...

harleysilo · 09-07-2006, 02:18 PM

I understand you have made up your mind and will do a deck in the future.

I don't like decks. I understood you were trying to decide between the two, decks or patio. I don't know the layout of your home, but I am assuming since you were considering both the access to you back yard is not terribly high off the ground. I was just going to offer my opinion about houses and decks etc.

KUIPORNG · 09-07-2006, 02:24 PM

my reasoning with deck are:

- with decks, my family members can walk out of the sliding door bare foot... and we looks like all of a sudden have a larger eating area...

- building decks can be done by a small 150 lbs guy like me... holding interlock stones, better with 250 lbs people... bottom line, less hard work.

- the only bad thing about deck is the maintenance of it to me, but now they come up with this composite materials which claim to be maintenance free until my grand child being born... so that is not a problem no more...

- I have confident to build decks professionally or closed to look, but for stones, my confident is very little consider its difficulties...

harleysilo · 09-07-2006, 02:53 PM

All valid points. And who's to say you couldn't build a patio out back in a few years? Right?

lksong · 03-29-2007, 09:58 AM

Hey if you're building a deck, make sure you leave a slight slope away from the house. This will allow for run-off of water and snow. Also, if you are looking for an easy way to put up rails around you deck you can check out...
www.aluminumfencespecialists.com we can get you rails pre made that will last forever. also, a 150 pound guy can do it by himself...have a good day..hope this helps

Ron6519 · 04-10-2007, 10:51 AM

Kui****g said:
"with decks, my family members can walk out of the sliding door bare foot... and we looks like all of a sudden have a larger eating area...'

Just realize that synthetic deck material gets very hot in the sun. Too hot to walk on with bare feet. Sitting on it with shorts will burn you. If the deck is primarily in the shade or you have an awning covering it, the problem is reduced.
Ron

handy man88 · 04-10-2007, 11:45 AM

Composite decks still need a good pressure wash every year to remove mold/mildew. It's not completely maintenance free, but at least you don't need to stain it.