Cupped boards, popped nails, rusted screws, just a few of the things you would like to avoid when building a deck. I have worked on many decks and though many uh..ohs and oopss I have learned a few tricks along the way (book knowledge does not hurt).

- Remember when you are laying your deck boards, that the crown of the board goes down…or as deck builders say crown down – see drawing. This will make the boards eventually bow down, which is good, if they bow up they will hold water.

- If at all possible, use stainless deck screws. Nails and Galvanized screws eventually have problems, stainless may be expensive to start but will outlast anything else you can put on your deck.

- Try to pick up strait wood from the building supply store. This is obvious, but if you get in a hurry at the store, you will be slowing down when you are trying to straiten your deck boards on the job site.

- Use a water repellent stain to protect your deck. This can be purchased at a hardware store and greatly increases the life of your deck.

- Counter sink all of your screws with a counter sink drill bit. This not only makes your deck look nicer, but also protects the boards from splitting during installation.

- Straiten the edges of your deck with a strait edge guided skill saw. This gives a nice professional look.

More on deck building later….if you have any hints or tips you would like to add, please feel free.
Luke

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